Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing

What you will study

To complete the Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing, you must fulfil 12 credit points. Each unit is valued at three credit points, unless otherwise indicated.

• Foundational Concepts in Cancer Care
• Clinical Management: Cancer Therapies
• Clinical Management: Supportive Cancer Care
• Strengths-Based Cancer Care

Entry requirements

A Bachelor of Nursing degree (AQF 7) or equivalent that qualifies the applicant for registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. All applicants must have a minimum of 12 months of clinical experience as a registered nurse. This course is designed for nurses working with people with cancer. Applicants are expected to have some working experience in caring for and managing people living with cancer, as unit discussions and assessment will require students to draw upon this experience.

English Requirements

To study at Murdoch, you must meet a minimum standard in English, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study, or vocational education.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you’ve previously studied or have professional work experience in a relevant field, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your Murdoch degree. Known as advanced standing, this recognition of prior learning could reduce your overall study load and shorten the length of time before you’re able to graduate.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Foundational concepts in cancer care: Learn to engage critically with current challenges and future cancer research and treatment advancements.
• Cancer therapies: Explore the latest advancements in cancer screening, diagnosis, and management to enhance your understanding of current treatments and therapies for cancer.
• Supportive cancer care: Learn to develop patient-centred, comprehensive care plans, using evidence-based approaches to prevent and minimise the side effects of cancer treatments, optimising patient function and comfort.
• Strengths-based cancer care: Delve into the critical evaluation of evidence supporting complementary health choices that empower individuals to live well with cancer.

Career outcomes

As a graduate, you will be well-prepared to excel in the dynamic field of cancer nursing. You could work in various industries, including the private sector, universities and government institutions.

Fees and CSP

Indicative total fee in 2025: $2,312 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first-year student at Murdoch University of 12 credit points.

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.
• 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.