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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
January
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Duration
2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
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Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
Not applicable
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Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 7.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
MN
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Course code
1209320
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Credit points
192
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Equivalent units
16
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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
-
ATAR
Not applicable
-
Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 7.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
MN
-
Course code
1209320
-
Credit points
192
-
Equivalent units
16
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
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.
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.
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“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.
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 Harbour | Summer Term |
| Gold Coast | Summer Term |
| Lismore | Summer Term |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Summer Term | $33,800 ($4,225 per unit) | 113008H |
| Gold Coast | Summer Term | $33,800 ($4,225 per unit) | 113008H |
| Lismore | Summer Term | $33,800 ($4,225 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.
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:
- a Bachelors degree, in any discipline, within the last 10 years and achieved a minimum GPA of 5.0 (a Credit average); and
- 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:
- the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components: or
- the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or
- the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills; or
- 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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score or equivalent | 7.0 |
| Reading | 7.0 |
| Writing | 7.0 |
| Listening | 7.0 |
| Speaking | 7.0 |
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.
Course structure
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.
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.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
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.
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Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
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