Western Sydney University
Master of Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
Equips registered nurses with advanced clinical knowledge and research skills, enabling them to elevate their practice and lead innovation in diverse healthcare settings - all through a flexible, fully online learning experience.
Course overview
The focus of the Master of Nursing is to provide the necessary skills for registered nurses to meet their professional goals in a clinical or research setting. This includes studying cultural and social diversity in health care, evidence-based health care and leadership in clinical practice. VU's students can choose a specialisation in clinical leadership, clinical teaching, or tuberculosis management, which prepares them for career progression in their chosen field. In their final study sessions, students are provided opportunities to apply these advanced nursing concepts learnt through a specific project or research experience relevant to their professional goals. This program can be completed through either full-time or part-time study, allowing you the flexibility to integrate it into your current workplace requirements.
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)
- Cultural and Social Diversity in Health Care
- Evidence-Based Health Care
- Health Promotion and the Nurse
- Leadership in Clinical Practice
- Perspectives on Nursing
- Policy, Power and Politics in Health Care Provision
- Primary Health Care and Its Applications
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 points 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 is detailed below:
1.5-year pathway (120 credit points)
- Registered nurses are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia or have been registered as nurses in their own country within the last five years. Any other registration type (non-practising, limited, or student) is unacceptable for this program.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in nursing (AQF Level 7 or equivalent).
One-year pathway (80 credit points)
- Registered nurses are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia or have been registered as nurses in their own country within the last five years. Any other registration type (non-practising, limited, or student) is unacceptable for this program.
- Completion of an undergraduate or higher nursing degree (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 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:
- Community health
- Mental health care services
- Disability services
- Rehabilitation services
- Aged care services
- Research and education
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $4,627 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The fee estimate provided is indicative only and subject to change. It is based on the current fee structures for a 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'll only need to pay some of your tuition fees. This is 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.
