- Duration 24 months
part time - Subjects 12 subjects
(150 credit points) - Fees $3,000 per 12.5
credit point subject* - Intakes March, May, July, August, October, January
Why study the Master of Youth Mental Health online with the University of Melbourne?
Co-designed with industry leaders, Orygen, and delivered by Australia's #1 university1
The Master of Youth Mental Health is co-developed with Orygen, Australia's largest youth mental health research organisation, connecting you with the latest research and leaders in the field. You'll gain insights from industry experts and acquire practical knowledge to improve outcomes for young people.
1QS World University Rankings 2026
Improve young lives through evidence-based practice
Develop a thorough understanding of the factors influencing youth mental health, along with the latest interventions that positively impact youth mental health outcomes. Engage with practising clinical professionals and industry leaders through targeted study subjects led by these experts.
You’re in control
Wherever you are, you can take charge of your learning experience. Whether this means engaging live or when it suits you, taking breaks or accelerating, connecting with others or running your own race. You're in control – of your work, study and life.
Course highlights
- Gain immediately applicable knowledge to effectively identify, assess and support young people experiencing mental ill-health challenges
- Apply learnings grounded in the latest research and clinical frameworks
- Enhance your ability to connect with young people from diverse cultures, communities and backgrounds
- Design tailored engagement and mental health treatment strategies that cater to the unique needs of young people
- Understand the unique biological, psychological and social needs and challenges faced by young people.
Learn from world-leading academics and clinical experts
Benefit from expert-led contemporary learning as you prepare for the next phase of your career. Engage with our world-leading academics whose opinions are sought after by government, shaping strategy and influencing policy.
Unlock access to the latest industry research to amplify your impact in your youth mental health community.
Download your course guide to meet the team responsible for the Master of Youth Mental Health course at Australia’s #1 university for Psychology, Medicine and Life Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
Career outcomes
The demand for mental health support is rising as society increasingly becomes more aware of the role of mental health in everyday wellbeing. With recent studies revealing that almost half of Australians have experienced mental ill-health during their lifetime2, this only further emphasises the severe shortage of trained mental health professionals.
This transformative qualification will prepare you for a variety of roles, such as:
- Senior Clinician
- Senior Youth Worker
- Advanced Practitioner
- Practice Educator
- Team Leader
- Service Manager
- Student Wellbeing Coordinator
- Student Wellbeing Lead
- Youth Mental Health Adviser
- Youth Mental Health Consultant
- Youth Mental Health Researcher.
38.8%
of youths aged 16–24 years have struggled with a 12-month mental disorder (abs.gov.au, 2023)
60%
of mental health positions may go unfilled by 2030 (Australian Psychological Society, 2024).
2 ihw.gov.au, 2024
Study tracks
This course provides you with the choice of two study tracks: coursework and research. Select the Master of Youth Mental Health (Coursework) track to gain specialist knowledge in youth mental health to improve the support and outcomes of youths experiencing mental ill-health. Or, if you hope to achieve your PhD in youth mental health, the Master of Youth Mental Health (Research) provides a viable pathway.
As a Master of Youth Mental Health student, your course will be broken down into core subjects, plus four subjects which align with your chosen study track.
The Master of Youth Mental Health (Coursework) will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the unique biological, psychological, and social needs of young people. In this track, you will apply evidence-based techniques to identify early risk factors and develop inclusive strategies that promote access and support for all young people experiencing mental ill-health, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those from rural and remote regions and young people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Subjects:
- Foundations of Youth Mental Health
- Engaging and Assessing Young People
- Development in Young People
- Mental Ill-Health in Young People 1
- Mental Ill-Health in Young People 2
- Early Intervention in Mental Health
- Psychosocial Interventions with Youth
- Inclusive Youth Mental Health Practice
- Youth Mental Health Services
- Early Psychosis in Young People
- Youth Mental Health Capstone Part 1
- Youth Mental Health Capstone Part 2.
arrow_right_alt Download your course guide for more information
The Master of Youth Mental Health (Research) will develop your research acumen as you explore the clinical frameworks and methodologies employed by Orygen, Australia's largest youth mental health research organisation. In this track, you will undertake a research project on a youth mental health topic of your choice, gaining practical experience in conducting impactful research.
By completing this study track, you will acquire the practical knowledge necessary to enhance outcomes for young people and develop a research report suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. This track also provides a viable pathway to a PhD in the youth mental health field if desired.
Subjects:
- Foundations of Youth Mental Health
- Engaging and Assessing Young People
- Development in Young People
- Mental Ill-Health in Young People 1
- Mental Ill-Health in Young People 2
- Early Intervention in Mental Health
- Psychosocial Interventions with Youth
- Inclusive Youth Mental Health Practice
- Youth Mental Health Capstone Part 1
- Youth Mental Health Capstone Part 2
- Youth Mental Health Research Project 1
- Youth Mental Health Research Project 2.
arrow_right_alt Download your course guide for more information
Subjects of study
The Master of Youth Mental Health online from the University of Melbourne is a 12-subject transformational qualification designed to support professionals working with young people in amplifying their impact and improving youth mental health outcomes.
arrow_right_altDownload your course guide for more information
In this subject you will be introduced to key principles, approaches, theories and research that underlie contemporary understandings of young people and mental health.
Examine key foundations of youth mental health clinical practice including assessment, engagement and case formulation.
Focus on the various factors that influence both healthy development and mental ill-health in childhood, adolescence and emerging adulthood to gain a comprehensive understanding of development in young people.
This subject provides a comprehensive overview of the major non-psychotic disorders, including mood, anxiety, substance use and eating disorders.
This subject will provide a comprehensive overview of psychotic, personality, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders in young people.
In this subject, you will understand frameworks for prevention and early intervention in public health, including how this framework can be applied in youth mental health.
Gain a comprehensive overview of the major psychosocial interventions that have demonstrated evidence of effectiveness in young people.
Explore practices that promote equitable access, engagement and evidence-based interventions to best respond to the needs of diverse populations of young people.
Explore youth mental health care principles, service models, youth participation, service planning, and innovations to address the needs of young people, carers, and communities.
Gain an understanding of early psychosis in youth, exploring features, vulnerabilities, interventions, recovery processes, and effective service models for at-risk young people.
Build on your existing knowledge and experience in youth mental health to formulate a research question and write a literature review, in preparation for the development of a research proposal.
This subject builds on Youth Mental Health Capstone Part 1 by providing you with an opportunity to develop and present a formal research proposal on a topic of your choice.
You will complete a research project related to the youth mental health field.
You will complete a research project related to the youth mental health field.
You’re in control of your learning experience
- Find freedom with the choice of how and where you study
- Have more control over your learning with the ability to take breaks from study when needed
- Receive ongoing one-on-one support from application through to graduation
- Access resources and support systems designed to help you succeed
- Experience personalised interactions from expert educators who value your development
- Gain a competitive edge with a recognised qualification from Australia’s top university (QS, 2026).
Find out more about the online experience at the University of Melbourne.
Entry requirements
In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed either:
- An undergraduate degree in a related discipline such as Health Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Teaching, Education, or a related discipline or
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent in any discipline, and at least two years of documented relevant professional work experience or
- At least six years of documented relevant professional work experience, including clear evidence of career development, professional writing, and professional achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in cognate disciplines.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- Prior academic performance; and, if relevant
- Professional experience.
The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments. Applicants are required to satisfy the university's English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required. In considering students under special entry access schemes, the Selection Committee will consider aspects of disadvantage as set out from time to time in the University of Melbourne Graduate Access policy, evidence of rurality for rural applicants, and confirmation of Aboriginality for Indigenous applicants.
arrow_right_alt Download your course guide for more information
Fees and FEE-HELP
Cost per 12.5 credit point subject (domestic students): $3,000*
Cost per 12.5 credit point subject (international students): $3,124*
If you’re an eligible student, FEE-HELP is a loan that can cover all or part of your tuition fees. The Australian Government pays the amount of the loan direct to the University. It enables you to borrow the amount of your tuition fees and then pay that loan back once you are in the workforce and earning at a specified level or you can make voluntary repayments to the ATO at any time.
For more information, including eligibility for FEE-HELP, download your Master of Youth Mental Health course guide.
* Fees are subject to annual review by the university, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.
Miranda's story
“It has been a wonderful experience interacting with many different health professionals from varying fields. We have everybody from occupational therapists, psychologists, teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers and speech pathologists, to say the least. We all come from very different perspectives but have come together to share a common interest and learn as much as we can!”
Miranda Sollychin
Master of Youth Mental Health Alum
Related courses
Explore the online Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health and Graduate Certificate in Youth Mental Health.
Frequently asked questions
The Master of Youth Mental Health online is co-designed with global leaders at Orygen, placing you in a position to gain access to the latest research in the field and best practice strategies to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Additionally, this course empowers you to take control of your learning based on your needs, learning style and schedule ensuring a more engaging learning experience where you can put your knowledge to practice in real-time.
Yes, pursuing a career or upskilling in youth mental health is a great career choice. With increasing demand for trained professionals in youth mental health, the Master of Youth Mental Health will open the door to rewarding opportunities where you can make a positive and transformative impact.
No, you do not need experience in mental health to enrol in the Master of Mental Health online. To be considered for entry, you must have:
- An undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline such as Health Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Teaching, Education, or a related discipline or
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent in any discipline, and at least two years of documented relevant professional work experience or
- At least six years of documented relevant professional work experience, including clear evidence of career development, professional writing, and professional achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in cognate disciplines.
A Master of Youth Mental Health can lead to many rewarding and diverse career opportunities in schools, government, allied health or not-for-profit organisations. Some roles you may choose to pursue with your Master of Mental Health include:
- Adolescent Mental Health Consultant
- Advanced Practitioner
- Community Mental Health Practitioner
- Health Educator
- Head of Service
- Mental Health Nurse
- Mental Health Program Lead
- Practice Educator
- Principal Social Worker
- Senior Occupational Therapist
- Student Health Coordinator
- Student Wellbeing Coordinator
- Year Level Coordinator
- Youth Mental Health Researcher.
Yes, all classes are offered 100% online. This means you can study when it is convenient for you, whether that is during your morning commute, on your lunch break, at your child’s weekly sports game or while meal prepping. We’ve made progressing in your career more achievable and flexible.
You will take on one subject at a time, and we recommend dedicating a minimum of 15-20 hours per week to your studies. If you ever feel overwhelmed or need advice on how to balance study with your other commitments, our team of dedicated Student Success Advisers are here to help.
Yes, we do. You can study this course from anywhere in the world. However, this course is not available to international students who require a student visa (subclass 500) to study in Australia.