Western Sydney University
Graduate Diploma in Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Empowers registered nurses to advance their clinical expertise and leadership skills through a flexible, digitally-driven learning experience tailored to contemporary healthcare demands.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Nursing aims to provide Registered Nurses with the theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills to prepare them for advanced practice in the clinical setting. Specialisations available include clinical leadership, clinical teaching, aged care, primary health care or research studies. Graduates can synthesise and apply advanced nursing concepts to lead nursing practice and optimise health outcomes. Students who complete this program may transfer into the Master of Nursing.
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
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points or 60 credit points, depending on the Pathway the student is enrolled in, based on the admission requirements.
Core subjects
- Cultural and Social Diversity in Health Care
- Evidence-Based Health Care
- Leadership in Clinical Practice
- Perspectives on Nursing
- Policy, Power and Politics in Health Care Provision
- Primary Health Care and Its Applications
- Plus two electives
Entry requirements
Candidature for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Nursing is based on the following requirements.
Graduate Diploma in Nursing (80 credit points)
- Registered Nurse (currently registered to practice with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – Nursing and Midwifery), or eligibility for same, or certificate of registration of nursing, within the last five years, in their own country; and
- Completion of an undergraduate degree (AQF Level 7 or equivalent) in any discipline or a Graduate Certificate in Nursing.
Graduate Diploma in Nursing (60 credit points)
- Registered Nurse (currently registered to practice with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – Nursing and Midwifery), or eligibility for same, or certificate of registration of nursing, within the last five years, in their own country; and
- Completion of an undergraduate degree (AQF Level 7 or equivalent) or a Graduate Diploma, or higher in any discipline; and
- Two years of equivalent professional work experience as a registered nurse within the last five years.
Additional Information
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's 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
- Mental health care services
- Disability services
- Rehabilitation services
- Aged care services
- Research and Education
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $4,624 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The fee estimate provided is indicative only and subject to change. It 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. The student contribution amount is 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.
