Western Sydney University

Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Build advanced mental health nursing knowledge through an online graduate certificate covering professional practice, mental health assessment, therapeutic communication and contemporary specialist practice for registered nurses and midwives.

Course overview

Western Sydney University’s Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing is designed for registered nurses and registered midwives seeking advanced knowledge and skills in mental health nursing. Applicants must hold, or be eligible for, current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and have either one year of recent full-time-equivalent experience as a registered nurse or midwife, or current and continuing employment as a registered nurse in a mental health setting.

The course combines contemporary professional practice, mental health assessment and two mental health nursing practice subjects. Students examine the experiences of people with mental illnesses, disorders and crises, together with the therapeutic use of self. The curriculum develops culturally sensitive and therapeutically appropriate communication while exploring the social, political and professional influences shaping mental health nursing and healthcare delivery.

Students complete four compulsory subjects totalling 40 credit points. Course learning outcomes include the advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes required for specialist mental health nursing practice, as well as professional leadership. After successfully completing the graduate certificate, students may transfer into Western Sydney University’s Graduate Diploma in Mental Health 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

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $592
From $592 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for CSP where the government pays part of your fees. The estimated per unit fees are calculated using the annual CSP rate. It is based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (four units) per semester.
Intake
1st March, 2027
19th July, 2027
Units
More Information
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.
4
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

What you will study

Qualification for this award requires completing four core subjects or 40 credit points.

Core subjects

  • Contemporary Professional Practice in Mental Health Nursing
  • Mental Health Assessment and Application
  • Mental Health Nursing Practice 1
  • Mental Health Nursing Practice 2

Entry requirements

All applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for entry:

  • A registered nurse or registered midwife (currently registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Nursing and Midwifery), or eligibility for the same.
  • One year of full-time equivalent work experience as a registered nurse or registered midwife within the last five years, or current and continuing employment as a registered nurse in a mental health setting.

Applicants seeking admission based on work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is the process of assessing the knowledge and skills you have gained through previous study, work or other experience. When you apply, the university will determine whether your prior learning can be recognised towards your current course. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to many exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

  • Community health
  • Hospitals
  • Aged care homes
  • Private nursing

Fees and CSP

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $2,369 (Commonwealth Supported Place).

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 40 credit points (normally four units) per year.

Student 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 courses.

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.