Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

What you will study

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points. Each subject is worth 10 credit points.

Core subjects

• Biological Considerations in Mental Health and Mental Illness for Advanced Practice
• Clinical Supervision in Health Care
• Contemporary Professional Practice in Mental Health Nursing
• Evidence-Based Health Care
• Mental Health Assessment and Application
• Mental Health Nursing Practice 1
• Mental Health Nursing Practice 2
• Plus one elective

Entry requirements

Applicants must have one of the following:

• Registered Nurse or Midwife (currently registered to practice with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Nursing and Midwifery) and completing an undergraduate degree (AQF Level 7 or equivalent) in any discipline.
• Completion of a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing (AQF Level 8 or equivalent) and one year of full-time equivalent work experience as a registered nurse or registered midwife within the last five years.

Applicants seeking admission based on work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.

English language requirements

Applicants who have undertaken studies in other countries may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Details of the minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof can be found on the University Admissions Centre website.

Contact the university or visit their website for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning is recognising prior learning in terms of experience and/or studies. When you apply for Credit for Prior Learning, the university will assess your prior learning. It may award you Credit for Prior Learning in the program you are currently studying in recognition of what you have achieved. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to many exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

• Community health
• Hospitals
• Aged care homes
• Private nursing

Fees and CSP

Indicative annual fee in 2025: $4,624 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The fee estimate provided is indicative only and subject to change. This estimate is based on the current fee structures for a normal full-time study load. However, the final fee may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that this estimate does not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee.

A student's annual fee may vary depending on:

• The number of subjects studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of subjects.
• 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 only need to pay some 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 subject 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.