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Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing

Study contemporary mental health nursing. Strengthen evidence-based clinical decisions. Prepare for senior nursing opportunities. 

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

Applicants can apply directly to UOW. You may be required to have scans or electronic copies of the following documents ready to attach to your application:

  • Academic qualifications relevant to your application
  • English proficiency evidence (if required)
  • Evidence of your citizenship, passport, or permanent residency status

Before you apply, please check the UOW course entry requirements, intake dates, and closing dates for your chosen degree.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

Before starting your application, review the entry requirements, intake dates, and deadlines for your chosen degree at UOW. International students should also be aware of both UOW's general English language requirements and the English proficiency standards required for a student visa.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Domestic
Year ?
Campus
Wollongong
Delivery ?
Flexible
Duration
1 year part-time
Code
UOW: 1124

Overview

Take the next step in your nursing career with specialist mental health knowledge increasingly valued across today's healthcare settings.

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing is designed for registered and enrolled nurses who want to strengthen their clinical practice, expand their career opportunities, and deepen their understanding of mental health care while continuing to work.  
 
This course is delivered 100% online and part time, so you can build advanced knowledge in areas shaping contemporary mental health practice while you work. Throughout the course, you’ll strengthen your ability to evaluate research, apply evidence in practice, and make informed clinical decisions in complex situations.  
 
Learn from one of Australia's largest mental health nursing academic teams, including clinicians and researchers actively contributing to the profession. Whether you work in mental health, emergency, acute, or community care, you'll graduate with specialist knowledge that strengthens your clinical practice and supports your progression into more advanced nursing roles. 

See the course handbook for more information.

You'll complete a core subject in health research alongside three specialist mental health nursing subjects. Together, these subjects develop your understanding of contemporary mental health priorities while strengthening your ability to apply evidence in clinical practice. Research literacy, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making are central themes throughout the course.  
 
Specialist studies explore areas such as suicidality, psychoactive substance use and mental health, recovery-oriented practice, and the role of lived experience in mental healthcare. These topics reflect current priorities across mental health services and help you better understand the challenges facing patients, practitioners, and healthcare systems.  
 
You can tailor part of your study through an elective subject, with options that may include areas such as health law and ethics, digital innovations in health, or emotional intelligence for leaders.  
 
Your learning is informed by academics who combine teaching with active research, healthcare leadership, and ongoing clinical practice. This connection to the profession helps ensure your study remains relevant to contemporary healthcare settings and emerging mental health challenges.  
 
Completed subjects may also provide credit towards eligible master's coursework programs, creating a flexible pathway to higher qualifications and long-term career progression. 

See more

Careers

  • Acute Mental Health Nurse 
  • Clinical Nurse Consultant 
  • Clinical Nurse Educator
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist  
  • Community Mental Health Nurse
  • Forensic Mental Health Nurse
  • Mental Health Clinician
  • Mental Health Program Coordinator
  • Nurse Unit Manager
  • Psychiatric Emergency Care Nurse
  • Recovery-oriented Practitioner
  • Substance Use and Mental Health Clinician
See more

Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

 

  • A recognised bachelors degree in nursing, or a qualification to practise as a Registered Nurse or equivalent
    OR
  • A recognised tertiary qualification in nursing, and relevant work experience in the health sector.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

    UOW's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre's Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) offers an alternative pathway for Indigenous Australians aged 17 and over who are seeking entry into an undergraduate course at UOW. Upon completing the IAP, applicants will be considered for admission based on an interview and assessment of both academic and non-academic qualities. For further details, including the application process, please contact Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.

  • Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

    UOW recognises a range of overseas higher education qualifications. Your qualifications will be assessed for equivalence to Australian qualifications and the admission requirements for this course. Documents issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation.

    For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • English language proficiency

    All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.

    Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.

    Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

  • Workload

    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    Part-Time Study Load

    For part-time students, study hours will vary based on the number of units taken, with similar expectations for class and independent study.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
WollongongFlexible$15203 (2026)$15203 (2026)

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

  • Autumn Session, 2027 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. Applications submitted after the advertised closing date will still be accepted. We will endeavour to process late applications in time for the nominated session, however this cannot be guaranteed.

    ApplicationDate
    InternationalSee International students page for key application cut-off dates
    Domestic (direct)31 December, 2026

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start1 March, 2027
    Census date31 March, 2027
    Mid-session recess19 - 23 April, 2027
    Session end24 June, 2027
  • Spring Session, 2027 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. Applications submitted after the advertised closing date will still be accepted. We will endeavour to process late applications in time for the nominated session, however this cannot be guaranteed.

    ApplicationDate
    InternationalSee International students page for key application cut-off dates
    Domestic (direct)31 May, 2027

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start26 July, 2027
    Census date31 August, 2027
    Mid-session recess27 September - 1 October, 2027
    Session end18 November, 2027

     

     

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