Victoria University

Master of Mental Health Nursing Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Advance your mental health nursing practice and your capacity to lead. Build specialist expertise in assessment, therapeutic care and research to support recovery and influence service improvement.

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Download your course guide and connect with a study advisor to explore:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

Bring specialist insight to complex care and a stronger voice to mental health nursing. Victoria University’s online Master of Mental Health Nursing builds on your professional practice, developing the knowledge and judgement to support individuals, families and communities while preparing for greater leadership responsibility.

Deepen your understanding of recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care and the biological, psychological, social and cultural dimensions of mental health. Extend your expertise in assessment, pharmacology and therapeutics, examining how evidence and consumer priorities inform ethical, person-centred care.

Strengthen your capacity to coordinate care across multidisciplinary teams and respond to diverse needs across the lifespan. Develop your research skills through critical appraisal and a focused project, investigating a significant practice issue and communicating findings that can inform improvement.

Complete 12 units online over two years part-time, studying one subject during each seven-week study period through VU’s Block Model. Connect your learning with professional practice as you build towards opportunities in specialist mental health nursing, care coordination, clinical leadership, management or education.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Master's
Duration
24 months (Part time)
Commitment
15 - 20 hours/week
Price Per Unit
From $2,870
Intake
11th January, 2027
8th March, 2027
10th May, 2027
5th July, 2027
30th August, 2027
25th October, 2028
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
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

To attain the Master of Mental Health Nursing, students will be required to complete 144 credit points, consisting of 11 core units and one elective.

Core units

Complete the following units:

  • Recovery-Oriented Mental Health
  • Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health
  • Effective Trauma-Informed Care
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health
  • Mental Health in Later Life
  • Care Coordination in Practice
  • Evidence and Research for Practice
  • Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Mental Health
  • Assessment in Mental Health
  • Research Project

Elective units

Select one of the following units:

  • Perspectives on Addictive Behaviours
  • Health and Wellbeing for the Older Person

Entry requirements

Applicants must have the following:

  • Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification; AND
  • Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1); OR
  • Registered Midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or equivalent registration with the relevant registering authority for applicants outside of Australia; AND
  • Provide evidence that they are employed in a mental health setting (e.g., employment contract); OR
  • Completed Victoria University’s Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing or Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

With VU Online’s Master of Mental Health Nursing, you’ll gain knowledge and skills in evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches in mental health. This course will position you to take on mental health care coordination roles and leadership roles in mental health nursing or mental health services. This course also prepares you for roles in senior mental health services or sessional academic work.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Cost per unit in 2026: From $2,870 up to $2,950 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Total cost for 12 units in 2026: From $34,840 up to $34,920 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 12 units.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of units.
  • 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.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.

Student Testimonials

Maxwell Gratton

Maxwell Gratton

It was personally satisfying to connect and collaborate with a range of industry professionals. Many have become valuable work contacts, some even lifelong friends and career mentors.

Amanda Frape

Amanda Frape

I am receiving a lot of support from my facilitators and my Student Success Advisor, who boosts my confidence and self-esteem.

Emma Longuet

Emma Longuet

The flexibility, relevance and opportunity that VU Online brings to higher education are testaments to excellence in teaching and learning.