Duration
Study one unit across a seven-week study period, allowing you to complete your Master of Nursing within 2 years. It's recommended that you spend approximately 20 hours per week on your postgraduate study. Our 100% online Master of Nursing program allows you to study when it suits you and you are not required to be online at a specific time.
Fees
$35,400 for all 12 units. FEE-HELP is a Commonwealth Government loan scheme that helps eligible full-fee paying students pay all or part of their tuition fees. FEE-HELP is available for this program.
Units
Study one unit each seven-week study period with our multi-award-winning Block Model. Assessments are delivered at the same time each study period, allowing for deep and focused learning.
Study intakes
There are six study periods each year, allowing you to begin your Master of Nursing at the start of any study period. You will study one unit at a time over the seven-week study period. If required, you are able to skip a study period.
July, Aug, Oct
Why study the Master of Nursing Online?
Award-winning VU Block Model®
Our postgraduate online Block Model has won consecutive LearnX Live! Awards for ‘Best Online Learning Model’. With VU Online you can have a consistent, manageable and connected online learning experience.
No exams or textbooks to purchase
The online units have been designed with a student-centred approach that spans from the overarching learning outcomes to the engaging activities and self-determined assessments.
Support 7 days a week and in the evenings
Get the support you need, when you need it, during your course. Our support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed.
Overview
Deliver better nursing for better health through leadership, research and innovation.
VU Online’s Master of Nursing is designed for registered nurses who want to transform the delivery of healthcare services in Australia. You have the option to specialise in:
- Chronic Disease and Ageing
- Nursing Leadership
- Nursing Informatics Leadership
This course will prepare you for the challenges of clinical leadership, research and advanced practice roles in your chosen specialisation.
With 100% online delivery, students have the flexibility to fit study around their busy personal and professional lives. At VU Online, we take a personalised 1:1 approach to online learning, ensuring you feel supported, and connected with your lecturers and peers.
VU has 25 years of experience delivering postgraduate courses in Australia, equipping thousands of students from all walks of life with the knowledge and skills to successfully achieve their unique career goals including promotion, salary increase and leadership and innovation in nursing.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
Assess and apply current WHO and Australian Health priorities and cultural competency principles to promote community health.
Formulate and lead quality and safety innovations for improved patient outcomes.
Assume leadership for complex care coordination for clients.
Provide leadership in informatics and its applications to digital healthcare
Contribute to advancing nursing knowledge, practice and design through the evaluation of research.
Develop, implement and assess professional development programs for clinical settings.
Lead or influence nursing care in a chosen specialty area.
- Design and undertake primary research in a specialist area
Prepare for the healthcare challenges of the 21st century.
Australia requires registered nurses with advanced knowledge, skills and competencies to help drive the transformation of the Australian healthcare system.
Study with us to build on your years of experience in direct care, training, professional development, management and implementing change. With our Master of Nursing, you’ll have the credentials needed to progress into management and leadership in one of our specialist areas of Chronic Disease and Ageing, Nursing Leadership and Nursing Informatics Leadership.
Prospective career paths may include:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Clinical Research Nurse
- Clinical Nurse Consultant
- Clinical Nurse Educator
- Nurse Unit Manager
- Leadership role in chronic disease and ageing
- Unit Manager
- Director of Nursing
- Executive Director of Nursing
- Nursing Informatics Manager
- Health Informatics Manager
- Clinical Information Director
On completion of this course, Australian Registered Nurses (RNs) will be eligible for the postgraduate qualification allowance.
What you will study
In addition to the innovative core units, you will also complete a practical, multi-faceted research project. Each unit of study lasts for seven weeks.
This unit examines the major concepts and principles of community health promotion including self-care, continuity of care, primary health care, health promotion, illness prevention, community assessment, family assessment and home care. Health promotion is a proven dynamic in disease prevention and maintenance of community health. In this unit you will review the major health issues impacting on national and global health. Australian and World Health Organisation (WHO) health priorities and strategies for optimising community health will be critically reviewed. You will reflect on the role of the nurse in community health promotion within areas of specialisation. You will examine communities with diverse and specific health requirements and health literacy needs to understand how to optimise the success of health promotion strategies. This unit also examines the major concepts and principles of cultural safety and the knowledge and skills required of the nursing profession to work ethically with diverse people and communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Students will examine a health problem in relation to a specific community and design strategies of community health promotion in a specialised area of your choice.
This unit explores the competencies registered Nurses need to work within inter-professional teams to provide coordinated care for clients with complex needs. The unit investigates strategies for working together effectively; making informed health care decisions and ensuring continuity of care for clients. This unit provides students with essential skills in utilising available resources effectively, health coaching and consultation, and the development of care plans that meet complex care needs. Students will further their skills in client advocacy and anticipatory care management, assessment of risk factors related to decline in a community context and determination of available alternatives for managing risks and balancing the needs and desires of clients. Key themes of the unit include exploring and practising the collection and management of client information across the continuum of services and how to negotiate potential service providers for best care package for client needs, including the management of subcontracted services.
One of the key performance indicators in management and leadership within nursing is to effectively lead improvement and innovation. In this unit students will determine key safety and quality concerns within the nurse practice environment and their influence on patient outcomes. Students will interrogate contemporary approaches, tools and techniques to improve the safety and quality of patient care. The unit requires students to formulate an approach to quality improvement that enhances an aspect of the nurse practice environment and patient outcomes in a specialised area of nursing practice. Students will also demonstrate the skills required to develop a teaching module to support an implementation strategy and ensure sustainability.
This unit investigates evidence-based research and its application in the healthcare setting. Students will develop and refine their skills in searching and critically reviewing and evaluating available nursing and healthcare research and evidence. Students will also learn to use critical appraisal tools to evaluate qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research. By examining systematic reviews to clarify how evidence is synthesised, students will critically appraise literature and identify gaps in current knowledge to design and develop research proposals and/or projects.
This unit provides for knowledge development in complex care planning, delivery and coordination with a focus on developing knowledge about the principles, practices and relevance of client focused practice in complex care. Students will appraise risk factors for maintaining health and well-being for clients with complex needs. Themes in this unit refer to environmental social and clinical assessment, the delivery of clinical programs in the home and funding arrangements and their use to provide care. Students manage complex care coordination, and in doing so need to further develop their knowledge and skills of the community context and local service providers, methods of delivery and eligibility criteria, and effective use of technology to manage and share client information.
This unit will enable students to take leading roles in digital healthcare to ensure technology is designed and used effectively to enhance their capacity to deliver superior and safer care. Students will learn about and practice health informatics skills to assess the usability of information systems and their alignment to nursing workflow, patient safety and information needs. By developing skills in data analytics and examining the adoption of nursing data standards including interoperability issues, students will analyse complex problems and formulate contextualised responses. Students will also examine issues related to the protection of privacy, confidentiality and security of health information and consider the potential usefulness of social networking tools in communicating health-related information.
This unit prepares students to devise, design and assess professional development programs for the healthcare setting. Students will work through the process of developing an effective professional development offering by identifying a workplace learning need to be addressed. Students will then develop goals and objectives and formulate an education program to address the identified need. By critically reflecting on the principles of adult learning and education, including heutagogy, students will cross-examine and advocate the use of different teaching strategies required to deliver professional development across diverse settings.
This unit will further develop students' professional knowledge and expertise in the effective coordination and delivery of specialised mental health care. Students will focus on understanding mental health disorders and how to effectively care for a person experiencing mental health issues or illness. Students will also gain a deep understanding of the philosophy and theory underpinning mental health care, its values and the specific skills to maintain therapeutic relationships and assist in person-centred health care that promotes recovery and resilience. The unit includes a critical review of psychology, to support a greater understanding of mental health disorders across the lifespan and cultural awareness when supporting patients’ mental health and well-being. Students will also critically review models of self-care when delivering mental health care services across a range of settings. The unit will prepare students to provide evidence-based mental health care in a range of health settings.
In this unit students consolidate their training by investigating a significant issue in their specialisation through undertaking a research project. Students will strengthen their evidence-based research capabilities by participating in a number of key phases and activities of an evidence-based research project to inform practice. Students will critically review the literature, including academic, policy and/or practice evidence, collecting, analysing, interpreting and disseminating findings in the form of a report or journal article for publication.
This unit develops students' capability in the provision of care and support for older persons with multiple co-morbidities that reside in a variety of health contexts. The unit aims to explore and devise innovative care interventions and models of care, for patients, family and carers. It embraces interprofessional practice and collaboration within the health care team environment. Students will apply various client-centred strategies to plan, assess, implement, evaluate and support to care for older individuals living with a complex comorbidities/chronic health conditions. Students will also examine parameters of their professional legal and ethical practice, identify strengths-based nursing practice, utilise evidence-based research to translate this to practice. Critically analyse practices that maximise health and wellbeing of older persons across different populations.
A large proportion of older people have one or more long-term medical conditions. Older persons with a chronic disease or multiple physical and or mental co-morbidities, often require support and nursing care. This unit provides knowledge and skills to support older people living with chronic conditions, along with their family and carers. Students will analyse the variety of psychological, social and physical factors that contribute to ageing and chronic disease. This unit focuses on the nurse’s role as advocate for evidence-based care, early detection, treatment and evaluation of care programs is emphasised. There is a focus on communication skills and the factors that build and sustain professional and therapeutic relationships, collaborative practice and the promotion of health care partnerships.
This unit will identify and clarify the role of the nurse to improve health outcomes and quality of life, for older people living with chronic disease. Using case studies and research, students will reflect on patient experiences, their interactions with the health system and self-management interventions and models. Students will investigate the effects of class, race, sexuality, gender and environment that influence a person’s health and wellbeing and their motivations to manage positive lifestyle changes. Students will also investigate current evidence-based approaches that incorporate integrated care and self-management interventions to improve overall health. Students will critically reflect on best practices to work collaboratively with the individual, family and carers to address specific and individual needs to enhance patients’ wellbeing and quality of life. Unit topics include investigating the promotion of a person-centred care approach, quality safety and risk and ongoing evaluation and maintenance of independence, choice, rights and quality of life.
This unit develops students' capability in the provision of care and support for older persons with multiple co-morbidities that reside in a variety of health contexts. The unit aims to explore and devise innovative care interventions and models of care, for patients, family and carers. It embraces interprofessional practice and collaboration within the health care team environment. Students will apply various client-centred strategies to plan, assess, implement, evaluate and support to care for older individuals living with a complex comorbidities/chronic health conditions. Students will also examine parameters of their professional legal and ethical practice, identify strengths-based nursing practice, utilise evidence-based research to translate this to practice. Critically analyse practices that maximise health and wellbeing of older persons across different populations.
A large proportion of older people have one or more long-term medical conditions. Older persons with a chronic disease or multiple physical and or mental co-morbidities, often require support and nursing care. This unit provides knowledge and skills to support older people living with chronic conditions, along with their family and carers. Students will analyse the variety of psychological, social and physical factors that contribute to ageing and chronic disease. This unit focuses on the nurse’s role as advocate for evidence-based care, early detection, treatment and evaluation of care programs is emphasised. There is a focus on communication skills and the factors that build and sustain professional and therapeutic relationships, collaborative practice and the promotion of health care partnerships.
This unit will identify and clarify the role of the nurse to improve health outcomes and quality of life, for older people living with chronic disease. Using case studies and research, students will reflect on patient experiences, their interactions with the health system and self-management interventions and models. Students will investigate the effects of class, race, sexuality, gender and environment that influence a person’s health and wellbeing and their motivations to manage positive lifestyle changes. Students will also investigate current evidence-based approaches that incorporate integrated care and self-management interventions to improve overall health. Students will critically reflect on best practices to work collaboratively with the individual, family and carers to address specific and individual needs to enhance patients’ wellbeing and quality of life. Unit topics include investigating the promotion of a person-centred care approach, quality safety and risk and ongoing evaluation and maintenance of independence, choice, rights and quality of life.
One of the key performance indicators in management and leadership within nursing is to effectively lead improvement and innovation. In this unit students will determine key safety and quality concerns within the nurse practice environment and their influence on patient outcomes. Students will interrogate contemporary approaches, tools and techniques to improve the safety and quality of patient care. The unit requires students to formulate an approach to quality improvement that enhances an aspect of the nurse practice environment and patient outcomes in a specialised area of nursing practice. Students will also demonstrate the skills required to develop a teaching module to support an implementation strategy and ensure sustainability.
Nursing is a global profession that occurs within complex environments. Often nursing managers are responsible for being leaders and change agents within the profession and successfully managing teams. To be a successful leader or manager, students need to understand the challenges that currently impact on healthcare. This unit assists students in developing leadership knowledge and skills to achieve better outcomes for patients and create positive working environments. Unit content explores theories, concepts and leadership styles to help nurses further develop their leadership potential and the skills of motivating, coaching, and mentoring.
The use of digital technologies in nursing supports high-quality patient care in Australia. The sector needs skilled leaders to advance adoption of these technologies and lead improvements in digital literacy amongst nurses. This unit provides a comprehensive overview of the digital healthcare landscape and the adoption of nursing informatics technologies and practices. Students critically examine the role of leadership in the adoption, implementation, and use of nursing informatics. They practice leadership scenarios to develop, implement and assess professional development programs for informatics use in clinical settings and interrogate a range of barriers and enablers to the use of digital technologies in healthcare. Recognising the growing need for nursing informatics to improve complex care coordination and patient outcomes, students will be equipped to lead on and advocate for policies, procedures and practices the maximise the benefits of health informatics.
Note: Nursing Informatics (Unit HN06006) is a nursing informatics leadership unit, but is covered as a core unit of the master's.
Entry requirements
When you apply to study with VU, we’ll take into consideration your prior study, work experience and current skills. If eligible, you can also apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), so you can make your next career move even sooner.
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification; AND
- Current Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA); AND
- Applicants without an AQF 7 Bachelor Degree of Nursing or equivalent qualification but hold a current Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Australian Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) will be considered for the Graduate Certificate in Nursing. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, applicants will be eligible for admission to Master in Nursing with credit granted for completed units.
Advanced Standing
You may be eligible to enter into the masters with credit for past skills and/or study, known as advanced standing.
If you've already completed any of the units in the course in which you are enrolling, or their equivalent, you may be eligible for advanced standing. Learn more about Advanced Standing here.
Fees & FEE-HELP
A Master of Nursing from VU Online costs $2,950 per unit*, taking the total for 12 units to $35,400*.
This depends on the number of units you study and whether you are eligible for Advanced Standing, which is assessed after you submit your application.
10% discount for alumni
If you’ve previously completed a qualification with us (and didn't apply through an agent), you may be eligible for a 10% discount.
Note that you may be eligible for the Australian Government’s loan scheme, FEE-HELP. The loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying students with the cost of a university program. It can be used for all or part of the tuition. To determine your eligibility, visit the FEE-HELP website.
*2027 student fees are shown and are subject to change.
For more information on fees and student support, download a brochure.
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What our students say
I am receiving a lot of support from my facilitators and my Student Success Advisor, who boosts my confidence and self-esteem.
What our students say
It was personally satisfying connecting and collaborating with a range of industry professionals. Many have become valuable work contacts, some even lifelong friends and career mentors.
What our students say
The flexibility, relevance and opportunity that VU Online brings to higher education are testaments to excellence in teaching and learning.
Frequently asked questions
Some of the prospective career paths you may choose include Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Clinical Research Nurse, Unit Manager, or Director of Nursing.
Yes, the course is designed for APHRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registered nurses with a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Our graduate certificates are designed for registered or Division 1 nurses with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Successfully completing the Graduate Certificate in Nursing or the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics Leadership guarantees you entry into the Master of Nursing, with the first four units credited.
A Master of Nursing is aimed at a registered nurse or midwife who wishes to further enhance their years of experience or is looking to increase career advancement opportunities. These courses prepare registered nurses for the challenges of clinical leadership, research, and advanced practice roles in their chosen specialisation.
Students who completed Bachelor of Nursing from overseas can apply with us, provided:
- Their registration is validated and confirmed by APHRA and, if students simply have a Bachelor of Nursing from overseas and reside overseas, they do not qualify as applicants into our Master or Graduate Certificate of Nursing course.
- They reside in Australia as a Permanent Resident or an Australian Citizen.
With the Master of Nursing, students will have the credentials to progress into management and leadership in one of our specialist areas - Chronic Disease and Ageing, Nursing Leadership OR Nursing Informatics Leadership.
Students will have full access to the VU Library during their enrolment in the course. Upon graduation, as an alumni, you can access the library by applying for library membership for alumni at a cost of $55 per annum directly at a VU library.
All of the assignments are work-based, meaning the knowledge and skills you acquire in the course are then applied to your current working role, or a recent role you are still familiar with. There are 3 assignment in each unit and they vary considerable from reports to presentations to projects, posters, literature reviews and essays.
This course is not focused on clinical skills. It is a generalised nursing skillset, aiming to provide and elevate leadership qualities of Registered Nurses in their field of specialisation.
Our Master of Nursing will allow you to develop the skill set to prepare registered nurses for the challenges of clinical leadership, research, and advanced practice roles in their chosen specialisation. You’ll also have the option to choose to specialise in either Chronic Disease and Ageing, Nursing Leadership or Nursing Informatics Leadership. Each course is delivered 100% online, giving students the flexibility to fit study around their busy personal and professional lives.
When you study with VU Online, you will receive four layers of personalised academic and non-academic support including:
- Weekly online office hours and seminars from your unit coordinator
- 1:1 academic support via phone, SMS, or email on nights and weekends from your online facilitator
- Non-academic and study support from your success advisor
- IT, library, literacy, numeracy, and counselling support.
Yes, it is possible to complete a master’s in nursing online, particularly the academic and theoretical components of the degree. Online delivery allows students to study nursing theory, research, leadership, and evidence-based practice in a flexible format while balancing work and personal commitments.
The duration of a master’s in nursing depends on your entry pathway and study load. For students meeting entry requirements including a Bachelor of Nursing, full-time study generally takes 2 years, while part-time or online formats may extend this duration to allow for flexible progression alongside work commitments.
VU Online’s Master of Nursing is structured to support flexible study of one unit at a time with 2-week breaks between units, plus a longer break at the end of the year, allowing students to balance coursework and professional responsibilities over two years without interruption.
The cost of a master’s in nursing varies depending on whether the program is on-campus, part-time, or online, as well as the institution offering the course. Tuition fees reflect the depth of study and clinical components (if any). Many students also access government support schemes such as FEE‑HELP to assist with tuition.
The Master of Nursing at Victoria University Online is delivered through a flexible online format, allowing students to manage study alongside professional commitments while completing comprehensive nursing coursework.
The best master’s degree for a nurse depends on career goals. For practising nurses, advanced practice, leadership, or specialist nursing degrees can support career progression into management, education, or clinical specialisations.
The Master of Nursing at VU Online is designed for registered nurses who want to build advanced leadership, research and specialist skills. It prepares graduates for career progression into clinical leadership, management, research or specialised nursing roles.
Still have questions?
Our Student Enrolment Advisors are just a click away. They can answer any questions you have about this course or VU Online.
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