Master of Mental Health and Neuroscience
Become research-ready and prepared for the future of mental health and neuroscience. This fully-online Master's program provides a pathway to higher research or academia and offers a continuation for those who have completed a Graduate Diploma. Discover how researchers are translating the latest science into mental health practice to improve lives and learn how to apply advanced research principles.
In this program you will:
- Study through UniSC’s Thompson Institute, learning from experts at the forefront of mental health and neuroscience research, education, and advocacy.
- Explore the growing role of advanced neuroimaging techniques in research, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as new approaches to mental health treatment, such as brain stimulation.
- Study important areas of focus including youth mental health, suicide prevention, brain ageing, neurocognition, lifestyle factors, and stress-related disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder
Location
CRICOS code
Duration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2026 fees (A$)
Fee-paying Annual feeStart
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
Trimester 3 commencement is for part-time study only.
For Trimester 3 recommended study sequence please contact the Program Coordinator.
- Start
-
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Delivery mode
-
- Online
- Total courses
- 11-12
- Total units
- 144
- Duration
- 1.5 years full time or equivalent part time 1.5 years full time or equivalent part time
- CRICOS code
- na
- UniSC program code
- AR706
Specialised courses
72 units
MHN700 Research Principles in Mental Health and Neuroscience
MHN701 Mental Health Disorders: Neurobiology and Classification
MHN706 Neurocognition and Mental Health
MHN707 Stress-related Disorders
MHN711 Research Perspectives and Implementation A
MHN712 Translational and Applied Neuroscience for Mental Health
Required courses from a specified list
72 units
Select a total of 72 units from the listed 96 units. Students enrolling in MHN710 only require a further 48 units. MHN710 is a restricted course, with conditional entry. Please see program notes for relevant information. All other students complete the remaining 72 units.
MHN702 Youth Mental Health and Neurobiology
MHN703 Neuroimaging Advances in Mental Health
MHN704 Understanding and Preventing Suicide
MHN705 Healthy Brain Ageing
MHN708 Lifestyle Factors and Mental Health
MHN710 Research Perspectives and Implementation B(24 units)
MHN713 Traumatic Stress across the Lifespan
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
- Successfully complete 144 units as outlined in the program structure
Program notes
Please note that offshore international students enrolling in this program can only study it fully online.
This program is not available to onshore international students on a Student Visa.
Please also note that Trimester 3 commencement is for part time study only.
The program provides an optional research dissertation course as part of the Master qualification. All students embark on the recommended study sequence, and can progress to a research dissertation option (MHN710) via a competitive process after completion of 96 units. Students who are successful in enrolling in MHN710 will undertake a supervised research project to produce a research dissertation. The selection process for the research dissertation option is based on grade point average (minimum GPA of 5 is required) from the first four required courses in the program (MHN701, MHN712, MHN706, MHN707) and a competitive application process. The number of places available in MHN710 each intake will be dependent on the number of permanent Thompson Institute staff available for supervision.
During each trimester, students will be emailed and invited to submit an expression of interest to apply to enrol in MHN710 if eligible. Students who are about to complete 96 units, and express interest, will then be provided with the relevant application form and information.
In addition to GPA, selection criteria for entry into MHN710 includes the completion of a Personal Statement. Offers will be made based on academic qualifications and personal statement, which are evaluated holistically by a small team of teaching staff. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview.
All other students will complete the required specialised courses in the study sequence, which includes a research component comprising of a research principles course and a literature review course.
Credit precedents
- Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience or Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Neuroscience will be entitled to full course credit as applicable
- Students coming in with 48 units of credit or above will need to study part-time
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
To be considered for admission,
Applicants must hold:
• a three-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline from a recognised higher education institution; or
• a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Neuroscience.
Related disciplines include, but are not limited to, science, medical science, nursing, medicine, psychology, health science, pharmacy, counselling, occupational therapy, paramedicine, speech pathology and social work. The determination of related discipline will be made by the Program Coordinator.
Applicants who do not meet these admission requirements may wish to consider applying for the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience or the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Neuroscience.
English language requirements
Special selection criteria
Applicants must also complete a Personal Statement Form (up to 500 words) detailing the following:
- What is your motivation to choose the Master in Mental Health and Neuroscience program?
- How do your previous studies and experience align with the degree?
To ensure availability of a high-quality research project for each student, there are limited places available for this program. Offers will be made on the basis of academic achievement and personal statement, which are evaluated holistically by a small team of teaching staff.
All documentation must be submitted by the application closing date. Applications that are not full and complete by the closing date will not be accepted.
Additional entry information
Applicants from a non-English speaking background should refer to the English language requirements for further information.
Credit precedents
- Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience or Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Neuroscience will be entitled to full course credit as applicable
- Students coming in with 48 units of credit or above will need to study part-time
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Master of Mental Health and Neuroscience - Inherent Academic Requirements
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
- Fee-paying estimate
- A$27,462 - 2026 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2026)
- A$30,500
Additional student costs
Students may be required to use the software program SPSS which is available on campus, and for online students, through UniSC Anywhere. If students wish to purchase their own version as an option, the starting price for a student license is around $80 (more for an advanced version).
Postgraduate coursework places
All postgraduate coursework programs are subject to tuition fees unless the postgraduate program is offered under Commonwealth support arrangements.
Eligible students (Australian citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand Citizens who hold a Special Category Visa and meet the eligibility requirements) may seek assistance to defer payment via a FEE-HELP loan.
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
To apply for the Master of Mental Health and Neuroscience, submit the completed application form and personal statement form to UniSC.
Domestic applicants apply for admission direct to UniSC.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
Note: All programs are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change. Applicants are encouraged to review the program information before enrolling at UniSC.
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@unisc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.