Master of Mental Health Nursing
This degree is part of the programs offering government subsidised places
Find information about indicative course and program fees.AUD 42,555 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Program handbook
Description
The Master of Mental Health Nursing is intended for Registered Nurses wishing to undertake a specialist qualification in Mental Health Nursing. The focus of the program is on advanced clinical practice in an area of mental health service provision. The program provides opportunities to study issues and topics of particular interest such as dual diagnosis, psycho-social and psycho-educational interventions, forensic management and legal aspects of mental health care, mental health care for older people, illness management and recovery and mental health in primary care.
Upon completion of this program of study, you will be able to assess health status and formulate, implement and monitor management plans in consultation with stakeholders; promote and optimise the health and welfare of individuals and/or populations; retrieve, critically evaluate and apply evidence in the performance of health-related activities; deliver safe and effective collaborative healthcare; reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes, and plan ongoing personal and professional development.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- Demonstrated comprehensive and well-founded knowledge of the discipline of mental health nursing.
- Displayed effective written and/or oral communication skills within a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to apply advanced knowledge in mental health nursing.
- Demonstrated an understanding of research methodology and its application to research questions in mental health nursing and other health related areas.
- Demonstrated professional self-efficacy and leadership.
- Demonstrates cultural competency and safety.
- Displayed respect for the community and the environment.
- Identified and critically discussed cultural, ethical, equity, nursing and research initiatives to close the health gaps for Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Details
| Information correct as at | May 12, 2024 10:12 am |
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| Program code | 12197 |
| AQF level | Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) |
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| Term type | Trimesters |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
Domestic Applicants
Applicants must be a Registered Nurse with:
- Honours; or
- A postgraduate qualification; or
- A minimum of one year's practice in nursing; or
- A minimum of one year's practice in another health profession.
International Offshore Applicants
Applicants must be a Registered Nurse in their own country, with
- A postgraduate qualification (equivalent to AQF level 8 or higher); or
- A minimum of one year's practice in nursing; or
- A minimum of one year's practice in another health profession.
Accepted work experience may include pre-registration experience and is not required to be undertaken full time and can be undertaken as an Enrolled Nurse, or Registered Nurse or any health profession.
Work experience can be identified through: a detailed Curriculum Vitae, and a statement of service or signed letters from employers confirming role, duties and period of employment.
English Language Requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 6.5
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6
Credit transfer
If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Professional recognition
Australian College of Mental Health Nurses
The University of Newcastle has designed the Master of Mental Health Nursing to enable you to be eligible for employment as registered nurses in mental health nursing positions with capacity for you to undertake advanced nursing level roles. Graduates of the program are eligible to seek to be credentialed as mental health nurses under the Credentialing for Practice Program of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
80 units
Program duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent up to 4 years maximum.
Program requirements
Qualification for the award of Master of Mental Health Nursing (MMHN) requires successful completion of 80 units of coursework undertaken over 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent. All students undertake 30 units of Core Courses and 50 units of courses chosen from the course list.
It is not compulsory but participants are encouraged be able to negotiate an ongoing arrangement for mentoring/clinical supervision by a suitably qualified and experienced registered nurse, allied health professional practicing specifically in the area of provision of mental health services. If not employed in a mental health position, you will need access to case studies of people with mental health problems - you may use case studies from your previous practice.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Prospective student degree planner
If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
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Core
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| NURS6035 | Therapeutic Engagement and Psychosocial Interventions |
| 10 units |
| NURS6061 | Contemporary Mental Health |
| 10 units |
| NURS6900 | Introduction to Research in Health Care |
| 10 units |
Course List
Choose 50 units from the following course list to fulfil the requirements of this program. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| EPID6420 | Fundamentals of Epidemiology |
| 10 units |
| MEDI6130 | Basis of Drug/Alcohol Problems |
| 10 units |
| MEDI6145 | Motivating Health Behaviour Change |
| 10 units |
| MEDI6295 | Managing Challenging Behaviours: Psychological Solutions |
| 10 units |
| NURS6026 | Youth and Young Adult Mental Health: 12 to 24 Years |
| 10 units |
| NURS6028 | Health and Substance Misuse |
| 10 units |
| NURS6055 | Mental Health Acute Care |
| 10 units |
| NURS6070 | Mental Health of Older People |
| 10 units |
| NURS6085 | Forensic Mental Health |
| 10 units |
| NURS6301 | Cultural Context of Custody |
| 10 units |
| NURS6302 | Social Justice in the Justice System |
| 10 units |
| NURS6522 | Perinatal Mental Health for Health Professionals |
| 10 units |
| NURS6623 | Leadership and Management in Practice |
| 10 units |
| NURS6640 | Teaching and Learning in the Clinical Context |
| 10 units |
| PUBH6210 | Qualitative Methods in Health Research |
| 10 units |
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.
International students
International students can only study this program online offshore.
Two courses will have provision for intensive, on-site workshops. International students will not be eligible to enrol in these courses and are advised to check the requirements for all courses before enrolling.
Additional support
The University policy on Students with Special Needs is implemented at all times. The Faculty accepts responsibility, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.