Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
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
All applicants must:
- hold current general registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; AND
- hold a postgraduate qualification from a recognised higher education institution in a relevant clinical field.
In addition, to be accepted into the program, applicants will be required to provide documentation including:
- A CV demonstrating a minimum of four years full-time equivalent experience as a Registered Nurse, including two years full-time equivalent as a Registered Nurse in a clinical field and two years full-time equivalent at an advanced practice level in the same clinical field; AND
- Signed support forms and CVs from a suitably qualified Clinical Support Team that will assist applicants in the development and extension of their specialist practice. The Clinical Support Team must be approved by the Program Director; AND
- A completed and signed Employer Support Form as evidence that the applicant’s employer is willing to facilitate the extended clinical practice components of the program within their workplace or related agencies.
The Information for Prospective Students pack includes an application checklist and all required forms.
The program is available on a part-time basis only and will normally be completed over 3 years part-time.
Degree overview
- Upskill to meet Australia's rapidly growing demand for a Nurse Practitioner workforce.
- Gain a master's degree from a university ranked in the World Top 100 for nursing.1
- Prepare yourself with the advanced knowledge and skills required for endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
- Further your knowledge, experience and opportunities in evidence-based practice.
- Join South Australia’s No.1 university for teaching quality in nursing and midwifery.2
- Learn from industry-endorsed Nurse Practitioners at a university with well above world-class research in nursing.3
- Join South Australia’s No.1 university for student satisfaction in nursing.4
- Be supported by online learning resources, available 24/7.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,5 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. 2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Nursing – Teaching Quality Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).4ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22 – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA Public universities. 5Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Register for our free online information session on Wednesday 6 November, 2024.
With the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner), Registered Nurses can acquire additional knowledge, skills and competencies for expanded practice to work at an advanced level.
This qualification examines the role of Nurse Practitioners in the delivery of healthcare, including the legal, ethical and professional issues relating to autonomous and multi-disciplinary practice.
Only part-time study is available, over a minimum of three years, to be flexible around your work/life schedule. As part of your studies, you’ll be involved in 300 hours of supernumerary integrated professional practice experience across several courses in the program.
For further details about the program including Clinical Support Team information, please read the Information for Prospective Students.
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, child related employment clearance and immunisation requirements. 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 prior to undertaking the internship courses. Students undertaking supernumerary integrated professional practice experience are also required to meet the conditional evidence requirements of their employers.
What you'll learn
You’ll gain advanced knowledge and skills in health assessment, diagnosis and investigative procedures; as well as prescribing and evaluating treatments and medications. You‘ll become competent in designing research relevant to the role, and you’ll develop your understanding of advanced epidemiology concepts.
As part of your learning, you can complete two Nurse Practitioner Internship courses, where you’ll be mentored by your Clinical Support Team members in your workplace to assist you to develop the advanced knowledge and skills required of a Nurse Practitioner.
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:
- e-portfolios
- reports
- online activities
- drug studies
- case study analysis
- comprehensive clinical assessments
- supervisor assessed clinical case presentations
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 Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
Designed to meet industry needs head-on, the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) is for Registered Nurses wanting the expertise and authority to diagnose and treat people of all ages with a variety of acute or chronic health conditions.
Offered across online platforms and in state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll learn from specialist postgraduate teaching staff and internationally renowned researchers. The curriculum is informed by UniSA's well above world-class research in nursing1, and is relevant to the clinical translation of national health priorities.
You’ll benefit from the flexibility of part-time or full-time study options across online learning and on-campus workshops.
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, you may then be eligible to gain credit into higher level qualifications and reduce the overall duration of your study.
You’ll graduate from this degree with eligibility to seek endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner.
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. You’ll also embark on 240 hours of supernumerary integrated professional practice as part of this degree.
We have clinical arrangements with local health and rural health networks, major hospitals, healthcare providers, aged care services and mental health services, in the public and private sectors.
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 postgraduate qualification recognised Australia-wide, which you can use to seek endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner. Once endorsed, you’ll be able to work in your Nurse Practitioner role in your aligned scope of practice.
UniSA Nurse Practitioner graduates work in many diverse areas such as:
- emergency departments
- respiratory care
- renal care
- paediatrics
- community health
- health prevention
- cardiac care
- intensive care
- orthopaedics
- public health
- private healthcare
- mental health
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates satisfy the academic requirements for endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The requirements for endorsement are determined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
The program has been accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- Check you meet the full entry requirements for this program. Information for Prospective Students.
- Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
- You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.
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
I have enjoyed meeting nurses from other hospitals while studying at UniSA. We were all studying online and first met in a virtual classroom session. Now we catch up for study groups over breakfast and have become great friends.
Leah McWilliams
Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
I thought study was behind me, but soon saw it as an opportunity to expand my clinical skills and contribute to improving access for patients. I also valued the input from the lecturers who challenged me to think beyond being an ‘advance practice nurse’ and what it really means to be a Nurse Practitioner. This qualification was relevant, current and flexible enough to allow full-time work.
Sacha Palmer
Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
Clinical Nurse Consultant Allergy/ Immunology | Women’s and Children’s Hospital
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
After receiving a Nursing Leadership Award by the Minister for Health, I returned to UniSA because of the atmosphere and commitment to assist, round and update senior nurses. UniSA have always been a strong advocate of evidence-based practice and as part of my studies I have been involved in a clinical trial, where I helped develop guidelines for vascular access now referenced in the US.
Melita Cummings
Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
Vascular Access Nurse Candidate | South Australian Medical Imaging (SAMI)
