Back to Find Courses page

Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)

Masters by Coursework

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    MN

  • Course code

    1209320

  • Credit points

    192

  • Equivalent units

    16

  • Indicative Fee


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.

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 UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Summer Term N/A N/A
Gold Coast Summer Term N/A N/A
Lismore Summer Term N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

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.

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.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes

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

First Year

NURS5009 The Health Narrative Across the Lifespan
Summer Term
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Summer Term
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Summer Term
Lismore
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
NURS5010 Introduction to Clinical Practice
Summer Term
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Summer Term
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Summer Term
Lismore
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
INDG6002 Health and Indigenous Peoples
Term1,5
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1,5
Term1,5
Online
Term1,5
Term1,5
PHAR2001 Introductory Pharmacology
Term1,3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Pre-requisites Be admitted to 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry); OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
NURS5011 Chronic Health and Disability Across the Lifespan
Term2,3
12 Note 2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2,3
Term2,3
Pre-requisites NURS5010 - Introduction to Clinical Practice AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
Enrolment information Students who enrol in this unit in Term 2 will undertake placement hours during Terms 2 and 3. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires 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 and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.
NURS5012 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Term2,3
12 Note 2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2,3
Term2,3
Pre-requisites NURS5010 - Introduction to Clinical Practice AND PHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology
Enrolment information Please 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) that requires 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 and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.
NURS5013 Evidence-Based Mental Health Nursing
Term4
12 Note 2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites NURS5012 - Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Enrolment information This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires 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 and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.
NURS5014 Clinical Nursing I
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites NURS5012 - Health Assessment Across the Lifespan AND NURS5011 - Chronic Health and Disability Across the Lifespan

Second Year

NURS5015 Community Partnerships
Dual Term1
12 Note 2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term1
Dual Term1
Gold Coast
Dual Term1
Dual Term1
Lismore
Dual Term1
Dual Term1
Pre-requisites NURS5011 - Chronic Health and Disability Across the Lifespan
Enrolment information Teaching in this unit is delivered over a six-week period. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires 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 and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.
NURS6001 Clinical Nursing II
Dual Term1
12 Note 2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term1
Dual Term1
Gold Coast
Dual Term1
Dual Term1
Lismore
Dual Term1
Dual Term1
Pre-requisites NURS5014 - Clinical Nursing I
Enrolment information Teaching in this unit is delivered over a six-week period. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires 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 and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.
HLTH3004 Transition to Practice
Summer Term
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Lismore
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Pre-requisites Students 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 - Work Integrated Learning in Exercise Science; 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 information This unit must be done in the final year except for Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology students who should complete it in Year 3.
NURS5016 Nursing Research
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites NURS6001 - Clinical Nursing II
HLTH3005 Interprofessional Health Practice
Term2,3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2,3
Term2,3
Gold Coast
Term2,3
Term2,3
Lismore
Term2,3
Term2,3
Pre-requisites Be 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
NURS6002 Promoting Nursing Leadership
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
NURS6003 Clinical Nursing III
Dual Term4
24 Note 1, Note 2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Gold Coast
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Lismore
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Pre-requisites NURS5014 - Clinical Nursing I AND NURS6001 - Clinical Nursing II
Enrolment information Teaching in this unit is over a two-week intensive period. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires 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 and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.

Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Note 2:

This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Please refer to the unit details for more information.

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
NURS5009 The Health Narrative Across the Lifespan
NURS5010 Introduction to Clinical Practice
INDG6002 Health and Indigenous Peoples
PHAR2001 Introductory Pharmacology
NURS5011 Chronic Health and Disability Across the Lifespan Note 2
NURS5012 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan Note 2
NURS5013 Evidence-Based Mental Health Nursing Note 2
NURS5014 Clinical Nursing I
NURS5015 Community Partnerships Note 2
NURS6001 Clinical Nursing II Note 2
HLTH3004 Transition to Practice
HLTH3005 Interprofessional Health Practice
NURS6002 Promoting Nursing Leadership
NURS5016 Nursing Research
NURS6003 Clinical Nursing III Note 1, Note 2