Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Practice

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

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Home/Australia/Melbourne /University of Melbourne/Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Practice

University of Melbourne

Australia , Melbourne

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Online

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 26,976 / year

Next Intake January-2026

Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Practice

About

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Practice is designed to extend your nursing knowledge and develop depth and complexity in your understanding of mental health.

Created in response to the growing need for specialist nurses with excellence in mental health, this entirely online course is based on the National Framework for Postgraduate Mental Health Nursing Education developed by the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for current AHPRA Registered Nurses looking to specialise in mental health nursing. The Department of Nursing at the Melbourne School of Health Sciences has prioritised the development of a mental health nursing curriculum to support workforce demands and lead postgraduate mental health nursing.

International students are welcome to study this course. However, please note that this course is not available to international students who require a student visa to study in Australia as it does not meet the onshore study requirements and it is not registered with CRICOS.

Course aims

This course gives students the opportunity to focus on specialties in aged mental health, first episode psychosis, child or youth mental health, or acute/adult mental health nursing. It is relevant to current practice and prepares you for a fulfilling career as a specialist mental health nurse.

Pathways

Students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Practice have the opportunity to progress into the Master of Advanced Nursing Practice.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:

A Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent qualification (i.e., Master of Nursing Science entry to practice), AND
Current unrestricted registration with AHPRA, AND
Clinical support from a partnering health service and be employed a minimum of three (3) days or 24 hours per week for the standard course duration in a clinical setting that will provide the relevant clinical experience to meet course learning outcomes.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

The Selection Committee will also consider your area of specialty practice and clinical experience.

English Program Requirements

English language test score requirements

If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0

TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60

CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169

*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

Career

Career outcomes

Students of this course will benefit from the strong links with health services held by the Department of Nursing at the Melbourne School of Health Sciences. The school is committed to preparing specialist mental health nurses who play an important role in providing care for consumers and their families.

Delivered 100% online, this unique course gives students the opportunity to focus on specialities in aged mental health, first episode psychosis, child or youth mental health, or acute/adult mental health nursing. It’s relevant to current practice and prepares you for a fulfilling career as a specialist mental health nurse.