Western Sydney University
Master of Nursing Practice (Preregistration)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
An intensive two-year program designed for individuals with a prior undergraduate degree, providing a direct pathway to becoming a registered nurse through a blend of evidence-based learning, simulated clinical training and diverse healthcare placements.
Course overview
Leverage your undergraduate degree to become a Registered Nurse in just two years. Your journey will be supported by simulated education on campus and hands-on experience in industry. Graduates can apply for registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
The program’s guiding principle is public safety and has been designed to prepare graduates for safe and ethical nursing practice. The program reflects contemporary practices in nursing, digital health and education and responds to emerging trends based on research, technology and other forms of evidence. It includes principles of interprofessional and interprofessional learning and practice, principles of diversity, culture, inclusion and cultural safety for all people and knowledge and skills in pharmacotherapeutics and quality use of medicines.
Using a primary healthcare framework, the Master of Nursing Practice (Preregistration) program combines theory, critical thinking and reflective practice while applying physical and behavioural sciences to nursing. You will study using evidence-based principles and explore best practices when providing care for individuals, families and groups from diverse backgrounds. You will put theory into action at Western’s on-campus simulated clinical practice subjects at a university ranked in the Top 100 Universities in the World for Nursing (QS 2025). Students will undertake professional experience placements in various health facilities and community settings.
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 170 credit points comprised of the subjects listed below.
Complete the following subjects:
- Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Evidence-Based Health Care
- Pharmacology Knowledge for Nursing Practice
- Introduction to Alterations in Health
- Nursing Practice 1
- Mental Health Nursing Practice
- Chronic Conditions and Disability
- Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Conditions
- Nursing Practice 2
- Health, Culture and Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Acute Life-Threatening Conditions
- Palliative and End of Life Care
- Nursing Practice 3
- Transition to Professional Nursing
- Professional Nursing Practice (20 credit points)
Entry requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed either:
- An undergraduate degree (equivalent to AQF Level 7), or higher, in health, human biological or behavioural science within the last 10 years.
- An undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline within the last 10 years and the Western Sydney Preparation for Tertiary Nursing Studies short course.
All applicants will be required to meet English Language Proficiency requirements. Local applicants applying directly to the university can find further information on the UAC website.
English language requirements
All applicants for the Master of Nursing Practice (Preregistration) are required to provide evidence of demonstrating their English language competency in one of the following ways:
- English is your primary language and you have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country, including at least two years between years 7 and 12. Recognised country means one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America.
- You currently hold registration as an Enrolled Nurse (Division 2), Registered Nurse (Division 1) or Registered Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
- If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to take an English language proficiency test and achieve the scores required by the university. English test results remain valid for no more than two years between the final examination date and the date of commencement of study.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
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 a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:
- Community Health
- Disability Services
- Rehabilitation Services
- Research and Education
- Policy Development
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 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.
