Why Graduate Certificate in Nursing?
Mental health nurses play a crucial role in helping people manage and recover from psychological challenges.
This program is designed for registered nurses seeking to strengthen their expertise in mental health care. You’ll learn to provide supportive, trauma-informed interventions that focus on wellbeing and resilience. Flexible online and part-time study options allow you to continue working while developing new skills.
Guided by expert academics and grounded in evidence-based practice, this qualification prepares you to make a positive impact in both acute and community mental health settings.
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Mental Health is designed for registered nurses wanting to expand their expertise in a critical area of healthcare. Delivered online with flexible study options, this program supports you to build new skills while continuing to work in your current role.
You’ll explore the principles of trauma-informed and person-centred care, along with the ethical and professional issues that shape mental health nursing. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice and recovery-oriented approaches, the program equips you to support individuals experiencing a wide range of conditions, from depression and anxiety to psychosis and bipolar disorder.
Led by experienced academics and informed by real-world practice, this certificate provides a strong foundation for career advancement. On graduation, you’ll be prepared to contribute more confidently to acute and community settings and be well positioned to continue into further postgraduate study.
Key features
Gain advanced skills in contemporary mental health nursing practice.- Study flexibly online and part-time while continuing to work.
- Build confidence in providing person-centred and trauma-informed care.
- Learn from experienced academics and specialist teaching staff.
- Connect with peers and mental health professionals to expand your networks.
- Benefit from a curriculum shaped by leading research and real-world practice.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Mental Health at Adelaide University, provides a strong foundation for registered nurses seeking to build knowledge and confidence in supporting people with mental health conditions. The program emphasises person-centred and trauma-informed care across diverse settings, including metropolitan, rural and remote communities.
You’ll explore theoretical and practical approaches to mental health nursing through core courses such as:
- Theoretical approaches to mental health practice
- Perspectives in mental health practice
- Skills for recovery practice in mental health.
Optional electives also allow you to tailor your learning to specific populations.
Gain practical skills in recognising, assessing and responding to mental health needs, while learning to provide recovery-focused support for individuals and their families. Your studies will introduce you to key concepts in the bio-psychosocial and behavioural sciences, preparing you to respond to complex and varied presentations.
Guided by experienced academics and informed by contemporary research, the program balances theoretical knowledge with application to real-world practice. Explore the ethical and professional issues that shape modern mental health nursing, while building effective communication skills to work within multidisciplinary teams.
By the end of the program, you’ll be equipped with the tools to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals experiencing a range of mental health conditions, from depression and anxiety to psychosis and bipolar disorder. This graduate certificate also creates a pathway into further postgraduate study, including the Graduate Diploma in Nursing or Master of Nursing specialising in Mental Health.
Specialisations
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Acute Nursing
- Critical Care
- Education
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Perioperative Nursing.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units for either of the following:
- Either:
- 24 units from Discipline courses, or
- 24 units for Electives, or
- 24 units for one Specialisation from Specialisation
Complete exactly 24 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Perspectives in Mental Health Practice
|
Course code
NURS5026
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals
|
Course code
NURS5030
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health
|
Course code
NURS5031
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health
|
Course code
NURS5032
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health
|
Course code
NURS5033
|
Units
12
|
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Primary Health Care
|
Course code
NURS5023
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
|
Course code
NURS5062
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Prescribing for clinicians
|
Course code
NURS5103
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Clinical Practice
|
Course code
NURS5105
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Infection Prevention and Control in Practice
|
Course code
NURS5106
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Lactation and Breastfeeding
|
Course code
NURS5108
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Maternal, Child and Family Health
|
Course code
NURS5109
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health
|
Course code
NURS5110
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Comprehensive Care of the Older Person
|
Course code
NURS5124
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Decision-Making for Midwifery and Nursing Practice
|
Course code
NURS5171
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Investigations
|
Course code
NURS6904
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice
|
Course code
NURS6905
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Mental Health will prepare you to broaden your role in both public and private healthcare settings. You might work in a mental health inpatient unit, supporting individuals through crisis stabilisation and advocating for those experiencing psychosis. Or you could assist people managing the effects of drug and alcohol use, addressing both physical and psychological symptoms during recovery. Perhaps you’ll join community health services or residential programs, providing person-centred care and promoting mental wellbeing across diverse populations.
Other career opportunities for graduates include roles such as:
- Mental health nurse consultant
- Case manager
- Clinical coordinator
- Mental health program facilitator.
This qualification also provides a pathway to further study. You could continue into the Graduate Diploma in Nursing or Master of Nursing specialising in Mental Health, using your completed courses to fast-track your academic progression and deepen your expertise.
Industry trends
Australia’s mental health sector is experiencing significant growth and transformation. Nearly half of Australian adults will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives, highlighting the increasing demand for specialised mental health care (National Mental Health Workforce Strategy Summary, 2022). Currently as of 2025, there are approximately 25,000 mental health nurses in Australia, but projections indicate a 60% shortfall in the workforce by 2030, underlining the urgent need for qualified professionals (AIHW Mental Health Workforce, 2024).
The National Mental Health Workforce Strategy (2022) outlines a comprehensive approach to address these challenges, focusing on workforce planning, development, and retention to ensure the delivery of high-quality mental health services across Australia.
These trends present a strong opportunity for registered nurses to specialise in mental health nursing, contributing to a critical area of healthcare while advancing their careers in a field poised for continued growth and demand.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
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 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.
