Master of Nursing
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
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Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold a completed Bachelor degree (or higher) in Nursing from a recognised higher education institution.
In addition, applicants must:
- hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; AND
- have completed a minimum of one year of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse.
The program is available on a part-time basis only and will normally be completed over 3 years part-time.
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.
Degree overview
- Equip yourself for senior leadership roles in clinical practice, policy, research, education or management.
- Choose to study a clinical pathway or research pathway, depending on your interests.
- Study at a university ranked in the World Top 100 for nursing.1
- Learn from industry-experienced clinicians at a university with well above world-class research in nursing.2
- Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for student satisfaction in nursing.3
- Benefit from flexible learning – study part-time with a mix of on-campus and online study.
- Develop your ability to independently undertake research.
- Use your qualification as a pathway to further learning, including doctoral studies.
12023 QS Subject Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22 – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA Public universities.
Snapshot
Expand your career opportunities and pursue senior leadership and governance roles in clinical practice, policy, research, education or management. Learn from industry-experienced clinicians at a university with well above world-class research in nursing.1
This qualification will develop your ability to expertly inform and improve health care practice, knowledge and research. You’ll build advanced research skills, and perspectives on the global issues, trends and practices that impact the effective delivery of nursing and health services.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
What you'll learn
The Master of Nursing will give you the skills to embrace leadership and management roles. The curriculum will advance your capacity to expertly identify and investigate questions, issues or problems to improve and inform health care practice, knowledge and research.
As part of your studies, you’ll choose a clinically focused pathway where you will complete a nursing project, or follow a research focused pathway and complete a minor thesis under the supervision of experts in the field, ultimately contributing to the development and dissemination of new knowledge.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for planned learning activities. Depending on your study mode, these activities may include online discussion forums, virtual classroom sessions, lectures, tutorials, workshops, and seminars. You will also need to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings, and projects.
As a rule, most postgraduate study is completed part-time. If you are studying full-time, your studies should be treated like a full-time job, with approximately 35-40 hours of study per week. The full sum of these hours should balance your planned learning activities and your own independent study.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- online activities
- discussion papers
- critical appraisals of published research
- project or minor thesis
Global opportunities
One of the key benefits of studying at the UniSA is our ability to attract and retain internationally renowned researchers. You’ll learn from researchers and academics who are directly connected to industry and all of our clinical teaching staff combine teaching with industry experience.
In addition, our diverse student population means you have the opportunity to gain global and cultural understanding, ideas and insights direct from your peers.
Why Master of Nursing
Further your career of care and make an advanced contribution to nursing practice.
You’ll learn from specialist postgraduate teaching staff, and your studies will be supported by internationally-renowned researchers, with our well-above world-class research in nursing1 focused on outcomes relevant to the clinical translation of national health priorities. You can also choose to study a clinical pathway or research pathway, depending on your interests.
We’re home to the Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, where leading researchers are working to strengthen the role of the nursing and midwifery professions across the health system.
Our flexible suite of postgraduate nursing and midwifery qualifications are designed to recognise your prior learning and advance your career. Upon successful completion of a postgraduate qualification, you may then be eligible to gain credit into higher level qualifications and reduce the overall duration of your study.
This master's degree is offered online and part-time, with some attendance required at on-campus workshops.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Real-world connections
Learn from award-winning teaching staff, academics and health professionals via our online forums and virtual classrooms and workshops, offering you the opportunity to learn from experienced clinicians in the field and build valuable industry networks and relationships.
We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.
Online study
This qualification can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- access videos and course resources online
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
Some on-campus workshop attendance is required at UniSA’s City East campus. These requirements are detailed on individual course pages.
Advance your Nursing Career with Postgraduate Study
Hear from Dr. Allison Roderick, UniSA's Program Director of Postgraduate Nursing and Midwifery Programs, on how postgraduate study can take your career as an Registered Nurse even further.
Your career
You’ll graduate with an advanced master's qualification recognised Australia-wide, which you can use to pursue senior roles across policy, clinical practice, research, education or management. You’ll be equipped with the necessary skillset to take on leadership and governance opportunities across a wide variety of settings, such as:
- leadership and governance
- healthcare policy
- research
- education
- management
Students who complete the Master of Nursing’s clinical pathway and embark on a career in advanced practice may be eligible to apply for credit in the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner).
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
I have worked as a clinician and researcher working extensively within the international and post-graduate portfolio. I have an interest in improving the learning experience for post-graduate nurses who are our current and future leaders.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
UniSA teaching staff have a broad range of knowledge and experience, they help develop confident nurses who are able to contribute to the ongoing learning and change that the nursing profession needs. The staff welcomed questions that challenged age-old concepts and practices that brought about change to better practice and patient outcomes.
Nina Collyer
Master of Nursing
The Masters studies further developed my confidence in my ability to think critically and to conceptualise at a strategic level. It was directly applicable to my work, especially in the areas of operational nursing leadership, management and leading state-wide projects. In my role I feel very privileged to provide advice and to have the opportunity to influence on matters related to nursing and midwifery at a state and national level.
Julie Brown
Master of Nursing (Leadership and Management)* Now Master of Nursing
Senior Nursing and Midwifery Policy Advisor | SA Department for Health and Wellbeing
Staff who have upskilled with postgraduate study really shine through as motivated workers. We often employ people with postgraduate qualifications in our managerial positions as they have equipped themselves with those extra specialised skills.
Jo Boylans
Director of Operations | Southern Cross Care
The University of South Australia understands that quality teaching in nursing and midwifery goes hand-in-hand with industry partnerships. They work collaboratively across all health care services to design industry-informed curriculum.
Jennifer Fereday
Executive Director | Women’s and Children’s Health Network
