Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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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
Online
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Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.
Degree overview
- Further your career as a Registered Nurse by gaining advanced knowledge of the Australian healthcare system.
- Study a variety of clinical specialisations or enhance your practice through evidence-based inquiry.
- 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
- Enhance your learning through evidence-based practice and develop leadership and management skills.
- Be supported by online learning resources, available to you 24/7.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,4 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
12024 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. 4Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Further your career as a registered nurse in just one year of part-time, online study.
This highly customisable qualification will progress your understanding of a variety of clinical specialities and build your understanding of leadership, management and healthcare governance. It will also equip you with advanced knowledge of the Australian healthcare system and the social, political and economic factors that affect nursing and health services.
Depending on what you study, you’ll graduate with the skills to work in specialised clinical roles, or step into more senior positions in the workforce.
Students interested in a specific clinical specialisation can explore graduate certificates in the following areas:
- Mental Health Nursing: For RNs interested in promoting care and recovery to people with mental health conditions.
- Nurse Education: For RNs looking to educate health professionals.
- Health and Ageing: For RNs looking to improve the health and wellbeing of older people.
- Critical Care Nursing: For RNs currently working in intensive care, emergency care or coronary care.
What you'll learn
This graduate certificate will help you upskill with advanced practical skills and knowledge of the global issues, trends and practices that impact the delivery of nursing and health services.
As a highly customisable degree, you can choose two courses that complement your existing skill-set, or can upskill into new specialisation areas. Topic areas available for study includes:
- policy analysis, decision-making, healthcare governance and leadership
- acute care, including specialised areas in allergy and perioperative
- healthcare education
- mental health
- primary and complex care for different demographics.
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
- essays
- case study analysis
- assignments
Global opportunities
One of the key benefits of studying with 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 Graduate Certificate in Nursing
This qualification that has been designed to suit working professionals, with interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment.
You will learn from specialist postgraduate teaching staff, well above world-class researchers in nursing1 and industry-experienced clinicians, assuring you the very best in academic resources, learning facilities and support.
UniSA’s teaching is informed by cutting-edge research. 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 this qualification, you may then be eligible to gain credit into higher level qualifications.
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, giving 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 is offered 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 online forums for teamwork and communication
Some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may be required.
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
Nurses work at the forefront of healthcare and play a key role in the wellbeing of society.
Our Graduate Certificate in Nursing prepares registered nurses to expand their professional expertise. Depending on what you study, you can upskill into specialised clinical areas, or develop your confidence to step into senior leadership roles or healthcare governance.
Graduates can work in a wide variety of nursing roles in a range of healthcare settings, such as:
- hospitals
- primary health and community support services
- aged/rehabilitative care
- schools
- home care
- drug/alcohol services
- community health organisations
- palliative care services
- child and adolescent health services.
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 a strong background in intensive care and infection control, gained from working in public and private ICUs in Australia and overseas. As a former graduate of UniSA’s Nursing program and now Program Director of the postgraduate suite of Nursing and Midwifery programs, I greatly benefitted from real-world experiences in my studies, and understand how important it is to help students achieve their career goals. In addition to hands-on learning, I also ensure my teaching is closely informed by industry, where I have close connections with key groups including education, ICU, perioperative, and more.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or 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. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
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 Boylan
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
