Western Sydney University
Master of Mental Health Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
Enhances your advanced skills in mental health care, empowering nurses to lead and deliver compassionate, evidence-based support.

Course overview
The Master of Mental Health Nursing program provides students with the theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills to prepare them for advanced practice in mental health nursing across various healthcare settings. Graduates will be able to apply advanced practice, concepts, and analysis in mental health nursing to promote optimal health outcomes for clients with mental illness. Students will have opportunities to undertake in-depth mental health and mental illness studies relevant to their specific practice area.
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 successfully completing 120 credit points, including the subjects listed below. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is valued at 10 credit points.
Core subjects (80 credit points)
- 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
- Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Mental Health Nurses
Electives (40 credit points)
Select one of the following 20 credit point subjects:
- Capstone Experience in Health Care
- Research Project in Health Care
OR complete the two following 10 credit point subjects:
- Scholarship for Practice Change in Health Care
- Writing for Publication
AND
Select two other elective subjects (Contact the university for details).
Entry requirements
All applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for entry:
- Registered nurse or midwife (currently registered to practise with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Nursing and Midwifery). Any other registration type (non-practising, limited, or student) is unacceptable for this program.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in health-related sciences (AQF Level 7 or equivalent), such as health science, human science, midwifery, naturopathy, nursing, nutrition, psychology or completion of a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing (AQF Level 8 or equivalent).
- Within the last five years, one year of full-time equivalent work experience as a registered nurse or registered midwife.
Applicants seeking admission based on work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning is the recognition of 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:
- Mental healthcare services
- Community health
- Disability services
- Rehabilitation services
- Aged care services
- Research and Education
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $4,627 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The fee estimate provided is indicative only and subject to change. It is based on the current fee structures for a typical 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.