Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing

During this program, students will:

1. Evaluate and apply established mental health treatment models to develop personalised and collaboratively constructed care strategies.
2. Interpret and communicate new and emerging information and theories within the mental health nursing discipline.
3. Develop therapeutic relationships through creativity, collaboration and co-construction of care with consumers, families and significant others.
4. Critically analyse social, political, economic and organisational influences on mental health practice to inform appropriate nursing interventions.
5. Demonstrate advanced advocacy skills by challenging discrimination, reducing stigma and promoting social inclusion and consumer independence.
6. Critically examine risk and safety using ethical, legal and social protection principles to support recovery-oriented care.
7. Apply enhanced clinical judgement, decision-making and problem-solving skills in complex mental health nursing situations.
8. Apply advanced teamwork and negotiation skills within multidisciplinary and interprofessional settings.
9. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, adaptability and responsibility in professional practice and self-directed learning.
10. Participate in collaborative critical reflection to improve mental health nursing practice and ongoing professional development.
11. Develop and sustain collaborative partnerships with consumers, families and groups that promote choice, self-determination and recovery.
12. Communicate effectively through appropriate written, verbal and digital methods in mental health nursing practice.
13. Critically reflect on diverse world views and challenge assumptions that influence mental health nursing practice.
14. Apply cultural knowledge to adapt assessment, planning and interventions to consumers' cultural perspectives.

The Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing is a fully online postgraduate course designed specifically for registered nurses seeking to increase their specialist knowledge and employment opportunities in mental health. The course reflects contemporary mental health research and policy and covers mental health theory and practice, physical healthcare, acute care interventions, primary mental health and practice across a range of healthcare settings.

Recommended study pattern

• Contemporary Mental Health
• Mental Health Across the Lifespan
• Acute Mental Health
• Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings
• Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts
• Building a Professional Portfolio
• Physical Health Care in Mental Health
• Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising all 8 core units.

Exit points

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing after completing the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising any 4 of the first 6 core units.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $24,000

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Revolutionary learning for strong employment outcomes

At Southern Cross University, online study is designed to fit around your life without compromising on quality. Through the Southern Cross Model, you learn in focused six-week terms, usually studying one or two units at a time.

This immersive approach helps you stay motivated, build momentum and balance study with work, family and other commitments.

You'll be supported by innovative teaching, practical learning experiences and a university community committed to your success - whether you're interested in business, education, healthcare, law, engineering, IT, science or other career-focused study areas.

Your flexible online study comes with the support, connections and confidence to help you achieve your goals and take the next step in your career.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

31

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

32

To qualify for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing, all applicants must: 

• Be a Registered Nurse (Division 1) and have access to mental health nurse practice or mental health nurse practitioners during their course of study, and; 
• Be proficient in English. 

SCU Online may recognise relevant previous academic study and professional work experience through Recognition of Prior Learning and Advanced Standing. Applicants should provide evidence of relevant qualifications and professional experience when applying. Eligible credit may reduce the number of units required, course duration and overall study cost