Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
This degree is only available to Australian students
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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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria:
Employer Sponsored
- Hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; AND
- A letter of support from an employer confirming a training position within the area of mental health nursing
University Placement
- A recognised Bachelor degree in Nursing or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; AND
- Hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; AND
- A current Department for Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC); AND
- A criminal history check issued by an ACIC-accredited provider within the last 12 months
Applicants with an employer-sponsored training place apply via SATAC code 4GD048.
The University Placement entry pathway (SATAC code 4GD125) will not have an intake in 2025.
Degree overview
- Registered Nurses can advance their knowledge and skills in contemporary mental health patient care.
- 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 options on-campus and online.
- Gain practical experience with 240 hours of industry placement during your studies.
- 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
In two years of part-time study, Registered Nurses will be equipped with the skills to effectively respond to patients suffering from mental health challenges.
UniSA will help you develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to assess and care for people experiencing mental illness.
This graduate diploma explores psychosocial and behavioural sciences and the legal and ethical aspects of mental health nursing practice. As a mental health nurse, you’ll be able to work with people who have a mental illness like depression, postnatal depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychosis.
You’ll gain valuable practical experience with an industry placement, preparing you to provide mental health care in a variety of health care settings.
This qualification is offered with a blend of online learning and on-campus workshops.
What you'll need
Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.
Due to the limited number of placements, applicants are requested to supply these documents along with a Statement of Employment to SATAC when applying. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.
On entry to the qualification you will be required to confirm that you meet the ‘Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements’ requirements.
You can find more about what you’ll need in the rules and notes for the specific courses you'll study.
What you'll learn
This unique qualification will give you an in-depth understanding of mental health issues and conditions, as well the ability to design intervention and evaluation strategies for patients across diverse backgrounds.
You'll explore the bio-psychosocial and behavioural sciences, co-morbidities, pharmacology and the provision of family support within mental health. Emphasis is placed on the practice of mental health care for a culturally diverse society in metropolitan, rural and remote clinical settings.
You'll also develop advanced interviewing and assessment skills, and knowledge of support services.
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:
- presentations
- clinical assessments
- group project case presentations
- case studies
- online activities
Global opportunities
One of the key benefits of studying at 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 Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing offers immediate application in the workplace, advanced career prospects for Registered Nurses, and the opportunity to become a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse with the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN).
You’ll learn from specialist postgraduate teaching staff, and be supported by internationally renowned researchers. Our curriculum is informed by well above world-class research in nursing1, focused on outcomes relevant to improving mental health.
UniSA is home to the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research and Education, where our mental health researchers are recognised for undertaking research improving the lives of people in mental distress and at risk of suicide. Staff within the group contribute directly to the teaching of our postgraduate programs.
Real-world connections
Industry experience is a key focus of this graduate diploma. During your studies, you'll complete 240 hours of industry placement in a healthcare setting. Through clinical placements you’ll get direct access to qualified practitioners and mental health professionals, and build important industry networks.
We have clinical arrangements with local health and rural health networks, major hospitals, healthcare providers, aged care services and mental health services, in the private and public sectors.
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 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
Mental health professionals facilitate an improved quality of life for patients with mental illness. They actively participate in the recognition, assessment and treatment of people with mental health and co-morbid related conditions, with extra support for families and friends.
With an increasing prevalence of mental illness in Australia, this diploma is highly relevant to healthcare today. Mental and behavioural conditions are some of the most prevalent chronic conditions experienced in Australia in 2022, effecting more than 26.1% of the population.1 Specialist training in the area of mental health will further improve employment prospects for graduates, and offer career diversity.
Registered Nurses with extra mental health qualifications can broaden their employment prospects in a variety of settings in the private and public sectors, including:
- hospital emergency departments
- acute inpatient units
- residential and non-residential rehabilitation programs
- the justice system
- community health services
1Australian Bureau of Statistics, Health conditions prevalence, 2022.
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
The Graduate Diploma has given me the skills to be a proficient mental health practitioner in a range of settings. I found the group work to be particularly beneficial, as it’s important to have the ability to communicate within a multi-disciplinary team.
Beata Mitchell
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Care Coordinator | Eastern Community Mental Health
My involvement in the rural health club at university provided me with a different view into the health care system and offered great networking opportunities around Australia.
Martins Strikis, Registered Nurse, Mount Gambier Community Mental Health Service
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
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
