Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Nursing

What you will study

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Nursing, you must pass eight credit points. The number of credits depends on your entry point or the amount of credit you receive for experience and previous qualifications.

An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Nursing includes:

• Six credit points of core units
• One credit point of course elective units
• One credit point of level seven open elective units.

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements and individual circumstances. You must meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Please note that this course has limited places and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. If all spots are filled, applications for this course may close before the published closing date.

Academic requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree, you will need to meet all the following criteria:

• Registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) with no conditions or restrictions
• Evidence of secure, ongoing employment of at least 24 hours per week in a collaborating hospital within Australia, working in a relevant speciality practice area with appropriate clinical supervision.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised English-speaking country
• IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of the test
• other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Non-academic requirements

As the specialisation pathways courses are offered collaboratively between the University and a range of partnership/collaborating hospitals, student selection into the course is a joint process. Students must independently apply for and seek permanent employment within a collaborating hospital to support and provide a sound clinical learning environment for the clinical program requirements of the course.

Applicants are required to complete an Applicant Declaration form to be uploaded with their application.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.

You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Analyse and provide advanced patient care in response to complex data from patient and technologically derived sources.
• Demonstrate advanced clinical judgement leading to autonomous decision-making.
• Practise critical thinking and reflection regarding current health environment issues and specialty nursing practice.
• Explore and demonstrate an understanding of complex practice, transcultural, ethical and psychosocial concepts.
• Combine advanced communication skills with professional knowledge to promote safe, high-quality care of the critically ill.

Fees and CSP

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $4,738 (Commonwealth Supported Place).

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $29,400 (domestic full-fee paying place).

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight credit points (normally eight units) per year.

A student’s annual fee 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.

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 courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
• Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.