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Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing

Postgraduate coursework

Expand your advanced practice knowledge and improve healthcare delivery in your workplace. Graduate ready to take on a leadership and mentoring role.

Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

With job growth of 12.2% projected for registered nurses by 2028,* there is strong demand for nurses to take on leadership and mentoring roles in this vital sector. As a registered nurse, Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing will prepare you to meet that demand, providing a pathway to expand on your advanced practice knowledge and improve healthcare delivery in your workplace

You will study at one of Australia’s largest and most established nursing schools, ranked #15 in the world for nursing courses.^ The School’s cutting-edge research is recognised as well above world standard#. Our strong industry connections, mean you will be guided by experts in nursing as you explore the current and emerging trends, concepts, knowledge and evidence that provides the policy and practice framework in which the care of patients takes place.

Are you ready to take on a leadership role as the next step in your nursing career?

Open the door to senior roles in nursing with the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing. This course enables you to gain a varied understanding of advanced nursing practice, without narrowing your focus to a particular specialty area. In addition to two core units, you can select six elective units tailored to your interests and career goals.

Core units will expand your professional judgement by exploring ethical practices in the workplace, as well as the policies and frameworks which govern patient care. You can then choose your electives from complementary areas of health practice related to your interests, or undertake studies preparing you for roles in education, leadership or management.

You will be challenged to become a leader in evidence-based practice, and a change agent to improve the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes.

Designed for postgraduate nursing students, our innovative online program delivers a rich, interactive and empowering learning experience that will encourage critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills. Australia’s top-rated tech support and access to our expert teaching staff allow you to study flexibly around your work and other commitments, without compromising quality or support.

Graduates are prepared to handle the contemporary challenges nurses may face with a course that responds to industry trends and demands. You will also learn how to make a difference through roles in areas such as practice, education, leadership and research.

* Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections.
^ 2024 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
# Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018.

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Course information

Award granted
Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
H675
Level
Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course structure

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing, students must attain a total of 8 credit points. Student must complete 2 core (compulsory) units, plus 6 credit points of electives, of which 4 must be from the course electives. The remaining 2 can be from any level 7 electives from anywhere in the university, including stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials), subject to eligibility.

Students are encouraged to select units on interest and/or relevance to your clinical practice.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.

Core Units

  • Patient Safety and Risk Management
  • Ethical Dimensions in Nursing
  • Course Electives

  • Pathophysiology of Diabetes
  • Management of Diabetes
  • Contemporary Approaches to Diabetes Education
  • Diabetes in Social and Psychological Contexts
  • Leadership and Management in Nursing
  • Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' History, Culture and Health
  • Biopsychosocialspiritual Mental Health Nursing Assessment
  • Person-Centred Approaches to Engagement in Mental Health Nursing
  • Facilitating Clinical Learning
  • Healthcare in Low Resource/Complex Environments
  • Healthcare Management of Vulnerable Populations
  • Research in Nursing and Midwifery
  • Quality and Safety in Medication Management
  • Therapeutic Medication Management
  • Recognising and Understanding Mental Illness
  • Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing
  • The Physical Health Needs of Persons with Mental Illness
  • Sustaining the Mental Health Nursing Workforce
  • Australian Aboriginal Holistic Health and Healing
  • Stackable short courses

    Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 cp microcredentials) to earn up to 2 credit point(s) of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Deakin stackable short course options.

    Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Online Campus

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Online Campus

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

    Workload

    As an online student in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course. Refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information.

    Participation requirements

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:

    • Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent
    • Registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia with no conditions or restrictions, or registered as a registered nurse in the country of practice or equivalent

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Students holding an approved specialist certificate from the former Nurses Board of Victoria may apply for up to four credit points of Recognition of prior learning towards the Masters.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $5,058 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)

    Learn more about fees.

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning. One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

    Learn more about fees and available payment options.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

    Pathways

    Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing, students have the option to further their studies by articulating into the below course:

    H777 Master of Advanced Nursing

    Alternative exits

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.

    Get the skills to lead patient care and develop healthcare policy

    Our School of Nursing and Midwifery is ranked #16 in the world*

    Be in demand: 12.1% projected job growth for nurse managers by 2028^

    Learn from the best – our research is ranked well above world standard#

    Career outcomes

    With job growth of 12.2% projected for registered nurses and 12.1% for nurse managers by 2028,* there is an industry demand for nurses who can lead and mentor teams within healthcare settings. Whether you are pursuing a senior position in nursing or want to be a leading voice in nurse education, this course will prepare you for each role.

    Depending on the units you have completed, your expertise will allow you to pursue a range of roles including:

    • clinical nurse educator
    • associate or unit manager
    • research roles

    * Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections.

    Professional recognition

    Nurses employed under the Victorian public hospital award receive a higher duties allowance.

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Demonstrate advanced nursing practice commensurate with nursing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice and person-centred care.

    Communication

    Demonstrate advanced communication skills to ensure the delivery of quality, safe nursing care.

    Digital literacy

    Evaluate information using digital technologies to effectively disseminate relevant healthcare information to individuals, groups and/or the multidisciplinary team.

    Critical thinking

    Identify and evaluate complex data from multiple sources to inform evidence-based decision making.

    Problem solving

    Apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to routine and complex problems to optimise health outcomes.

    Self-management

    Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, reflection and personal autonomy.

    Teamwork

    Establish and maintain inclusive, collaborative professional relationships.

    Global Citizenship

    Display accountability for, and sound professional judgement in behaviours that uphold ethical principles of practice within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts.

    * 2022 ShanghaiRankings Ranking of Academic Subjects
    ^ 2021 Employment Outlook - for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government National Skills Commission
    # Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018