Adelaide University
Graduate Diploma in Nursing specialising in Mental Health
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Advance your knowledge and skills in contemporary mental health care.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Nursing specialising in Mental Health is flexible, delivered full-time or part-time over one to two years. Through online learning, virtual workshops and industry placements, you’ll build the skills to effectively respond to people living with mental distress.
Explore the legal and ethical aspects of mental health nursing practice. Study evidence-based and lived experience practices to support recovery. Learn to communicate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Gain insights based on real cases and local research.
Industry experience is a key focus of this degree. While you work in your mental health role, you'll complete 240 hours of industry placements, with focused practical experience in acute and community mental health settings.
You’ll graduate ready for the mental health workplaces. As a mental health nurse, you’ll be equipped to work with people experiencing conditions including, suicidal crisis, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis and other mental health challenges.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Diploma in Nursing specialising in Mental Health, students must complete 48 units.
Core courses
Complete 24 units for all of the following:
- Theoretical Approaches to Mental Health Practice (12 units)
- Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health (12 units)
Work Integrated Learning
Complete 12 units for all of the following:
- Consolidation of Mental Health Nursing Practice (12 units)
Electives
Complete exactly 12 units from the following:
- Perspectives in Mental Health Practice (12 units)
- Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals (12 units)
- Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health (12 units)
- Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health (12 units)
Entry requirements
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- Hold registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) with no conditions.
- Be currently working in Mental Health with an employer letter of support confirming a training position within the area of mental health nursing to enable completion of the 240 hours of professional placement in both community and acute mental health contexts.
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
Learning outcomes
- You’ll learn to design intervention and evaluation strategies for individuals.
- You'll focus on person-centred mental health care for diverse populations across metropolitan, rural and remote settings.
- You’ll actively participate in the recognition, assessment and treatment of people with mental health and co-morbid related conditions.
- You'll develop advanced interviewing and assessment skills and knowledge of support services.
- You’ll take core courses, including theoretical approaches and skills for recovery practice.
Career outcomes
As a registered nurse with mental health qualifications, you can broaden your employment prospects across the private and public sectors, including in:
- Acute Inpatient Units
- Residential and Non-Residential Rehabilitation Programs
- Community Health Services.
Fees and CSP
Estimated total fee in 2026: From $4,738 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 48 units (normally eight courses).
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- 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.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate programs.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
