University of Newcastle

Master of Nursing (Research) Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Gain advanced skills to conduct independent research, contributing to evidence-based practice and healthcare innovation.

Course overview

The Master of Nursing is designed to help registered nurses progress sooner into senior, specialist, leadership positions, educator roles, or researcher without stepping away from work, family, or community.

You’ll build advanced knowledge and confidence to lead teams, manage complex care situations, and deliver evidence-based care across diverse healthcare settings. 

The program is purpose-built for working nurses, supporting sustainable study alongside professional practice. Flexible learning options, supportive academic staff and pathways that recognise your existing experience allow you to balance study with the realities of shift work and professional demands.

As a nationally recognised leader in nursing education, the University of Newcastle works closely with the NSW health workforce to prepare graduates for the real-world challenges facing today’s healthcare system. Expand your impact in healthcare and build a more flexible, resilient and higher‑earning nursing career.

The Master of Nursing (Research) program's study areas include qualitative and quantitative research methods, biostatistics and epidemiology.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
12 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $2,565
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The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of 80 units (normally eight courses) per year.
Intake
New start dates announced soon
Units
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You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
8
Fees
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FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

To earn the Master of Nursing (Research) program, you must complete eight courses (80 units). Each course is worth 10 units.

Core and specialisation

Core courses (30 units)

  • Advanced Symptom Management in Clinical Practice
  • Introduction to Research in Health Care
  • Knowledge Translation in Health Care

Specialisation courses

Complete three courses (30 units) from the following:

  • Biostatistics A
  • Biostatistics B
  • Educational Research Methodology 2: Qualitative
  • Clinical Epidemiology
  • Fundamentals of Epidemiology
  • Research Protocol Design
Course list

Entry requirements

Applicants must be registered nurses with one of the following:

  • Honours
  • A postgraduate qualification.
  • A minimum of one year's experience as a registered nurse.

English language requirements

All applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following English proficiency requirements:

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 6.5
  • IELTS Sub-Test Minimum: 6

Contact the university for further information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. If your application is successful, you can reduce the number of courses you need to study, saving you time and money. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate comprehensive and well-founded knowledge of the discipline of nursing and nursing management.
  • Display effective written and/or oral communication skills within a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply advanced knowledge in nursing management.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of research methodology and its application to research questions in nursing and other health-related areas.
  • Demonstrate professional self-efficacy and leadership.
  • Demonstrate cultural competency and safety.
  • Display respect for the community and the environment.
  • Identify and critically discuss cultural, ethical, equity, nursing and research initiatives to close the health gaps for Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Career outcomes

Master of Nursing graduates will have the expertise to offer advanced clinical knowledge and advice in various healthcare settings.

Possible career paths may include:

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Clinical Research Nurse
  • Clinical Nurse Consultant
  • Clinical Nurse Educator
  • Clinical Facilitator
  • Nurse Unit Manager
  • Academic

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $20,520 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 80 units (normally eight courses) per year.

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

  • 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.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.