Key facts
Duration
3 years part-time
Note this course is only available part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Help shape the future of Mental Health Nursing in Australia with Deakin’s Master of Mental Health Nursing. With around 42% of Australians* experiencing a mental health condition at some time in their life, there is significant government and industry focus on growing and fostering the mental health workforce. You’ll develop the advanced practical skills and knowledge to expand your practice in mental health as a senior clinician, step into a leadership capacity, or innovate through research.
Developed in consultation with our key industry partners, you’ll gain the comprehensive theoretical and advanced practical skills needed to work with carers and supporters in any setting where mental health intervention occurs. You’ll graduate with an advanced understanding of holistic nursing assessment, major mental health conditions, person-centred approaches, therapeutic and pharmacological interventions.
Are you ready to play a leading role in the future of mental health nursing?
Help deliver the care that an increasing number of Australians need each year. With Deakin’s Master of Mental Health Nursing you’ll understand the core, foundational, and consumer-centric mental health concepts necessary to work within the multidisciplinary teams supporting consumers, carers and supporters.
In this three-year part-time course delivered on Deakin’s premium interactive learning platform you will have the opportunity to undertake either a thesis stream where you can inform current nursing practice by undertaking a research project in mental health nursing; or, choose a course work stream where you can curate your focus with a choice of course and university-wide electives.
During your first year you’ll gain an advanced understanding of comprehensive nursing assessment and the fundamental role that it plays in mental health nursing. You will learn to recognise the biological, psychological, social and spiritual components of an individual’s life, and how these can positively and negatively influence their mental health. Build on your existing skills with course content and assessments designed to facilitate advanced recognition and response to altered mental states and clinical presentation; develop comprehensive understanding of the experiences of vulnerable populations while also exploring high and low prevalence mental health conditions including, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Expanding on these foundations you’ll examine and learn how to apply contemporary and effective person-centred therapeutic interventions; working with consumers, carers and supporters on their recovery journey. Students will explore trauma-informed care, principles of recovery-oriented nursing practice and the role of peers, carers and families in supporting consumers with mental health challenges. Contemporary mental health treatment calls for a combination of nursing interventions that treat symptoms, manage psychological distress and support and foster consumer wellbeing and resilience. You’ll gain a deep understanding of both pharmacologic and talk therapies that underpin current mental health nursing practices, including the quality use of psychotropic medications such as antipsychotic, antimanic, anxiolytic, and antidepressant medications; as well as person-centred approaches to talk therapy, such as cognitive behaviour therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy.
In the second year you’ll gain an advanced understanding and knowledge of the physical health issues associated with mental illness and its treatments, such as common complications experienced by those consumers taking psychotropic medications, including metabolic syndrome and other conditions caused by medication-induced obesity.
In order to support consumers living with mental health challenges, nurses must be resilient and able to thrive in spite of the demands and stress of working in this challenging environment. You’ll enhance and support your nursing practice to manage the dynamic and challenging experiences of working in the mental healthcare environment; safeguarding your personal mental health through recognising, navigating and preventing burnout.
Course work stream:
You’ll have the opportunity to explore a personal area of interest, or add further specialised knowledge and skills to your CV with the inclusion of three course and two free electives. You can tailor your degree and your career outcomes by choosing from a wide range of areas including vulnerable communities, counselling, diabetes education and management, or leadership and education in nursing, or from elsewhere in the university.
Thesis stream:
The thesis stream sets you up to pursue a research pathway upon graduation, with four dedicated thesis units and two course elective units. Supported by a research supervision team and our expert staff you’ll create an individual research thesis. In order to undertake the thesis stream, students must have a WAM>65 from 8 credit points of study.
As a graduate of the Master of Mental Health Nursing you’ll have the skills and knowledge to enhance your mental health nursing career as a senior clinician or step into a leadership role across a range of community and inpatient settings, or innovate the industry through further research.
*(People aged 16–85 years) National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2020-2022
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Mental Health Nursing
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- H779
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Mental Health Nursing, you must pass 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 12-credit point Master of Mental Health Nursing includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period.
Coursework stream
- 7 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of course elective units
- 2 credit points of open elective units.
Thesis stream
- 6 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points of Thesis (research) units
- 2 credit points of course elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: Students must have a WAM>65 from 8-credit points of study comprising of postgraduate level 7 units to complete the thesis units.
PLUS 3 course elective units and 2 level 7 elective units from anywhere in the University
PLUS 2 course elective units
*HNN778 is only an available course elective in the Thesis stream, the unit is already a core unit in the Coursework pathway
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
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
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
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.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) with no conditions or restrictions
- Registration as a registered nurse in the country of practice or equivalent and Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- CEFR Proficient User Level C1
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
- Entry into thesis stream of Master of Mental Health Nursing will require a WAM >65 from 8-credit points of study comprising of postgraduate level 7 units
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 - full-fee paying place
$30,600 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$6,359 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:
- If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
- If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose.
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 you have.
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.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan - including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP - depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
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
This course can provide a pathway option to higher degree by research courses.
We offer a Graduate Certificate and a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing.
Nurses who successfully complete the Master of Mental Health Nursing, and who undertake the thesis stream, may be able to extend their research career by undertaking a PhD if desired.
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
As government and industry continue to focus on building and securing the mental health workforce, registered nurses with specialised postgraduate qualifications in mental health nursing are in strong demand, and in many services are a minimum requirement to work in the setting following an undergraduate nursing degree.
Deakin’s outstanding employment rate for postgraduate nursing means you can be confident in taking the next step in your career. As a graduate of the Master of Mental Health Nursing you’ll have the skills and knowledge to enhance your mental health nursing career as a senior clinician or step into a leadership role across a range of community and inpatient settings.
Upon graduation, you may find work in:
- acute public mental health
- aged care services
- child and adolescent mental health
- forensic services
- mother and baby services
- community mental health
- drug and alcohol services
- private mental health
Nurses who successfully complete the Master of Mental Health Nursing, and who undertake the thesis stream, may be able to extend their research career by undertaking a PhD to continue to help shape the future of mental health nursing.
Professional recognition
Nurses employed in a health service with mental health postgraduate qualifications, may be eligible for a higher duties allowance relevant to their practice.
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 | Critically analyse and apply theories and evidence informed practice to facilitate recovery-oriented, trauma informed and consumer-centred advanced mental health nursing care. |
| Communication | Critically employ advanced therapeutic nursing communication skills and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to promote the advocacy, agency and self determination of mental health consumers, families, and carers. |
| Digital literacy | Maintain, evaluate and advance mental health nursing knowledge and practice through the critical analysis, production and dissemination of mental health research using digital technologies. |
| Critical thinking | Apply advanced critical thinking nursing skills through the analysis, evaluation, and critique of complex evidence-based sources to inform clinical decision making. |
| Problem solving | Assess, plan, and deliver complex mental health nursing care to diverse consumers with multifaceted mental health needs. |
| Self-management | Practice autonomously demonstrating accountability, professionalism and personal responsibility, whilst reflecting on nursing practice. |
| Teamwork | Lead and collaborate in the multidisciplinary team while partnering and advocating for mental health consumers to optimise outcomes and engagement. |
| Global citizenship | Establish and maintain professional and ethical standards of nursing practice whilst promoting diverse cultural and community perspectives. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
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