Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing
Course information for - 2023 entry
Offered at 1 locations
- Study mode
- Online
- Duration
-
1 year part-time
- Fees (first year)*
$2060 CSP
$10960 Fee-paying- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Not availableMidyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2023Applications open April 2023
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing aims to expand nursing clinicians’ knowledge and skills in mental health practice with evidence-based knowledge and practice enabling immediate application/translation in the workplace.
Graduates of the program should be able to:
- evaluate issues and challenges confronting mental health practice
- conceptualise new and creative approaches to clinical practice to support service delivery in culturally diverse health care contexts
- connect theory, practice and research with regard to mental health practice
- understand and use innovative solutions in contemporary health care
- contribute to values based professional practice in dynamic and challenging environments.
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the Courses costs section below, under Fees.

Professional experience
Students are required to be employed in a mental health service.
Professional recognition
This course meets the requirements of a postgraduate qualification for employment beyond entry level in mental health settings.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing, a student must complete 40 credit points (cp).
Sample program map
Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 - Semester 1 | NRSG652 Recovery Oriented Mental Health Nursing | NRSG651 Holistic Individual Centred Mental Health Nursing Practice | |||
Year 1 - Semester 2 | NRSG653 Health Promotion and Social Inclusion in Mental Health Nursing | NRSG655 Reflective Practice and Clinical Supervision in Mental Health Nursing |
This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.
AQF framework
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy .
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:
- have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree; AND
- provide written confirmation from their employer that they are employed in a mental health service.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission.
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
Further study
Graduates may progress to the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, the Master of Mental Health Nursing or other postgraduate programs at ACU.
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Fees
Course costs
$2060 CSP
$10960 Fee-paying
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.
A 10% rebate on fees will be offered to domestic ACU graduates (from any faculty) enrolling in full fee-paying postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Conditions apply.
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.
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.
How to apply
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Students must meet employment at the point of commencing studies. Find out more about deferment.