Federation University of Australia
Graduate Diploma of Health (Mental Health Nursing)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Become a specialised nurse in mental health, delivering positive outcomes for clients and their families.
Course overview
This course is a specialist postgraduate qualification available to successful nursing graduates. It focuses on developing a deep understanding of the theory-clinical practice relationship.
Created in response to the growing demand for specialist nurses with expertise in mental health, the curriculum explores contemporary developments and debates. It offers the opportunity to undertake supervision and mentorship in a clinical environment, allowing you to apply your skills at an advanced level.
Our enthusiastic and energetic academics maintain their strong industry experience, with significant ongoing experience in the mental health nursing sector. They are committed to assisting and supporting students in aligning theory and practice.
Our online delivery mode offers flexibility that suits your lifestyle. It allows you to get ahead in your professional and personal life while keeping up to date with contemporary developments in mental health nursing.
Successful completion will enhance your professional standing and provide you with advanced-level skills and knowledge for application in the mental health community, leading to career progression within the clinical area. If you are considering further study, you may like to consider the Master of Health (Mental Health Nursing).
This course is only available part-time (duration is 2 years). It is also available as a graduate certificate option.
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
1st March, 2027
19th July, 2027
What you will study
Students must complete the following units totalling 120 credit points:
Year 1
Semester 1
- Mental Health Nursing Practice 1
- Therapeutics in Mental Health
Semester 2
- Mental Health Nursing Practice 2
- Mental Health Systems
Year 2
Semester 1
- Advanced Therapeutic Skills (30 credit points)
Semester 2
- Elective
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non-year 12).
To be considered, applicants must provide the following:
- Bachelor of Nursing (or equivalent).
- Current Registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse.
- Current resume with their application.
Extra requirements
- It is strongly recommended that course participants be in employment to have access to a workplace for completion of the assessment.
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
Career outcomes
- Mental Health Nurse
Fees and CSP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 120 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.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of Commonwealth Supported Places to 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 to 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.
- Depending 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.
