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A foundational developmental period that shapes a child’s capacity for resilience.
The Perinatal and Infant specialisation develops capacity to apply evidence-based knowledge and advanced skills to work with infants, parents and their families.
This interdisciplinary field focuses on the health and development of parents and infants from the planning of conception through to three years postpartum. It is a significant life stage and foundational development period that shapes parent functioning and a child’s capacity for resilience, learning, health and wellbeing throughout life.
Keeping diversity in mind, this specialisation takes a relationship-focused approach to assessment, formulation and intervention. Learning experiences include work-integrated learning and in vivo observations of infant-parent interaction supported by reflective practice and group discussion.
The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma is offered in 50 hour units over a 5 week teaching period. This includes:
Ready to explore how this course can support your career and make a lasting impact in the lives of parents, infants, and families? 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 parents, infants, and families.
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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. perinatal and Infant 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 Perinatal and Infant 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, Perinatal and Infant 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 8ALF018*
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)
