University of the Sunshine Coast
Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
Advance your nursing leadership capability through this online master's degree, developing the knowledge and skills to lead clinical practice, improve healthcare outcomes and drive evidence-based change across diverse healthcare settings.
Course overview
The Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership) is an online postgraduate qualification designed for registered nurses who want to strengthen their leadership capability while advancing their clinical knowledge. The course supports experienced nurses seeking to influence healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes and prepare for senior clinical or leadership roles.
Throughout the course, you'll strengthen your ability to evaluate complex clinical issues, apply research to professional practice and lead quality improvement initiatives within healthcare organisations. Rather than focusing on individual clinical specialties, the curriculum develops advanced capability in evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, critical decision-making and contemporary nursing practice, while allowing you to tailor your studies through elective course options aligned with your professional interests.
Delivered fully online, the program offers the flexibility to balance postgraduate study with professional commitments. There are no compulsory placements stated, and the flexible course structure enables you to build expertise in areas relevant to your nursing career while developing the leadership capability required for contemporary healthcare environments.
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
From $3,162 (CSP)
12th July, 2027
What you will study
The program may comprise 10 to 12 courses (144 units). Unless otherwise indicated, each course is valued at 12 units.
Specialised courses (36 units)
- Leadership in Clinical Practice
- Learning and Teaching in the Practice Environment
- Research in Health Care
Required courses from a specified list (12 units)
Select one course:
- Qualitative Research: Approaches and Practice
- Quantitative Research Methods
Entry requirements
- Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelor's qualification (AQF level 7) in nursing from a recognised tertiary education provider.
- Applicants who are registered nurses registered in Australia with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) who do not have a bachelor qualification may be considered for admission based on extensive industry experience and will require approval by the Program Leader.
English language requirements
Anyone intending to study at UniSC needs to meet the minimum English language requirements for their chosen program. Contact the university for more details.
Recognition of Prior Learning
UniSC offers credit for prior learning consistent with the Australian Qualifications Framework and general practice in the Australian Higher Education sector. If you've completed prior study or have relevant work experience, you may, under specified conditions, be eligible for credit towards your UniSC degree. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
- Clinical Education
- Clinical Practice
- Leadership
Fees and CSP
Indicative fee in 2026: $12,651 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative fee in 2026: $29,028 (domestic full-fee paying place)
These are indicative fees for one year of full-time study. Actual fees will change based on courses selected and are subject to yearly increases.
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.
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 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.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.
