Key facts

UNE unit code: HLTH422

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - Online
  • Trimester 2 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

The scope of practice for mental health professionals in Australia is underpinned by a range of theories, legislation, policies and standards.

Designed for practitioners wishing to gain qualifications for working in the mental health sector, this unit introduces these interconnecting elements, helping you to develop knowledge and understanding of the factors that govern the scope of practice for mental health professionals.

You will gain an understanding of the Australian recovery-oriented mental health framework and professional mental health documentation practices.

Using an evidence-based approach, you will also explore current service delivery models, and examine your own professional role within the context of collaborative, interprofessional practice.

With opportunities to engage in critical self-reflection and extend your knowledge, the unit will help you to enhance your clinical practice in rapidly changing mental health settings.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1Online
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
Candidature in a postgraduate award or Bachelor of Health with Honours or Bachelor of Human and Community Services with Honours
Restrictions
HSMH422 or HLTH522

Notes

You must enrol in this unit by the Monday before the Trimester starts. If there are insufficient student numbers this unit will not run and you will be withdrawn from the unit and offered an appropriate alternate unit by the course coordinator.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Helena Bozich
To be advised

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theoretical, legal and ethical frameworks for mental health practice;
  2. initiate, plan and implement approaches which support the rights of people with mental health issues and their carers to access and participate in their care and recovery;
  3. demonstrate an advanced understanding of the national recovery-oriented framework for provision of mental health services and the recovery principles that support recovery-oriented mental health practice;
  4. communicate knowledge and ideas using advanced critical reflection skills to explain and enhance the principals of interproffesional and clinical practice in mental health service provision and the contribution of each professional group to effective care; and
  5. apply advanced professional knowledge in documenting mental health care.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes40%All offerings

Written assignment.

No. Words: 2500

Assessment 2Yes40%All offerings

Written Assignment

No. Words: 2500

Assessment 3Yes20%All offerings

Online activities. May include online group work, online quizzes, and online forum participation.

No. Words: 1000

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Mental Health in Australia: Collaborative Community Practice

ISBN: 9780190309916

Meadows, G. and others, Oxford University Press 4th ed. 2020

Text refers to: All offerings

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Mental Health Care : an Introduction for Health Professionals, 5th Edition.

ISBN: 9781394177233

Hungerford, C., Hodgson, D., Clancy, R., Murphy, G., Doyle, K., Bernoth, M., & Cleary, M., John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. 5th ed. 2023

Text refers to: All offerings

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • Course updates and important changes as they happen
  • Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
  • Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
  • Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire

Ready to stay in the loop?

GET IN TOUCHUniversity campus with students on a sunny day, historic brick building and green lawn

Why study with us?

Graduate Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.

Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.