Suicide Prevention (HLTH90009)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025
About this subject
Overview
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This subject explores the theoretical frameworks and available evidence in the field of suicide prevention, regarding the identification and assessment of suicide-related thoughts and behaviours. The subject will dually focus on theoretical knowledge and skills-based acquisition, with a focus on assessment and interventional strategies that are brief and evidence-informed. The language of suicide and definitional issues that exist within the field of suicidology will be explored, as will the ethical aspects of working clinically and undertaking research with suicidal clients. The impact and contribution of psychosocial issues to suicidal crises will be considered, as will the importance of professionals understanding the meaning of self-harming and suicidal behaviours, from the perspective of those engaging in the behaviours. This subject will primarily focus on the integration of theory and practice in assessing and responding to suicidality in the context of the Australian service system.
Intended learning outcomes
Knowledge
At the end of this subject, students should be able to:
- Explain and interpret the continuum along which self-harming and suicidal-related behaviours occur:
- Identify and classify evidence-based risk and protective factors for suicidal behaviour;
- Describe different practice, theoretical and consumer lived experience perspectives in relation to the assessment of risk; and
- Articulate and explain suicide prevention as a global imperative.
Skills
At the end of this subject, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate skills in identifying and assessing risk of suicide using evidence-based assessment methods;
- Critically evaluate the prominent theoretical frameworks and explanatory models that exist to explain suicidal behaviour, and critique how these inform practice-based assessment and interventions with suicidal individuals;
- Critique the appropriateness of evidence-based interventions when working with suicidal and self-harming individuals in various practice settings; and
- Examine and critique the personal and professional ethical considerations and dilemmas that can be inherent in working with suicidal and self-harming individuals.
Application
At the end of this subject, students should be able to:
- Translate knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of suicidal behaviour and skills in evidence-based risk assessment into practice to engage, assess and formulate an appropriate intervention plan for an individual experiencing a suicidal crisis.
Generic skills
Students will be provided with the opportunity to practice and reinforce:
- high level written communication skills
- advanced information and interpretation skills
- advanced analytic, integration and problem-solving skills
- demonstrate competence in critical and theoretical thinking through essay writing and online discussions
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Contribution to Online Discussions, weekly
| Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Case Studies
| From Week 4 to Week 5 | 30% |
Written Essay
| End of the teaching period | 60% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
Not available in 2025
Time commitment details
136 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
Pre-teaching Period Requirements
Students will familiarise themselves with the online platform which will provide an overview of the subject, assessment requirements and expectations. They will also be provided with information about studying online and informed about the University resources available to them.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Health and Human Services Course Master of Advanced Social Work - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025