Starting in 2018 the CSU school of biomedical sciences will offer a Graduate Certificate in Applied Mindfulness, the first such program at an Australian university with a focus on evidence-based practice.

Professor Rod Hill, head of the school of biomedical sciences, said mindfulness practice is an evidence-based approach to improve the physical and psychological health and wellbeing of people generally, as well as those with psychological and physical symptoms.

“We are very excited to provide a strongly evidence-based approach to the field of applied mindfulness,” Professor Hill said.

“The course explores many facets of mindfulness including how pathways in the brain are activated, and how memory can be improved. It focusses on theory, rather than training which has been run by private sector providers.

“Psychological function is also explored, and finally, approaches to applying mindfulness, and practise of face-to-face mindfulness-based interventions, will be explored during the only residential school required to complete the graduate certificate."

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Mindfulness is designed to meet the needs of a broad range of education and health professionals.

It is offered as an online program of four subjects covering underpinning theory and hands-on application and is completed over six months (full-time) or 12 months (part-time).

More information is available at www.futurestudents.csu.edu.au.