Why Graduate Diploma in Nursing?
Use your advanced expertise to manage patients with life-threatening conditions.
Develop high-level clinical reasoning, specialised interventions and leadership skills to work in intensive care, coronary care or emergency settings. In the Graduate Diploma in Nursing specialising in Critical Care, you will engage in complex, evidence-based learning, guided by clinician-educators, and integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice.
This graduate diploma is ideal for working nurses aiming to deepen their critical care practice, take on senior clinical responsibilities, or prepare for roles that influence patient safety, quality standards and outcomes in high-acuity environments.
Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Nursing specialising in Critical Care at Adelaide University builds on the skills of experienced registered nurses, offering an in-depth exploration of critical care principles and practices. This program provides the advanced knowledge required to manage complex and unstable patient conditions in intensive care, emergency and high dependency units.
You will study advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, haemodynamic monitoring, trauma and end-of-life care, alongside professional, ethical and socio-legal aspects of high-acuity nursing. Simulation-based learning and case-based discussions ensure theory is directly applied to clinical practice. This graduate diploma prepares you for expanded responsibilities, including mentoring junior staff, leading rapid-response situations, and contributing to clinical governance.
Graduates gain the skills required to optimise patient care, improve safety, and respond effectively to urgent clinical scenarios. With increasing demand for highly skilled critical care nurses, this qualification positions you for leadership and specialist practice within acute care teams across Australia.
Key features
Gain advanced assessment and monitoring skills for critically ill patients.- Apply complex evidence-based interventions in acute and intensive care settings.
- Strengthen your leadership and decision-making skills for high-pressure clinical environments.
- Integrate advanced knowledge into multidisciplinary team practice.
- Learn from clinician-researchers and critical care specialists.
- Prepare for further postgraduate study or advanced clinical roles.
What you'll learn
This program develops your ability to manage critically ill patients in a variety of acute care environments. You will gain expertise in advanced monitoring, rapid clinical assessment, and complex intervention strategies.
Learning areas include cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, renal, endocrine and trauma care, as well as infection management, sepsis and end-of-life decision-making. You will also focus on ethical considerations, patient advocacy and leadership in high-pressure clinical settings.
Through practical scenarios, simulations, and evidence-based research, you will refine decision-making, prioritisation, and communication with multidisciplinary teams. The program emphasises integration of theory into practice, preparing you for senior responsibilities in high-acuity environments.
Specialisations
The Graduate Diploma in Nursing is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Mental Health.
The Graduate Diploma in Nursing is also available with no specialisation.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units for either of the following:
- Both of the following:
- 36 units for Discipline courses, and
- 12 units for Electives, or
- 48 units for one Specialisation from Specialisation
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Essentials in Critical Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5007
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care
|
Course code
NURS5029
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Critical Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5125
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Critical Care Practice
|
Course code
NURS5905
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Essentials in Critical Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5007
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Critical Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5125
|
Units
12
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Critical Care Practice
|
Course code
NURS5905
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care
|
Course code
NURS5029
|
Units
12
|
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Microbiology in Practice
|
Course code
BIOL5010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Epidemiology for Advanced Practice
|
Course code
NURS5017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Oncology Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5019
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Nephrology Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5021
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Primary Health Care
|
Course code
NURS5023
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Perspectives in Mental Health Practice
|
Course code
NURS5026
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care
|
Course code
NURS5029
|
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
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Health Education
|
Course code
NURS5038
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Implementing Teaching and Learning in Health Education
|
Course code
NURS5039
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
|
Course code
NURS5062
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Allergy Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5064
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Nephrology Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5065
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Perioperative Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5066
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to High Acuity Nursing and Midwifery
|
Course code
NURS5067
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Palliative Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5073
|
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
Clinical Inquiry
|
Course code
NURS5904
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Research Skills
|
Course code
RESE5004
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Investigations
|
Course code
NURS6904
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Essentials in Critical Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5007
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Critical Care Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5125
|
Units
12
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Critical Care Practice
|
Course code
NURS5905
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care
|
Course code
NURS5029
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
Graduates of this program at Adelaide University are equipped for senior roles in critical care. You could lead patient care in intensive care or coronary care units. Or perhaps you’ll get a role managing emergency response teams in hospital settings, overseeing rapid assessment and intervention for critically ill patients. You might also contribute to policy development, clinical governance, or mentoring early-career nurses in complex care units.
Other career opportunities include:
- Senior critical care nurse
- Intensive care specialist.
Emergency department senior nurse. This qualification also provides a pathway into advanced postgraduate study, supporting progression toward leadership, research or specialist practice roles in critical and acute care environments.
Industry trends
Critical care nursing remains a high-demand specialty across Australia, driven by an ageing population, increased hospital admissions, and the need for rapid-response expertise. Workforce reports indicate shortages of nurses skilled in intensive and acute care settings, with hospitals seeking professionals capable of advanced monitoring, intervention and decision-making. The National Nursing Workforce Strategy emphasises the importance of specialised education to maintain patient safety, improve outcomes, and strengthen hospital services (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2024).
Graduates completing this graduate diploma are well prepared to meet these increasing demands and take on leadership roles in critical care.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Ask 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 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.
