Western Sydney University

Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership) Online

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

Designed for current and aspiring nurse leaders, this online master’s provides formal education in contemporary clinical leadership and prepares graduates for roles including clinical nurse specialist and clinical nurse consultant.

Course overview

Western Sydney University’s Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership) is designed for registered nurses who are current or aspiring clinical leaders, including nurse clinicians and nurse managers. It provides formal education in contemporary clinical leadership and aims to prepare graduates for roles such as clinical nurse specialist and clinical nurse consultant.

Core study covers leadership in clinical practice, leadership for quality and safety, organisational capacity, evidence-based health care and cultural and social diversity. Through these areas, students examine leadership theory and behaviour, communication in health service contexts, organisational culture and change, and ethical and legal issues in clinical nursing leadership. They also consider how evidence, culturally sensitive communication and socio-political factors inform nursing practice and health policy.

Students complete either a capstone experience or research project, or the paired subjects Scholarship for Practice Change in Health Care and Writing for Publication. Depending on entry qualifications and recent registered nursing experience, the course can be completed through a one-year 80-credit-point pathway or a 1.5-year 120-credit-point pathway, with full-time and part-time study available.

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 per unit fees are calculated using the annual CSP rate. It is based on a full-time study load of 80 credit points (eight units) 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 completing one of the pathways below. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is valued at 10 credit points.

1.5 year pathway (120 credit points)

Core subjects (70 credit points)

  • Building Organisational Capacity in Health Care
  • Cultural and Social Diversity in Health Care
  • Evidence-Based Health Care
  • Leadership for Quality and Safety in Health Care
  • Leadership in Clinical Practice
  • Perspectives on Nursing
  • Policy, Power and Politics in Health Care Provision

Electives (50 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 three other elective subjects (Contact the university for details).

One year pathway (80 credit points)

Entry requirements

Candidature for admission to the Master of Nursing are detailed below:

1.5-year pathway (120 credit points)

  • Registered nurse currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia or registered nursing within the last five years in their own country. Any other type of registration (non-practising, limited, or student) is not acceptable for this program.
  • Completion of an undergraduate degree in nursing (AQF Level 7 or equivalent).

One-year pathway (80 credit points)

  • Registered nurse currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia or registered nursing within the last five years in their own country. Any other type of registration (non-practising, limited, or student) is not acceptable for this program.
  • Completion of an undergraduate degree or higher in nursing (AQF Level 7 or equivalent).
  • Two years of full-time equivalent work experience as a registered nurse within the last five years.

Applicants seeking admission on the basis of 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
  • Mental health care services
  • Disability services
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Aged care services
  • Research and education

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.