Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science

Advance your nursing career

Nurses are highly respected members of the community. They care for patients in a range of settings and touch lives with empathy, compassion and humour.

Our Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science is a highly flexible online degree. It’s well suited to registered rural or remote nurses, and those not yet working in a specialty. The degree is structured to include face-to-face sessions in order to meet requirements for international students.

What will you do?

You’ll consolidate and build on essential knowledge as you:

  • gain insight into different nursing specialisations and career opportunities
  • benefit from strong links to industry and expert teaching
  • explore professional issues such as accountability, ethics, advocacy, leadership, cultural competence and evidence-based practice
  • pursue electives according to your interests and career goals
  • develop research skills for further study options.

Where could it take you?

You’ll graduate prepared for advanced nursing roles. You might become a clinical practice nurse. You could be a hospital team leader. Perhaps you’ll take on a senior position within a community practice.  

We offer unique specialisations in:

Acute Care Nursing (SATAC code 3GD029)
Anaesthetic and Recovery Nursing (SATAC code 3GD030)
Cardiac Nursing (SATAC code 3GD032)
Emergency Nursing (SATAC code 3GD034)
Intensive Care Nursing (SATAC code 3GD038)
Oncology Nursing (SATAC code 3GD040)
Orthopaedic Nursing (SATAC code 3GD041)
Perioperative Nursing (SATAC code 3GD042)



Note:
This degree is only available in blended mode and on-campus attendance is required.  if you are a continuing student in the degree and are unable to attend campus, please contact your program coordinator for program advice.


  • Adelaide Nursing School ranked 51-100 in the world*
  • 24% industry growth predicted by 2025^
  • Flexible online study

*QS World University Rankings by subject, 2023
^Imip.gov.au Occupation projection

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3GD095
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Additional Entry Requirements
All applicants must upload the following documents as part of the SATAC application: * Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) * Current AHPRA registration certificate
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study Applicants must: 1. be registered, or be eligible for registration, as a nurse in Australia or New Zealand, and 2. hold a degree of Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent; and have at least one year experience as a registered nurse. All applicants must ensure they correctly answer the question relating to Nursing current practising certificate when applying via SATAC. SATAC will attempt to confirm their registration on the online register of the relevant Nurses Board but if SATAC is unable to do so, applicants will be asked to submit a certified copy of their certificate.

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $4,625

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Scholarships

Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.

Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.

To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships

To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships

Careers

Career Readiness

Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of settings from clinical to community, rural, acute care and other non-clinical areas.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Clinical Nurse Consultant;  Nurse;  Nurse Educator;  Nurse Manager

Degree Structure

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

 

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year1 S1

NURSING 7102
Research Literacy

NURSING 7100
Knowledge Translation

NURSING 7101
Professional Practice

S2 NURSING 7113    
Recognition
and response to the deteriorating patient


NURSING 7208 ATSI Peoples Health and Culture NURSING 7011 Leadership and
Management in Nursing

NURSING 7124 Management of
Chronic Illness

Please note that not all courses are offered each year, please contact the Adelaide Nursing School for more information.

Testimonial

The Master of Nursing Science strengthened my nursing foundation and developed my advanced nursing expertise.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024