Why Graduate Diploma in Nursing?
Mental health nursing means having the knowledge, skills and resources to support individuals experiencing a mental health condition.
Through this graduate diploma, you’ll gain a deep understanding of human behaviour and how to help people better manage their wellbeing. Learn to provide person-centred, trauma informed emotional support within clinical care. Feel better equipped to help in mental health crises and support recovery.
You’ll gain insights from internationally renowned researchers. Expand your professional networks. Industry placement will provide the experience and learning opportunities to work with people in acute and community mental health settings.
Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Nursing specialising in Mental Health is designed for registered nurses wanting to expand their expertise in a critical area of healthcare. Through online learning, virtual workshops and industry placements, you’ll build the skills to effectively respond to people living with mental distress.
Explore the legal and ethical aspects of mental health nursing practice. Study evidenced based and lived experience practices to support recovery. Learn to communicate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Gain insights based on real cases and local research.
Industry experience is a key focus of this degree. While you work in your mental health role, you'll complete 240 hours of industry placements, with focused practical experience in acute and community mental health settings.
You’ll graduate ready for the mental health workplaces. As a mental health nurse, you’ll be equipped to work with people experiencing conditions including, suicidal crisis, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis and other mental health challenges.
Key features
Study a concise, flexible degree that understands and adapts around your busy work life.- Advance your knowledge and skills in contemporary mental health care.
- Complete 240 hours of industry placements to consolidate your learning.
- Learn from specialist postgraduate teaching staff.
- Get direct access to qualified practitioners and mental health professionals.
- Benefit from a curriculum informed by world-class research and lived experience.
What you'll learn
This unique qualification will give you an in-depth understanding of mental health issues and conditions. You’ll learn to design intervention and evaluation strategies for individuals. We focus on person-centred mental health care for diverse populations across metropolitan, rural and remote settings.
You’ll actively participate in the recognition, assessment and treatment of people with mental health and co-morbid related conditions. You'll develop advanced interviewing and assessment skills and knowledge of support services. Your studies will cover the bio-psychosocial and behavioural sciences, co-morbidities, pharmacology and family support in mental health recovery.
You’ll take core courses, including theoretical approaches and skills for recovery practice. Based on your personal interests and career goals, you can select from a variety of electives focused on adolescents, ageing populations and perinatal settings – or you can explore the sociopolitical context of mental health.
Adelaide University’s mental health nursing degrees are informed by researchers recognised for their work improving the lives of people in mental distress and at risk of suicide. These experts contribute directly to the teaching of our postgraduate programs, which means you’ll be supported by internationally renowned researchers.
This graduate diploma is part of a nested suite of degrees, which means if you decide to exit early, you’ll still gain a Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Mental Health, depending on the number of courses studied.
Degree Structure: Graduate Diploma in Nursing specialising in Mental Health
Program code: GDNMH
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
Career outcomes
As a registered nurse with mental health qualifications, you can broaden your employment prospects across the private and public sectors, including in:
- Acute inpatient units
- Residential and non-residential rehabilitation programs
- Community health services.
You could work in a mental health inpatient unit, engaged in crisis stabilisation, advocating for consumers experiencing psychosis. You might help people dealing with issues arising from use of drugs and alcohol, managing the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal.
Or, you could go straight on to complete a Master of Nursing, using your credits to fast-track your academic journey.
Industry trends
Nearly half of Australians are likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition in their lifetime, leaving the rest knowing someone living with or having experienced mental distress (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2024).
With an increasing prevalence of mental illness in our country, this graduate diploma is highly relevant to healthcare today. The Graduate diploma in mental health nursing will further improve your employment prospects and offer career diversity.
We’ll prepare you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people experiencing mental distress. You’ll learn to provide person-centred, trauma informed emotional support within clinical care.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your program team
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
