Bachelor of Nursing

What you will study

To earn the Bachelor of Nursing, students must complete 72 credit points equivalent to 24 units. Each unit is worth three credit points.

What you will study

Required units – 60 credit points

• Health Across the Lifespan: Child and Family Health
• Health Across the Lifespan: Mental Health
• Health Across the Lifespan: Chronic and Complex Care
• Concepts in Pathophysiology
• Integrating Nursing Concepts 1
• Integrating Nursing Concepts 3
• Integrating Nursing Concepts 4
• Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology
• Person-Centred Practice in Nursing
• Integrating Pathophysiology
• Diversity, Inclusion and Healthcare
• Mental Health Care in Practice
• Research and Technology for Healthcare Practice
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's Health Contexts
• Integrating Nursing Concepts 6 (Capstone)
• Quality, Safety and Leadership in Healthcare
• Health Across the Lifespan: Dimensions of Ageing
• Professional Orientation (Nursing)
• Health Across the Lifespan: High Acuity Care Needs
• Comprehensive Health Assessment and Learning for Nursing Practice

Restricted choice units – 12 credit points

Part A

• Ethics and Law for Health Professionals
• Ethics and Law for Health Professionals

Part B

• Concepts in Pharmacology
• Concepts in Pharmacology

Part C

• Integrating Nursing Concepts 2 (Capstone 1)
• Integrating Nursing Concepts 2

Part D

• Integrating Nursing Concepts 5 (Capstone 2)
• Integrating Nursing Concepts 5

Entry requirements

For entry into the Bachelor of Nursing you will need one of the following:

• Year 12 ATAR with a selection rank of 65 and above.
• Other Australian qualifications (e.g. minimum AQF level 3 or Certificate III and above).
• Overseas qualification - A previously obtained qualification that is equivalent to at least an AQF Level 3 (i.e. Certificate III).
• Prior work experience determined by the time and position level that aligns with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations.

Assumed knowledge

• Mathematics – General (minimum required)
• English (required)
• Biological Science (preferred)
• Chemistry (preferred)
• Psychology (recommended)

English language requirements

There are non-standard English language requirements for admission to this course that must be met by all candidates. To be eligible candidates must demonstrate English language proficiency via one of the following:

• IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing.
• OET: Minimum score of 360 in reading and speaking and 350 in listening and writing.
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 91, with a minimum of 22 in listening and reading, 23 in writing and 24 in speaking.
• PTE Academic: Overall score of 63, with a minimum of 58 in listening, 59 in reading, 76 in speaking and 60 in writing.

Additional admission requirements

• Immunisations
• TB Screening
• National Police Check
• NSW Health forms
• Working With Vulnerable People
• First Aid/CPR

Recognition of Prior Learning

Previous study may be considered for credit towards the Bachelor of Nursing in accordance with University of Canberra credit policies.

Applicants who have completed an approved Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) may be eligible for 24 credit points of advanced standing, equivalent to one year of the Bachelor of Nursing. UC lists credit transfer arrangements for eligible Diploma of Nursing graduates from the Canberra Institute of Technology and other Australian TAFE providers.

For the CIT pathway, applicants must have completed the Diploma within five years of applying to UC and hold current registration as an Enrolled Nurse with AHPRA to receive the 24 credit points. Eligible CIT graduates are also guaranteed admission, subject to course quotas and intake availability.

Other previous study or relevant learning may be assessed individually in accordance with UC’s credit and Recognition of Prior Learning policies. Professional accreditation requirements may limit the amount of RPL credit that can be granted.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Conduct nursing assessments to establish priorities and inform planning; provide skilful nursing interventions for people across the lifespan within the scope of a Registered Nurse and evaluate responses to determine effectiveness.
• Integrate sciences, appraise research and apply evidence and strength-based best practice approaches to think critically and inform safe clinical decision making for quality person-centred nursing care.
• Build and apply career-readiness, a clear professional identity and the skills, knowledge and personal attributes necessary to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse Standards for practice.
• Develop and apply nursing knowledge and skills to approach all interactions with empathy in a culturally safe, respectful manner where cultural understanding and reconciliation are valued, ensuring that all feel safe.
• Implement culturally appropriate nursing care integrating First Nations perspectives on health, connection to land and community.
• Demonstrate professional communication and therapeutic relationships that are consistent with ethical strengths-based approaches to person-centred nursing care and relevant legal frameworks that govern healthcare practice.

Career outcomes

This course leads directly into becoming eligible for registration as an Australian-qualified Registered Nurse (RN). Nursing is a diverse career, and a UC-trained RN can comfortably look for work in the hospital sector, private health care, primary health care, rural and remote health care and military support. An Australian RN qualification is also highly respected internationally and opens the door to numerous nursing employment opportunities overseas.

Fees and CSP

Average indicative full-course fee in 2027: From $17,822 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The average full-course fee shown is calculated based on a full-time study load of 72 credit points (24 units). The amount is indicative because CSP student contributions are calculated per unit according to the discipline area and EFTSL of each unit. UC’s 2027 rates are $613 per standard Nursing Band 1 unit and $1,235 per standard Band 2 unit.

Student fees may vary depending on:

• The number and type of units studied.
• The student contribution band of each unit.
• Credit received for previous study.
• Annual changes to student contribution rates.

You may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.

Student fees are subject to change. Contact the University of Canberra directly to confirm current fees.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government subsidises part of the tuition fees for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Students pay the remaining amount, known as the student contribution amount. Most eligible domestic undergraduate students at UC are offered a CSP.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated for each unit you enrol in.
• Based on the study area and EFTSL of the unit.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

Eligible Commonwealth supported students may be able to use HECS-HELP to defer payment of their student contribution amount.