University of Queensland
Master of Nurse Practitioner
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Advance your nursing practice through specialised study in clinical assessment, prescribing, pharmacology and leadership, developing the knowledge and decision-making skills needed to prepare for the nurse practitioner role.
Course overview
The University of Queensland's Master of Nurse Practitioner is designed for experienced registered nurses seeking to advance their careers into expanded clinical practice. The program develops the specialist knowledge and clinical capabilities needed to take on greater responsibilities in patient assessment, treatment and healthcare delivery across a range of clinical settings.
You'll study advanced physiology and pathophysiology, pharmacology, prescribing, physical assessment and clinical decision-making. You'll also explore clinical leadership and research, developing skills in evaluating evidence and applying it to patient care. These studies prepare you for advanced responsibilities, including referring patients to other healthcare professionals, prescribing medications and ordering diagnostic investigations.
Delivered primarily online over two years of part-time study, the program includes compulsory residential schools at UQ's St Lucia campus each semester. You'll also complete 300 hours of supervised clinical professional practice, supported by a clinical team and mentor. The program prepares graduates for the nurse practitioner role across a range of healthcare specialities, subject to the relevant professional endorsement requirements.
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
At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.
To earn the Master of Nurse Practitioner, you must successfully complete 16 units, as detailed below. Each course is worth two units.
Core courses
Complete 16 units from all of the following courses:
- Quality Use of Medicines, Drug Pharmacokinetics and Drug Pharmacodynamics
- The Nurse Practitioner in the Healthcare System
- Applied Physiology and Pathophysiology
- Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision Making for Independent Practice
- Pharmacology and prescribing for Independent Practice
- Advancing Research Inquiry
- Advanced Clinical Leadership
- Critical Appraisal of Research
Additional program requirements
The program follows a prescribed study sequence over four semesters. Students must maintain continuous enrolment unless an interruption is approved. Unless otherwise approved, students must enrol in at least four units each semester.
Changes to existing practicum arrangements with an approved healthcare organisation require approval from the Executive Dean.
Entry requirements
Academic entry requirements
To be eligible for entry to the Master of Nurse Practitioner, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold a postgraduate qualification in a relevant clinical field.
- Hold unrestricted registration as a registered nurse in Australia, with no conditions related to unsatisfactory professional performance or unprofessional conduct.
- Have two years of full-time equivalent experience as a registered nurse in a specified clinical field and two years of advanced practice experience in the same clinical field.
- Have a minimum GPA of 4.0 on UQ's 7-point scale in their previous qualification.
Admission is competitive, and places are limited.
Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and meet the minimum entry requirements will be offered a place. Evidence of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status must be provided upon admission.
Additional application requirements
Applicants must also provide:
- Executive endorsement from their employing healthcare organisation confirming support for the required clinical practicum, including supervision and clinical support.
- Evidence of active involvement in a professional organisation and contributions to the ongoing development of the nursing profession.
Applicants must review the program's additional application information and obtain the application pack from UQ's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work before submitting their application.
English language requirements
Applicants who are required to demonstrate English language proficiency must meet the higher English language requirements specified for the Master of Nurse Practitioner.
Contact the university for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course.
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates may pursue career opportunities in roles such as:
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner
- Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Urology Nurse Practitioner
- Alcohol and Substance Use Nurse Practitioner
- Oncology Nurse Practitioner
- Nephrology Nurse Practitioner
- Paediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $2,995 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- 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 the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
