Drive better outcomes in your daily nursing practice.
The work of registered nurses is essential to meet the increasing health needs of Australians. To meet this demand, we need more nurses with the ability to work in specialised areas of practice and work with greater autonomy.
Studying our Graduate Diploma in Nursing will give you an advanced qualification with a skillset to match. Choose from a broad range of courses to create a study plan that relates to your existing clinical practice or embark on a dedicated pathway. Empower and enhance your career while enjoying flexible study options, including part-time and online.
Adelaide University’s Graduate Diploma in Nursing will help you meet the challenges in modern Australian healthcare.
This graduate diploma gives you the flexibility to choose your own study pathway that best relates to your clinical practice. Prepare for an elevated scope of practice and work duties. Choose electives that will provide you with advanced care skills in specialist areas. Sharpen your leadership skills and integrate the latest research and clinical evidence into your practice.
Designed to fit around your life and existing clinical practice, you can study both online and part-time. You’ll also engage in workshops with other registered nurses and industry leaders – allowing you to make valuable connections and broaden your networks.
Graduate with the skills to make a difference in your workplace and step into advanced clinical roles to meet Australia’s needs.
Deepen your knowledge to enter advanced areas of clinical nursing practice. Participate in workshops alongside industry-aligned peers and academics. Choose part-time and online study options to fit your studies around your work. Apply practical skills in real-world environments. Use this degree to build upon your previous study, or work towards a higher qualification. Develop skills to act as a leader in your workplace.The Graduate Diploma in Nursing is a part-time program that can be studied mostly online, with some in-person participation required for certain courses, workshops and clinical placements.
This graduate diploma will teach you advanced clinical theory and its practical applications in the workplace. Enhance your knowledge in your chosen practice area and apply your skills in real clinical environments.
Tailor this diploma to your specific career goals, choosing from 25 different electives, including:
No matter your chosen topics, you’ll think and apply your skills on a strategic level – thinking and behaving like a leader in the workplace. Your skills will be applicable to various roles as you progress in your career.
This degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications, meaning your study choices are flexible. If your goals shift, you can exit after six months of study with a standalone Graduate Certificate or after one year with a Graduate Diploma qualification.
You can also begin your studies with a shorter qualification like the six-month Graduate Certificate and continue on to complete the Graduate Diploma (one year) or full master’s degree.
Complete 48 units for either of the following:
Complete 36 units comprising:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Oncology Nursing
|
Course code
NURS5019
|
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
Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
|
Course code
NURS5062
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Infection Prevention and Control in Practice
|
Course code
NURS5106
|
Units
12
|
Notes
Discipline courses - Or 12 units of Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
Complete one Specialisation from the following:
| Specialisation name | |
|---|---|
|
|
Specialisation
Critical Care
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
Complete 12 units comprising:
| 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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
Registered nurses can enjoy rewarding, lifelong careers that make a real difference in the lives of many.
A Graduate Diploma in Nursing allows you to upskill and take control of your professional development. By committing to further learning, you’ll be prepared to attain positions with greater authority and responsibility, or work in specialist areas. No matter where you work, you’ll be able to apply your new knowledge to operate as an insightful and informed practitioner.
You may find yourself working as a mental health advocate, compassionately meeting patient needs and facilitating healthier ways of working amongst your colleagues. Maybe you’ll work as a team leader in a critical care unit, encouraging teamwork and modelling advanced techniques to provide exceptional patient care.
Registered nurses are in high demand across Australia, particularly those with specialist skills. Important areas like mental health and critical care have been flagged as two of five key sectors across Australia, presenting great employment opportunities (Nursing Supply and Demand, 2023). With advanced coursework, real-world applications and networking opportunities, Adelaide University will prepare you to step into any of these roles.
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:
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.
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
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.
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:
