Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education

About the course

This course is suited to educators and professionals working with children and adolescents in an era of growing concern about mental health and wellbeing. It provides an opportunity for you to develop strategies for implementation with individual children and adolescents and to develop whole school positive wellbeing programs.

For a significant and growing number of children and adolescents, mental health problems result in adverse immediate and longer-term effects on emotion regulation and academic learning. In 2001, the World Health Organisation predicted that childhood and adolescent mental health problems would become one of the leading causes of morbidity, mortality and disability worldwide by 2020. In response, governments worldwide have prioritised developing positive mental wellbeing within their education sectors.

This course explores theory, empirical research and professional practice in mental health and wellbeing in education. It is ideal for teachers, school leaders, those involved in pastoral care or those seeking to pursue a role in school based mental health in early childhood, primary and secondary sectors, and will enable you to broaden your knowledge and enhance your skills and dispositions.

Quick details

• Status: Available
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Beginning of year only
• Weekly contact time: Approximately 6 hours per week across the year. Each unit includes four days of intensive face-to-face teaching (usually in school holiday periods).
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 30380
• Full time/part time duration: 1 year part-time

Important dates

• Intake Periods: January 2026
• Application Open: Open now for 2026 commencement.
• Application Close: Friday 19 December 2025

Course Structure

This course comprises four units, each delivered over four days of intensive study during school holidays, covering the theoretical and practical basis of mental health and emotional wellbeing and practical application.

Core

• Take all units (24 points):
  • EDUC5010 Assessing and Interpreting Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing (6)
  • EDUC5011 Promoting Child and Adolescent Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing (6)
  • EDUC5012 Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing: Translating Theory into Practice (6)
  • EDUC5639 Childhood and Adolescent Developmental Psychopathology (6)

You'll learn to

• understand factors impacting upon mental health and emotional wellbeing
• understand how mental health and emotional wellbeing impacts academic, social and adaptive functioning
• interpret research findings regarding mental health and emotional wellbeing
• evaluate the evidence base underpinning programs that support positive mental wellbeing
• develop, implement and evaluate mental health and emotional wellbeing programs in educational contexts

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—

• (a) a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
• (b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
• (c) at least two years of professional experience in a relevant occupation.

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

Fees and scholarships

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

This course is ideal for teachers, school based psychologists, school leaders and those involved in pastoral care in the early childhood, primary and secondary sectors who would like to undertake professional development in child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing.

Further Study

Upon completing this course, you may like to pursue a Master of Education (Coursework and Dissertation) or Master of Education (Thesis and Coursework) to develop your knowledge further.

Why study mental health and wellbeing in education at UWA?

• Equip yourself to respond to a growing crisis among school aged children and adolescents and create tangible positive outcomes for schools and the community
• Benefit from an evidence-based, industry-integrated course structure
• Learn from expert researchers in the field
• Have the opportunity to articulate into a Master of Education course with a specialisation in mental health and wellbeing

The University of Western Australia

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Overview:

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.

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Services Offered:

UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic support:

Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.

Career services:

Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student wellbeing:

Mental health support, counselling, and health services.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Sports and fitness:

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.

Clubs and societies:

A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Study abroad and exchange:

Opportunities to study at universities around the world.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Social events:

Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.

Sporting events:

Supporting the university's sports teams.

Volunteer opportunities:

Contributing to the local community.

Cultural events:

Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class education:

UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.

Excellent employability:

Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant campus life:

A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.

Beautiful campus:

A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong research focus:

UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.

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Academic Programs:

UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.

Health Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.

Law:

Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.

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Other:

UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.