Western Sydney University

Master of Mental Health Nursing Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 18 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Extend your mental health nursing expertise through advanced practice, psychopharmacology, evidence-based care and a choice of capstone or research-focused study, alongside two elective subjects for registered nurses and midwives.

Course overview

Western Sydney University’s Master of Mental Health Nursing is designed for registered nurses and midwives seeking advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills in mental health nursing. Applicants must hold current practising registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, have completed a health-related undergraduate degree or a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and have one year of recent full-time-equivalent experience as a registered nurse or midwife.

The curriculum examines mental health assessment and practice, psychopharmacology, biological considerations, contemporary professional practice and evidence-based healthcare. These areas support advanced clinical reasoning, culturally sensitive therapeutic communication and critical engagement with the influences shaping mental healthcare. Students also examine leadership, innovation and change within legislative, strategic and professional boundaries.

Students complete a research component by choosing a 20-credit-point capstone or research project, or two 10-credit-point subjects focused on practice change and publication. The course also includes two elective subjects and opportunities for in-depth study relevant to individual interests. Students may exit earlier with the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing after completing the required credit points.

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
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
18 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 CSP per unit fees are calculated using the annual CSP rate. It is based on a full-time study load of 80 credit points (normally eight subjects) per year.
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.
12
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 successfully completing 120 credit points, including the subjects listed below. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is valued at 10 credit points.

Core subjects (80 credit points)

  • 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
  • Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Mental Health Nurses

Electives (40 credit points)

Select one of the following 20 credit point subjects:

  • Capstone Experience in Health Care
  • Research Project in Health Care

OR complete the two following 10 credit point subjects:

  • Scholarship for Practice Change in Health Care
  • Writing for Publication

AND

Select two other elective subjects (Contact the university for details).

Entry requirements

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

  • Registered nurse or midwife (currently registered to practise with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Nursing and Midwifery). Any other registration type (non-practising, limited, or student) is unacceptable for this program.
  • Completion of an undergraduate degree in health-related sciences (AQF Level 7 or equivalent), such as health science, human science, midwifery, naturopathy, nursing, nutrition, psychology or completion of a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing (AQF Level 8 or equivalent).
  • Within the last five years, one year of full-time equivalent work experience as a registered nurse or registered midwife.

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:

  • Mental healthcare services
  • Community health
  • Disability services
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Aged care services
  • Research and education

Fees and CSP

Estimated annual fee in 2026: From $4,738 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The fee estimate provided is indicative only and subject to change. This estimate is based on the current fee structures for a normal full-time study load. However, the final fee may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that this estimate does not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee.

Commonwealth Supported Places

Studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means that the Australian Government pays part of the fees towards your program, therefore reducing your tuition fees. The remaining amount that you pay is referred to as your Student Contribution.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per subject 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.