Graduate Diploma in Nursing

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your study is delivered mostly online, plus some on campus or in-person placements, workshops or intensives.
On Campus
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Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
February, July
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Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load.
1 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
GDNUR
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Study as
Full time or part time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
Indicative annual fees
Commonwealth Supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Fee-Paying programs require the full tuition fees of your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis.
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Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
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Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

  • Hold registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) with no conditions; AND
  • Be currently working in Mental Health with an employer letter of support confirming a training position within the area of mental health nursing to enable completion of the 240 hours of professional placement in both community and acute mental health contexts.
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Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Graduate Diploma in Nursing?

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. 

program overview

Overview

Adelaide University’s Graduate Diploma in Nursing will help you meet the challenges in modern Australian healthcare. 

This 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. 

What you'll learn

The Graduate Diploma in Nursing is a flexible qualification available for part-time or full-time study.  This program can be studied mostly online, but in-person participation is mandatory for certain core 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:  

  • Women’s and reproductive health  
  • Primary care 
  • Leadership and management 
  • Acute care  
  • Education 
  • Perioperative nursing 
  • Mental health  
  • Health and ageing  
  • Infection prevention and control  
  • Research and inquiry, preparing you for further qualifications like the Master of Nursing and Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner). 

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. 

Design a study path that works for you

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. 

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 Specialisation

Complete 36 units comprising:

  • 36 units from Discipline courses

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
Oncology Nursing
Course code
NURS5019
Units
12
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Course name
Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health
Course code
NURS5031
Units
12
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Course name
Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health
Course code
NURS5032
Units
12
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Course name
Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health
Course code
NURS5033
Units
12
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Course name
Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
Course code
NURS5062
Units
12
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Course name
Infection Prevention and Control in Practice
Course code
NURS5106
Units
12

Notes

  • Discipline courses - Or 12 units of Program electives

Complete 48 units for either of the following:

  • 48 units for one Specialisation from Specialisations, or
  • 48 units for all Critical Care specialisation courses

Specialisation name
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Specialisation
Mental Health

Specialisation name
course icon
Specialisation
Research Literacy
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Specialisation
Critical Care Essentials
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Specialisation
Intensive Care II
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Specialisation
Knowledge Translation
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Specialisation
Foundations of Critical Care
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Specialisation
Professional Practice (Nursing)

Complete 12 units comprising:

  • 12 units from Program electives

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
Microbiology in Practice
Course code
BIOL5010
Units
6
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Course name
Epidemiology for Advanced Practice
Course code
NURS5017
Units
6
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Course name
Oncology Nursing
Course code
NURS5019
Units
12
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Course name
Advanced Nephrology Nursing
Course code
NURS5021
Units
12
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Course name
Primary Health Care
Course code
NURS5023
Units
12
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Course name
Perspectives in Mental Health Practice
Course code
NURS5026
Units
12
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Course name
Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care
Course code
NURS5029
Units
12
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Course name
Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals
Course code
NURS5030
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Skills for Recovery Practice in Mental Health
Course code
NURS5031
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Best Practice in Adolescent Mental Health
Course code
NURS5032
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health
Course code
NURS5033
Units
12
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Course name
Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Health Education
Course code
NURS5038
Units
12
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Course name
Implementing Teaching and Learning in Health Education
Course code
NURS5039
Units
12
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Course name
Leadership and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
Course code
NURS5062
Units
12
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Course name
Allergy Nursing
Course code
NURS5064
Units
12
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Course name
Nephrology Nursing
Course code
NURS5065
Units
12
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Course name
Perioperative Nursing
Course code
NURS5066
Units
12
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Course name
Introduction to High Acuity Nursing and Midwifery
Course code
NURS5067
Units
12
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Course name
Palliative Care Nursing
Course code
NURS5073
Units
12
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Course name
Prescribing for clinicians
Course code
NURS5103
Units
6
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Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Clinical Practice
Course code
NURS5105
Units
12
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Course name
Infection Prevention and Control in Practice
Course code
NURS5106
Units
12
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Course name
Advanced Lactation and Breastfeeding
Course code
NURS5108
Units
6
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Course name
Maternal, Child and Family Health
Course code
NURS5109
Units
12
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Course name
Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health
Course code
NURS5110
Units
6
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Course name
Comprehensive Care of the Older Person
Course code
NURS5124
Units
12
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Course name
Decision-Making for Midwifery and Nursing Practice
Course code
NURS5171
Units
12
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Course name
Clinical Inquiry
Course code
NURS5904
Units
6
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Course name
Research Skills
Course code
RESE5004
Units
2
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Course name
Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostics and Investigations
Course code
NURS6904
Units
12

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How to Apply

How to apply

Applications are open for Australian students to study at Adelaide University in 2026.

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.


Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university. 

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus. 

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

  • Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
  • Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities. 
  • Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
  • Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
  • Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
  • On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
  • Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
  • An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
  • Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
  • Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
  • A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
  • A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission. 

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

  • February for Semester 1  
  • July for Semester 2. 

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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. 
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