Western Sydney University
Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
Enhance your leadership skills, evidence-based practices and strategic decision-making—all offered in a flexible, fully online format.
Course overview
The program encourages critical examination of current issues in mental health within national strategic directions for mental health care. Students gain understandings of how to use the self therapeutically and the experiences of people who have mental illnesses, disorders and crises. Opportunities will be provided for students to undertake in-depth study into aspects of mental health and mental illness relevant to their specific area of practice. Students who successfully complete this program may transfer into the Master of Mental Health 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 completing one of the pathways below. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is valued at 10 credit points.
Core subjects (70 credit points)
- Building Organisational Capacity in Health Care
- Cultural and Social Diversity in Health Care
- Evidence-Based Health Care
- Leadership for Quality and Safety in Health Care
- Leadership in Clinical Practice
- Perspectives on Nursing
- Policy, Power and Politics in Health Care Provision
Electives (50 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 three other elective subjects (Contact the university for details).
Entry requirements
Candidature for admission to the Master of Nursing are detailed below:
1.5-year pathway (120 credit points)
- Registered nurse currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia or registered nursing within the last five years in their own country. Any other type of registration (non-practising, limited, or student) is not acceptable for this program.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in nursing (AQF Level 7 or equivalent).
One-year pathway (80 credit points)
- Registered nurse currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia or registered nursing within the last five years in their own country. Any other type of registration (non-practising, limited, or student) is not acceptable for this program.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree or higher in nursing (AQF Level 7 or equivalent).
- Two years of full-time equivalent work experience as a registered nurse within the last five years.
Applicants seeking admission on the basis of 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 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
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $4,738 (Commonwealth Supported Place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 80 credit points (normally eight units) per year.
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.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
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 the 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.
