Western Sydney University
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Strengthen advanced mental health nursing practice through evidence-based care, assessment, therapeutic relationships, biological considerations and critical analysis, with a pathway into the Master of Mental Health Nursing.
Course overview
Western Sydney University’s Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is designed for registered nurses and midwives seeking advanced preparation in mental health nursing. Applicants must hold current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, have completed either an undergraduate degree in any discipline or a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing and have one year of recent full-time-equivalent experience as a registered nurse or midwife.
The course examines mental health nursing knowledge, evidence-based practice, outcome measurement and the influence of the consumer movement. Through mental health assessment and practice, biological considerations, contemporary professional practice and evidence-based healthcare, students strengthen critical thinking, therapeutic self-awareness and their understanding of the experiences of people with mental illnesses, disorders and crises.
Course learning outcomes include applying research principles to practice, communicating in culturally sensitive and therapeutically appropriate ways and examining the social, political and professional influences on mental healthcare. Students also consider innovation within legislative, strategic and professional boundaries and leadership in critical conversations about policy, organisational structures and clinical practice. Successful graduates may transfer into the Master of 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
19th July, 2027
What you will study
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points. Each subject is worth 10 credit points.
Core subjects
- Biological Considerations in Mental Health and Mental Illness for Advanced Practice
- Clinical Supervision in Health Care
- Contemporary Professional Practice in Mental Health Nursing
- Evidence-Based Health Care
- Mental Health Assessment and Application
- Mental Health Nursing Practice 1
- Mental Health Nursing Practice 2
- Plus one elective
Entry requirements
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Registered Nurse or Midwife (currently registered to practice with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Nursing and Midwifery) and completing an undergraduate degree (AQF Level 7 or equivalent) in any discipline.
- Completion of a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing (AQF Level 8 or equivalent) and one year of full-time equivalent work experience as a registered nurse or registered midwife within the last five years.
Applicants seeking admission based on work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.
English language requirements
Applicants who have undertaken studies in other countries may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Details of the minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof can be found on the University Admissions Centre website.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
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: $4,738 (Commonwealth Supported Place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 80 credit points (normally eight 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.