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One of the core philosophies guiding HETI Higher Education’s Older Persons Mental Health courses is the emphasis on strength-based and recovery-oriented practices. This approach recognises the unique experiences and contributions of older individuals while focusing on their personal recovery and mental wellness. It moves away from a purely clinical view and a traditional deficit model, and encourages a more holistic understanding of mental health that incorporates the individual's personal history, social context, and ongoing life roles. ” Claire Maddox, Older Persons Academic Lead.
One of the core philosophies guiding HETI Higher Education’s Older Persons Mental Health courses is the emphasis on strength-based and recovery-oriented practices.
This approach recognises the unique experiences and contributions of older individuals while focusing on their personal recovery and mental wellness. It moves away from a purely clinical view and a traditional deficit model, and encourages a more holistic understanding of mental health that incorporates the individual's personal history, social context, and ongoing life roles. ” Claire Maddox, Older Persons Academic Lead.
The older person specialisation draws on person-centred and recovery-oriented practice for working with people who are moving into old age and very old age. Students will explore the reality of challenges and developmental changes that occur with age, along with an acknowledgement of the ongoing contribution of older people to society and identifying factors that support positive ageing.
Common causes of mental illness and distress during this life stage will be explored, along with grief, impact of severely impaired health, ethico-legal issues, the psychotic spectrum, dementia and behavioural and psychological changes that may occur in the presence of dementia.
A practical approach will be taken to improving clinical outcomes, as students are assisted to adapt assessment, care planning and interventions to meet the diverse need of older people.
Our Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are delivered in 50 hour units over a 5-week teaching period, offering flexibility through a mix of knowledge, foundation, core, and specialisation units.
Understand how knowledge, foundation, core, and specialisation units work together to shape your qualification.
Confused by the codes? Get the complete explanation in one simple document.
HETI Higher Education Unit Codes explainer
As the population ages, the mental health of older adults has become an increasingly important issue.
Read How We're Rethinking Mental Health for Older Persons
Ready to explore how this course can support your career and make a meaningful difference in the lives of older people? Download the prospectus now for learning pathways, course outcomes, and enrolment information.
Download the Applied Mental Health Studies Prospectus
Take the next step in your career, apply now to gain the skills and insights to support mental health in older persons.
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There are eight core units and four electives in this degree. Core units carry the code 001 – 009 inclusive with 007 OR 008 required in the sequence. Each specialisation identifies the elective units required for the degree.
NOTE: the following structure applies to Perinatal, Child and Youth, Adult and Older Persons Mental Health, and the new General courses.
Graduate Certificate – Structure
Mental Health, Ill Health and Suicide [8ALK001]
Strengths-based Assessment and Care Planning [8ALF002]
Professional and Ethical Mental Health Care [8ALF003]
Attachment, Development and Promoting Mental Health Across the Lifespan [8ALK004]
Sustaining Your Mental Health Practice [8ALF005]
Core Therapeutic Skills [8ALF006]
Recovery and Recovery-oriented practice [8ALF007] or Trauma Informed Care and Practice [8ALF008]
Diversity and Mental Health [8ALK009]
Specialisation Elective
As per the above Degree Structures, students in the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma courses will be required to complete specialisation elective units. Older Persons mental health specialisation students may choose from the units listed below.
For details on content and Teaching Period availability open the individual unit overview pages linked below.
Note - Foundation and Enhance units are available in specific Teaching Periods only.
*The following are core units but students may choose to complete one as an elective should they wish.
Download this overview of all available Older Persons Specialisation units—including core, knowledge, and specialisation units to help you map out your Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma study journey.
Download Unit Availability PDF, Older Persons Specialisation
There are ten core units and 2 electives in this degree. Core units carry the code 010 – 0120 inclusive with additionally 007 OR 008 required in the sequence. Each specialisation identifies the elective units required for the degree.
Graduate Diploma Structure
Understanding Mental Health Care in Australia 8ALK010
Physical and Mental Health 8ALK011
Specialisation unit
Structured Therapies 8ALF016
Motivational Interviewing 8ALF017*
OR
Biological Therapies*
Working with families 8ALF019*
Inter-Professional Communication and Collaboration 8ALF012
Evidence-Based Practice 8ALF013
Introduction to Research 8ALF014
Quality Practice 8ALF015
Recovery and Recovery-Oriented Care Practice 8ALF007
Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care and Practice 8ALF008
Partnering with Aboriginal people for improved social and emotional wellbeing 8ALF025
Masters Structure
Leadership Practice in Mental Health (100301)
Research and Project Planning (300302)
Clinical Supervision Theory and Practice (100303)
Mental Health Capstone (300304)
