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Postgraduate

Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Mental Health)

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Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Mental Health) (GDNG)
Entry requirements
View full details
Study mode
  • External
  • Online
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Feb, May
Intakes
Note: The Mental Health specialisation contains two courses with mandatory residential schools. Residential Schools will be held at either the UniSQ Toowoomba or UniSQ Ipswich campus.

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Overview

  • Progress in your current nursing role and study mental health nursing to increase your resilience and build knowledge of human behaviour and psychological wellbeing.
  • Build your understanding of counselling theories to develop comprehensive knowledge of mental health conditions.
  • Explore the complementary theoretical perspectives used in mental health and apply these theories into practice through the residential schools applicable to each counselling subject studied.
  • Study your mental health nursing courses online, part-time to fit study into your life and career goals.

Further study

After completing the Graduate Diploma of Nursing, there is the option to take the credit from your completed courses and continue to complete the Master of Nursing.

Thinking of studying in 2025? UniSQ will be delivering flexible new ways of teaching, with different calendar offerings, making the balance of study and life easier. Read more in our new academic calendar FAQs.

Career outcomes

  • Study mental health nursing and work as part of an interdisciplinary team of health professionals supporting patients and their families.
  • Graduates can choose to practice in varying work settings, such as in a private health facility, public hospital or in the community.

Entry requirements

  • Completed a 3-year bachelor degree in the area of nursing from an Australian university, or equivalent.
  • Hold a current Professional Registration as a Division 1 nurse, or equivalent, with either Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or relevant regulatory body in applicant's home country.

English language requirements

To meet the English language requirements for this degree, we accept the minimum English language proficiency scores from one of the following tests. Your test must be completed within two years of applying to UniSQ.

IELTS (Academic)

Minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Pearson Test of English

Minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
 TOEFL iBT Minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 24 for listening and reading; 27 for writing; 23 for speaking.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options available to you.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 8 units.

Courses to be studied Units
2 x core courses 2
6  x specialisation or approved courses  6
Total 8

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for an example of courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Residential schools

This degree has a mandatory attendance requirement for some of the residential school courses. All students will have the opportunity to come on-campus for residential schools, where you will attend face-to-face lectures and tutorials to gain practical experience, use facilities and specialist equipment, and meet staff and other students.

Other specialisations

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Commonwealth supported

The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your course and you need to pay a student contribution.

AUD 8948
Domestic full fee paying

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 26640

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2025. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Residential school costs

This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation and meal expenses.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply direct to UniSQ
Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Study period start date Finish date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 10 February Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February  Friday 9 May
Trimester 2, 2025 Monday 26 May Monday 19 May Monday 26 May  Friday 22 August
Trimester 3, 2025 Monday 8 September Monday 1 September Monday 8 September Friday 5 December 

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

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Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2024

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