Victoria University
Master of Mental Health Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Advance specialist practice. Strengthen your ability to deliver safe, evidence-based mental health nursing care through flexible online study in recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care, advanced assessment, psychopharmacology and coordinated support across diverse populations.
Course overview
Designed for nursing professionals working in mental health settings, this course develops advanced knowledge for ethical, person-centred care across clinical and community contexts. You will examine recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practice, biopsychosocial and cultural perspectives, mental health across the lifespan and approaches to coordinating care for people with complex needs.
Later units deepen your capability in comprehensive mental health assessment, psychopharmacology and evidence-based decision-making. You will also complete a research project and choose an elective in addictive behaviours or health and wellbeing for older people, allowing you to connect specialist study with an area relevant to your practice.
Delivered through VU Online’s Block Model, the 12-unit course is studied part-time over a minimum of two years. You complete one seven-week unit at a time across six study periods each year, with around 20 hours of study recommended per week. The format is designed for working professionals and includes personalised academic support, a dedicated Student Success Advisor and access to support seven days a week, including evenings.
Key facts
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 units:
- 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
You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. 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.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Cost per unit in 2026: From $2,870 up to $2,950 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Total cost for 12 units in 2026: From $34,840 up to $34,920 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 12 units.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
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.
Student Testimonials
Maxwell Gratton
It was personally satisfying to connect and collaborate with a range of industry professionals. Many have become valuable work contacts, some even lifelong friends and career mentors.
Amanda Frape
I am receiving a lot of support from my facilitators and my Student Success Advisor, who boosts my confidence and self-esteem.
Emma Longuet
The flexibility, relevance and opportunity that VU Online brings to higher education are testaments to excellence in teaching and learning.
