Victoria University
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 16 months
See the whole person. Strengthen your mental health nursing practice through flexible online study spanning recovery-oriented care, trauma-informed practice, cultural safety and evidence-based care coordination.
Course overview
Specialist mental health nursing requires an understanding of the whole person – including their lived experience, culture, physical health, relationships and stage of life. The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is designed for registered nurses and registered midwives seeking to deepen their knowledge of contemporary mental health care.
Across eight units, you will examine recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practice, consumer rights and culturally responsive care. You will explore mental health disorders across the lifespan, including depression, delirium, dementia and suicide in older populations, while strengthening capabilities in therapeutic relationships, community health promotion and care coordination for people with complex needs. The curriculum also develops your ability to evaluate research and apply evidence to practice.
The academic coursework is delivered through VU Online’s Block Model, allowing you to focus on one seven-week unit at a time, with no exams or textbooks to purchase. Academic support is available seven days a week and in the evenings. The qualification also provides a pathway into the Master of Mental Health Nursing.
Key facts
What you will study
To attain the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, students must complete the following eight units:
- Recovery-Oriented Mental Health
- Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health
- Effective Trauma-Informed Care
- Mental Health Nursing
- Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health
- Mental Health in Later Life
- Care Coordination in Practice
- Evidence and Research for Practice
Entry requirements
Applicants must have the following:
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification; AND
- Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) or Registered Midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), or equivalent registration with the relevant registering authority for applicants outside of Australia; AND
- Provide evidence that they are employed in a health setting (e.g., employment contract); OR
- Completed Victoria University’s Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
With VU Online’s Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, you’ll enhance your knowledge and skills in evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches in mental health to take up senior mental health services positions. This course positions you to take on mental health care coordination roles, leadership roles in mental health nursing or community mental health services.
Upon completion, you can continue your studies to gain your Master of Mental Health Nursing.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Cost per unit in 2026: From $2,870 up to $2,950 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Total cost for eight units in 2026: $23,280 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The total cost of completing your degree at Victoria University (VU) Online depends on the number of units you study and whether you are eligible for advanced standing, which is assessed after you submit your application. 2026 student fees shown are subject to change.
Note that you may be eligible for the Australian Government’s loan scheme, FEE-HELP. The loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying students with the cost of a university program. It can be used for all or part of the tuition.
