Bachelor of Nursing

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 6 locations

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
VTAC code
1200212201
ATAR
65.00 for Melbourne
Fees (first year)*

$7051 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available

Overview

ACU graduate nurses are held in high regard for their clinical skills, quick thinking, and compassion. We’re connected to an extensive range of hospitals and health care partners, so you will get the best opportunities for industry placements and future employment. If you’re after an overseas experience, we also work with care facilities in a number of developed and developing countries.

There has never been a better time to study Health Sciences, with State and Territory governments and other external bodies offering various scholarships and support at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Check out these initiatives and others , and don’t forget to look at ACU’s own scholarships.

  • Ranked 4th in Australia for nursing

  • Ranked 10th worldwide for nursing

  • Top 2% universities worldwide

Professional experience

You will be required to complete at least 800 hours.


Work placement

Students will undertake clinical placements as part of a variety of clinical units throughout the course in hospitals and community facilities. As part of your course, you will be placed in a range of organisations to integrate the theory you learn with practical workplace experiences (placements).


Professional recognition

Eligible graduates can apply for registration as a nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Please refer to the Registration Standards for Nursing and Midwifery on the Ahpra website .

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Nursing is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. 

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • public hospitals
  • private hospitals
  • disability services 
  • rehabilitation services
  • specialist centres
  • community health
  • residential aged care facilities
  • hospital emergency departments
  • local and state government health departments
  • not-for-profit organisations
  • mental health services
  • rural health services

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Interdisciplinary Learning UnitsHLSC120Indigenous Health and Culture10 cp
  • Interdisciplinary Learning UnitsHLSC122Evidence for Practice10 cp
  • Nursing Theory UnitsNRSG138Transition into Nursing10 cp
  • Clinical Nursing Practice UnitsNRSG139Integrating Practice 1: Assessment in Health10 cp
  • Interdisciplinary Learning UnitsHLSC111The Person, Health and Wellbeing10 cp
  • Interdisciplinary Learning UnitsBIOL121Human Biological Science 1

    Campus Attendance

    10 cp
  • Core Curriculum UnitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details 10 cp
  • Clinical Nursing Practice UnitsNRSG140Integrating Practice 2

    (Pre: NRSG139) 


    10 cp

All units are delivered in multi-mode unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Commencing Semester 2 (Blacktown Campus Only)

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated on the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures.

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Additional course information

Classes

In 2023 we welcomed 232 students to our Blacktown campus, 133 students to our Ballarat campus, 370 students to our Brisbane campus, 126 students to our Canberra campus, 605 students to our Melbourne campus and 313 new students to our North Sydney campus.

All lecture content will be provided by a series of short on-line recordings of ten to fifteen minutes for each module, the total time duration of the recordings for each module is between sixty minutes and ninety minutes. Online recordings provide considerable advantages including the ability to manage time and be self-paced in your learning. The online recordings allow you to review concepts multiple times so that you can master knowledge and link theoretical concepts with practical skills. Tutorial classes concentrate on theoretical concepts that develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning and have one academic facilitating the learning of between 26 and 30 students. The simulation wards are an important part of your learning and the environments are designed to closely simulate real world environments so you can develop the practical skills of administering care. Practical classes in simulation wards have between 24 and 30 students with two academic registered nurses teaching and guiding your learning.

Sample assessments

NRSG138 Transition to Nursing

• Online Quiz (20 per cent) - 20 randomised multiple-choice questions from content within weeks 1-3 inclusive.

• Written Essay (30 per cent) - 800 word essay allowing student to develop written communication skills.

• Case Study (50 per cent) - 1200 words to demonstrate developing skills of identifying health care priorities and person-centred nursing care.

Overseas study available

A number of units are offered each year at our Rome Campus, including NRSG265, NRSG266, NRSG267 (partial) and HLSC220, while NRSG373 (partial) can be studied in Cambodia, India, USA, Timor Leste, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Denmark.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

All students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent.

StatePrerequisites
ACT

Assumed knowledge: Nil

New South Wales

Assumed knowledge: Nil

Queensland

Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C)

Victoria

Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

View transparency admission information

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.  

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.  

Learn more about access schemes 

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

For current year 12 students 

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above. 

For non-school leavers 

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements. 

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.

Applicants with higher education study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process. 

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner. 

Learn more about recognition of prior learning 

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

  • If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
  • If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
  • You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
  • If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

Find your path into study

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students

If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.  

Understand your pathway options 

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?  

By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals. 

If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.  

Explore the pathways to your future 

Further study

An honours year is available to meritorious students, with a grade point average of 5.5, who meet the admission requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours).

The Faculty of Health Sciences also offers a suite of postgraduate coursework degrees in nursing. Specialties include mental health nursing, clinical nursing, clinical education, health administration as well as leadership and management in health care.

The faculty also offers the National Immunisation Education Program for Health Professionals.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$7051 CSP

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships

How to apply

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Staff Profile

Dr Jacqui Young

Course Coordinator, Bachelor of Nursing, Brisbane campus

Dr Jacqui Young is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in clinical, education, management & research domains. She has worked as a nurse in emergency and intensive care units in major hospitals within Australia and Saudi Arabia. Jacqui has extensive education experience in the hospital sector, working as a clinical facilitator with undergraduate students; a clinical coordinator with new graduate nurses; a clinical educator for coronary/intensive care in a Saudi Arabian hospital, and a nurse re-entry program coordinator for nurses returning to the workforce in a major area health service in Sydney. She brings this extensive experience along with 16 years of tertiary academic experience to the nursing curriculum at Australian Catholic University. Jacqui’s teaching interests relate to primary health care nursing, health promotion and nursing management of chronic diseases.


Testimonial

Sigrid

I choose to study at ACU as when I explored universities in Melbourne, I heard from alumni and other nurses in the workforce how excellent the clinical classrooms are. Also I come from a regional town and wanted to ensure the university I attended did not feel too big, and the ACU campus and community is very welcoming.  The academic staff at ACU have been very approachable regarding questions for specific subjects or creating healthy and engaging discussions. The non-academic staff at ACU have also been excellent and supportive. I am involved in societies, sports, ACU gym and the Student Veteran Society at ACU and all staff members of this group always have the time to speak and check in about life and academics. 

Sigrid
Nursing student

Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023

Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023

 

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