University of Southern Queensland
Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Leadership and Management in Health) Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Gain the theoretical knowledge of leadership and management in nursing. Apply theory to practice in your current occupation while you study part-time and online.
Course overview
- Gain a competitive edge in your nursing career by building the self‑reflective practices and skills needed to achieve effective leadership while working as a registered nurse.
- Explore contemporary leadership issues and practices in nursing, as well as the legal, ethical and social justice dimensions of clinical leadership in healthcare settings.
- Examine the complex behaviours of individuals, groups and organisations in the workplace and learn to apply change management strategies that support the evolving nature of teams within today’s healthcare environments.
- Understand how to strategically approach performance management and people development to build and foster productive, cohesive teams.
- Learn from lecturers who take an innovative approach to teaching interpersonal attributes, supporting improved collaboration, human resources understanding, effective communication, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
The Graduate Diploma of Nursing enables students to work alongside diverse healthcare professionals to ensure optimal outcomes for both individuals and communities. It enhances leadership capabilities and develops the skills needed to manage teams and projects effectively, while building an understanding of the strategic decision‑making required in a healthcare environment. Study fits around existing commitments through part‑time and online delivery, allowing students to progress their careers while gaining advanced nursing knowledge and practice.
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 this degree, students must complete eight units.
Complete the following course:
Core courses
- Contexts of Professional Health Practice
- Research Design and Methodologies
Students choose one of the following:
- The Law and Health Care Practice
- Culture as Determinant of Health
Specialisation courses
- Management in Health Care Practice
- Clinical Leadership in Contemporary Health Care Practice
- Leading Successful Teams
- Harnessing Human Capabilities for the Future of Work
Entry requirements
- Completed a three-year bachelor's degree in nursing from an Australian university, or equivalent.
- Hold a current Professional Registration as a Division 1 nurse, or equivalent, with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or a relevant regulatory body in the applicant's home country.
English language requirements
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements, and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. This will help reduce the number of courses you must take to finish your program. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply specialised knowledge, skills and technical competencies across various health contexts.
- Communicate professionally and ethically in interpersonal, interprofessional and intercultural situations with people of diverse ages, backgrounds and needs.
- Collaborate with various healthcare professionals to provide patient care that meets and exceeds the national standards for nursing practice and achieve common goals.
- Reflect on practice to facilitate awareness and knowledge of one’s cognition and abilities, establishing a mechanism for lifelong learning.
- Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate a range of data and evidence to provide solutions to complex nursing problems.
Career outcomes
As a strategic leader with strong theoretical skills and knowledge, you will have a nursing management degree that allows you to transition into leadership and managerial roles within a healthcare setting.
Graduates may find work as:
- Nurse Manager
- Clinical Unit Nurse Manager
- Nursing Resource Allocation Manager
- After‑Hours Nurse Manager
- Health Researcher
- Nursing Director
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $9,536 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight units.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- 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.
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 a portion 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 programs.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent 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.