Master of Nursing Science (Mental Health Nursing)

  • N/A
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR
  • Duration

    2 years full-time
    (or part-time equiv.)
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    Teaching Hospitals

This program is no longer offered to Future students. Please search for related degrees that may be of interest. For assistance, please contact Future Student Enquiries.


For experienced registered nurses with a solid foundation in an area of clinical practice, the Master of Nursing Science provides the opportunity to extend their career in leadership, research and management positions.

The Mental Health specialisation is ideal for nurses who are currently practising mental health nursing and wish to further develop their professional knowledge and understanding in this area.

The degree offers a comprehensive grounding in research methods and critical analysis and allows students to develop advanced skills in clinical inquiry, practice and leadership that are required in professional nursing. The research projects are individually supervised by experts in the field of study, and students who wish to continue on with further study to PhD can elect to complete 12 units of research.

International students on a student visa are required to study in Adelaide and complete courses on campus in face-to-face learning environments.

Entry Requirements

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Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3CM134
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February
Additional Entry Requirements
All applicants must upload the following documents as part of the SATAC application:

  • Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Current AHPRA registration certificate
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry


Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $4,445

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

This program prepares students to undertake senior roles as Registered Nurses in the area of specialisation. Graduates are prepared for careers in senior nursing clinical practice or management, or can begin a career in nursing research.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Specialist Registered Nurse;  Mental Health Nurse;  Clinical Nurse Specialist

Degree Structure

The program is structured in two stages:

Stage 1

Students must complete the courses as outlined under the study plan to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science (Mental Health Nursing).

Stage 2

With an additional one year of fulltime study, students can complete this program by Research or Coursework. 

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

 

Example Study Plan

This indicative study plan depicts the traditional pathway of a part-time domestic student through the Master of Nursing Science (Mental Health Nursing) undertaking the research pathway. Please refer to Course Selection Proforma for a full list of courses.
Indicative study plan
Year1S1 Interpretive and Critical Research in Health Research Literacy
S2 International Issues in Nursing Service Delivery Leadership and Management in Nursing
Year2S1 Research Part I Research Part II
S2 Research Part III Research Part IV

Assessment

May include essays, case studies, discussion board participation, presentations, poster presentations, critiques, portfolios and exams.

Testimonial

The degree offers a range of placements, so you can explore a number of areas - including ones that you may not have realised you have an interest in previously.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 10 Oct 2023