student standing in front of health clinic

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    January

  • Duration

    2 years full-time; 4 years part-time

  • Location

    Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    MN

  • Course code

    1209320

  • Credit points

    192

  • Equivalent units

    16

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    January

  • Duration

    2 years full-time

  • Location

    Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

Become a Registered Nurse (RN) in just two years with the Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) and begin making a difference to people’s lives every day.

This degree develops a combination of professional knowledge, skills and clinical experiences to prepare you for a career in nursing and health. You will learn to apply sound evidence-based reasoning skills to your nursing practice, provide therapeutic care to patients, coordinate nursing care to individuals and groups, and work independently as well as collaborate in multidisciplinary teams for effective outcomes.

Theoretical knowledge is built upon by supervised clinical placements in a variety of healthcare settings. Placements are offered in local, regional and remote facilities to provide diverse learning experiences.

This course is ideal for graduates of health degrees who wish to transition into nursing or graduates from other disciplines who wish to pursue a healthcare career with robust employment prospects.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate a commitment to and an understanding of the profession in an interview.

English Language requirements

This course has English Language requirements which must be met for admission. Please consider these requirements prior to applying.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements apply to this course. Please consider these before applying.

Owen Lednor, Director of Care at The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living Centre and SCU graduate stands in their offices in front of a bright yellow wall with comfortable seating behind him

“Accessing really contemporary thinking about care, and care that has people at the centre of everything we do was critical.”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Apply an advanced and integrated understanding of knowledge and skills, with accountability, to inform clinical reasoning in constructing and delivering safe, high quality, person-centred nursing practices.

GA2: Creativity

Plan and execute research and scholarship as a basis for ongoing professional inquiry and effective knowledge translation to ensure evidence-based and holistic nursing practice.

GA3: Ethical practice

Meet and adhere to relevant national professional, ethical and legal standards to ensure safe and competent nursing practice with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Critically apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in planning, prioritising, implementing and evaluating nursing practices across a range of diverse circumstances and settings.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Incorporate critical self-reflection, innovation and creativity, integrity, responsibility and accountability in contributing to professional practice, scholarship and lifelong learning.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Work independently and collaboratively with individuals, the nursing team, interdisciplinary healthcare teams and effectively empower and build leadership in the delivery of nursing.

Use academic knowledge and skills including literacy, numeracy and academic integrity to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form with a variety of audiences.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate cultural responsivity and respect for the identity and dignity of all persons, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Critically analyse regional, national and global healthcare systems, processes and ecological changes that affect healthcare to inform policy to meet changing societal needs.

This course includes 840 hours of supervised clinical placement. All placement hours must be completed to meet the requirements of the Master of Nursing and to be able to apply for nursing registration with AHPRA.

Clinical placement will be anywhere between two and six weeks in length at an agreed facility. Placements must be attended every day during this time and are subject to shift allocation within the facility.

In order to attend clinical placements, all students are required to complete extensive compliance requirements as mandated by NSW and QLD Health legislation. This includes, but is not limited to: immunisations listed on the Australian National Immunisation program, COVID-19 vaccinations, mask-fit testing, first aid, CPR, working with children and National Police Certificates. 

Before applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these compliance requirements.

The Master of Nursing provides students with anatomical knowledge, as well as an understanding of nursing principles and the legal and ethical framework that guides the profession. The degree has a strong focus on research, Indigenous health, clinical practice, knowledge translation and impact, patient-centred care and evidence-based practice.

Location Teaching period
Coffs HarbourSummer Term
Gold CoastSummer Term
LismoreSummer Term
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Coffs HarbourSummer Term$31,920 ($3,990 per unit)113008H
Gold CoastSummer Term$31,920 ($3,990 per unit)113008H
LismoreSummer Term$31,920 ($3,990 per unit)113008H

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Nursing will be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and practice in a diverse range of primary, secondary or tertiary healthcare settings throughout Australia.

Southern Cross is renowned for leadership, education and clinical expertise in Nursing and we are highly sought after across the globe.

With further qualifications Registered Nurses can pursue clinical specialties, become nurse practitioners, senior defence force personnel, research coordinators, academics or business owners.

This course is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Students enrolled in the Master of Nursing will be registered by Southern Cross University with NMBA as an enrolled student.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is responsible for the registration and accreditation of various health professions in Australia. If you are enrolled in a course to enter one of these professions, we will provide AHPRA with your details for student registration. 
 
You do not need to apply or pay for your student registration. We will provide all the required information to AHPRA directly. You can find more information about AHPRA student registration and what we are required to report to AHPRA on their website.
 
Please be aware that as part of the registration process, AHPRA will collect your personal information (including your USI). AHPRA’s Privacy Policy explains how you may access and seek correction of your personal information held by AHPRA; complain to AHPRA about a breach of your privacy; and how a complaint will be dealt with. AHPRA’s Privacy Policy can be accessed on AHPRA’s Privacy webpage.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have completed:

  1. a Bachelors degree, in any discipline, within the last 10 years and achieved a minimum GPA of 5.0 (a Credit average); and
  2. one 12 credit point unit of study in human anatomy /physiology or a related area from any recognised tertiary institution or equivalent as determined by the Course Coordinator (for example see here )

Applicants who are already registered nurses in Australia are not eligible for admission to this course.

To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must:

1. provide a written declaration that English is their primary language*;

or

2. have achieved:

  1. the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components: or
  2. the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or
  3. the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills; or
  4. the TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 24 listening, 24 reading, 27 writing, and 23 speaking.

*Refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia requirements regarding English as Primary Language.

In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency [AHPRA]’s standards for English language must be met. See AHPRA’s English Language Skills for further information.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score or equivalent7.0
Reading7.0
Writing7.0
Listening7.0
Speaking7.0

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry), students must complete the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising all core units.


Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.


Progression

Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of any two (2) units with professional experience learning.

Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular unit with professional experience learning.

Students who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 12 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake specified practice or theory to ensure currency prior to continuation of the course.


Duration

The maximum duration for completion of the award of Master of Nursing is five (5) years in total which includes any period for a leave of absence.


Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Other things to consider

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

NURS5009The Health Narrative Across the Lifespan
Summer Term
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Summer Term
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Summer Term
Lismore
Summer Term
Summer Term
NURS5010Introduction to Clinical Practice
Summer Term
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Summer Term
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Summer Term
Lismore
Summer Term
Summer Term
INDG6002Health and Indigenous Peoples
Term1,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,5
Term1,5
Online
Term1,5
Term1,5
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Pre-requisitesBe admitted to 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry); OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
NURS5011Chronic Health and Disability Across the Lifespan
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesNURS5010 - Introduction to Clinical Practice AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
Enrolment informationStudents who enrol in this unit in Term 2 will undertake placement hours during Terms 2 and 3. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
NURS5012Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesNURS5010 - Introduction to Clinical Practice AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. Students who enrol in this unit in Term 2 will undertake placement hours during Term 3. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
NURS5013Evidence-Based Mental Health Nursing
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Enrolment informationThis unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
NURS5014Clinical Nursing I
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesNURS5012 - Health Assessment Across the Lifespan AND NURS5011 - Chronic Health and Disability Across the Lifespan

Second Year

NURS5015Community Partnerships

Not currently available

12
NURS6001Clinical Nursing II

Not currently available

12
HLTH3004Transition to Practice
Summer Term
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Lismore
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Pre-requisitesStudents must complete 192 credit points in 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery OR 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3005113 - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science; OR Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007012 - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in SPRT3001 - Professional Preparation; OR Students must complete 288 CP in 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology OR 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry; OR Students must complete 120 CP in 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)
Enrolment informationThis unit must be done in the final year except for Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology students who should complete it in Year 3.
NURS5016Nursing Research

Not currently available

12
HLTH3005Interprofessional Health Practice
Term2,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,3
Term2,3
Gold Coast
Term2,3
Term2,3
Lismore
Term2,3
Term2,3
Pre-requisitesBe admitted to course: 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry AND PODR2014 - Work Integrated Learning in Podiatry III ORREHB2002 - Clinics in Multimodal Intervention: Internal; OR be admitted to course: 3207309 - Bachelor of Podiatry, Bachelor of Pedorthics AND PODR2014 - Work Integrated Learning in Podiatry III; OR be admitted to course: 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery AND MIDW3006 - Midwifery Practice: Mentorship A; OR be admitted to course: 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing AND NURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2; OR be admitted to course: 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing AND NURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2; OR be admitted to course: 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) AND NURS6001 - Clinical Nursing II; OR have completed 288 credit points in either 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007012 - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
NURS6002Promoting Nursing Leadership

Not currently available

12
NURS6003Clinical Nursing III

Not currently available

24 Note 1


Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
NURS5009The Health Narrative Across the Lifespan
NURS5010Introduction to Clinical Practice
INDG6002Health and Indigenous Peoples
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
NURS5011Chronic Health and Disability Across the Lifespan
NURS5012Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
NURS5013Evidence-Based Mental Health Nursing
NURS5014Clinical Nursing I
NURS5015Community Partnerships
NURS6001Clinical Nursing II
HLTH3004Transition to Practice
HLTH3005Interprofessional Health Practice
NURS6002Promoting Nursing Leadership
NURS5016Nursing Research
NURS6003Clinical Nursing III Note 1

Why Health at SCU

One of the best clinical lab facilities in Australia

Health Clinics on-campus provide safe and supervised environments for practicums

5-star health ratings

We are 5-star rated in psychology, nursing and health services and support

(GUG 2023)

Graduates in very high demand

Health graduates in very high demand as Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia's largest and fastest growing industry

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Coffs Harbour

Gold Coast

Lismore

Choose where you want to study

International students studying in Australia

Coffs Harbour

  • Summer Term January 2024
    Apply

Gold Coast

  • Summer Term January 2024
    Apply

Lismore

  • Summer Term January 2024
    Apply

Notice: This course has reached capacity for 2024 and applications have closed.

Notice: This course has reached capacity for 2024 and applications have closed.

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway