Victoria University
Master of Mental Health Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Helps students build their nursing practice and gain a holistic understanding of mental health and its impact on individuals, families and communities.
Course overview
- Progress towards credentialing with the ACMHN - This degree meets the education requirements for the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) Credential, the only nationally consistent standard for recognising specialist mental health nurses.
- Award-winning study model - VU's postgraduate online Block Model, winner of the LearnX Live! Award 2021 ‘Best Online Learning Model’ recognises the complexity of students' lives while giving a consistent, manageable and connected online learning experience.
- Support seven days and in the evenings - Get the support you need, when you need it, during your course. VU's support network focuses on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed.
VU Online’s Master of Mental Health Nursing will help you drive positive impact as you gain specialised skills to lead multidisciplinary teams and create transformational change. You will also meet the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) Credential education requirements.
You will build on your nursing practice and gain a holistic understanding of mental health and its impact on individuals, families and communities. This course empowers you to work successfully within multidisciplinary teams and apply contemporary care approaches, including for diverse and vulnerable populations.
Gain valuable evidence-based skills that will help you enable better health outcomes for individuals experiencing mental ill-health with ethical, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care.
Key facts
July, 2025
August, 2025
October, 2025
What you will study
To attain the Master of Mental Health Nursing, students will be required to complete 144 credit points, consisting of 11 core units and one elective.
Core units
Complete the following units:
- Recovery-Oriented Mental Health
- Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health
- Effective Trauma-Informed Care
- Mental Health Nursing
- Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health
- Mental Health in Later Life
- Care Coordination in Practice
- Evidence and Research for Practice
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Mental Health
- Assessment in Mental Health
- Research Project
Elective units
Select one of the following:
- Perspectives on Addictive Behaviours
- Health and Wellbeing for the Older Person
Entry requirements
Applicants must have the following:
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification; and
- Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1); or
- Registered Midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or equivalent registration with the relevant registering authority for applicants outside of Australia; and
- Provide evidence that they are employed in a mental health setting (e.g., employment contract); or
- Completed Victoria University’s Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing or Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have completed your studies at another university or institution, you may be eligible to receive credit for skills and past studies. Units can be credited if they are part of the course structure you are applying for. Please note that credits relating to prior VU subjects are automatically granted and no further action is required.
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
With VU Online’s Master of Mental Health Nursing, you’ll gain knowledge and skills in evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches in mental health. This course will position you to take on mental health care coordination roles and leadership roles in mental health nursing or mental health services. This course also prepares you for roles in senior mental health services or sessional academic work.
VU Online’s Master of Mental Health Nursing will also allow you to progress towards credentialing with the ACMHN.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative per unit cost in 2025: $2,870 - $2,950 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total cost in 2025: $34,840 - $34,920 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The total cost is calculated based on 12 units of study or 144 credit points.
The fees depend on the number of units you study and whether you are eligible for Advanced Standing, which is assessed after you submit your application.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.