Charles Darwin University
Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Nursing Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Develop advanced mental health nursing knowledge through postgraduate study, combining therapeutic relationships, mental health across the lifespan, substance use care and behaviour management in evidence-based clinical practice.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Nursing from Charles Darwin University is a postgraduate qualification for registered nurses seeking to expand their knowledge of mental health care and practice. Delivered entirely online on a part-time basis, the course explores evidence-based mental health nursing while developing advanced knowledge in mental health care and assessment.
You will study four compulsory core units covering Therapeutic Relationship, Mental Health Across the Lifespan, Mental Health Care for Substance Use Disorder, and Understanding and Managing Behaviour. Guided by current healthcare needs, the curriculum develops evidence-based practice and explores person-centred mental health care, assessment and approaches to supporting people across a range of mental health settings.
On successful completion, you will graduate with the Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Nursing, an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 8 qualification. The course also provides a pathway to continue postgraduate study in a 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
To earn the Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Nursing, you must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth 10 credit points.
Core units
- The Therapeutic Relationship
- Mental Health Across the Lifespan
- Mental Health Care for Substance Use Disorder
- Understanding and Managing Behaviour
Entry requirements
Applicants for this course must meet all of the following:
- Successful completion of a recognised Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent international qualification.
- Hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Division 1 registered nurse.
It is expected applicants will have relevant employment in the field of nursing specialisation
Hospital-trained nurses with current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 registered nurse may also be considered.
English language requirements
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing one of the following:
- Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years.
- Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5 FTE (40 credit points).
- Successfully completing a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia.
- Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement.
- Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help reduce the number of units you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
This degree will lead to career opportunities in public and private health care, hospitals, forensic and community settings. Completing postgraduate education is a necessity for a wide range of career advances, such as management, leadership, education roles or academic or research positions. On completion of your Graduate Certificate, you may choose to continue your studies in a Master of Nursing degree.
Fees and CSP
Estimated total fee in 2026: $4,627 (Commonwealth Supported Places)
Estimated total fee in 2026: $14,008 (domestic full-fee paying place).
Student fees may vary per:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- 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. 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 unit 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.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.