Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

POSTGRADUATE

Turn your passion for people's wellbeing into a career in mental health. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

Commonwealth Supported Places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Online
Learning mode:
Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

AU$38,400 (2027 total)

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Develop advanced, evidence-based knowledge and skills to address emerging issues influencing contemporary mental health nursing practice.

The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is designed for registered nurses with foundational experience in mental health to advance their knowledge and skills for competent and effective specialised practice.

Engaging in structured learning that integrates academic study with practice-based application, you'll develop advanced practical skills, critical thinking, and professional judgement required to respond to a range of mental health presentations and practice contexts.

The industry-informed curriculum emphasises the development of capability in areas such as therapeutic communication, mental health assessment, risk management, and collaborative care, alongside emerging skills in leadership and reflective practice.

You'll be ready for specialised mental health nursing roles when you graduate, equipped to operate beyond entry-level practice and make a meaningful and proactive contribution within multidisciplinary mental health teams, progressing your career within clinical settings.

The Graduate Diploma also provides a path to further study, including progression into the Master of Mental Health Nursing, where you can extend your capability to advanced practice, leadership, and research. 

This course is delivered fully online, combining interactive lectures, tutorials, and applied learning activities with recorded sessions to support flexible participation.

Please note: this graduate diploma is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas page.

Why study the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing at RMIT?

Learn from industry experts

Benefit from engagement with real-world experience and learn from academic staff with strong connections in the mental health nursing industry.

Prepare for credentialling

With this degree being accredited by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses, you'll be prepared to apply for credentialling when you graduate.

Established provider

As one of Australia’s oldest providers of postgraduate nursing education, RMIT sits at the forefront of nursing education and research.

Conceptualise future directions in mental healthcare policies and practices

This graduate diploma focuses on extending your clinical capability through the application of evidence-based approaches, contemporary models of care, and interdisciplinary practices in mental health settings. 

You'll develop the advanced knowledge and skills to provide person-centred, recovery-oriented and advocacy-driven mental health nursing care.

Your learning addresses contemporary and emerging issues influencing mental health nursing practice, including cultural safety, interdisciplinary teamwork and reducing stigma in mental health settings.

I chose RMIT for my Graduate Diploma of Mental Health because it offered the perfect blend of clinical and research-focused courses that I could apply directly to my work. The university was incredibly supportive and provided a variety of engaging teaching and assessment methods to suit different learning styles.
Kayleigh BerryKayleigh Berry, Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing

Details

How you will learn

This course employs a learner-centred curriculum that encourages more active engagement and participation than traditional lecture-style delivery. Throughout the course you will undertake learning activities and projects that will require you to:

  • Communicate outcomes to a range of audiences both verbally and in writing e.g. report results qualitatively, quantitatively, graphically, electronically
  • Work in multi-disciplinary teams and critically engage with aspects of team development and conflict resolution
  • Conceptualise, plan and evaluate solutions to health problems
  • Access a wide variety of knowledge repositories including professional journals, discussion lists and online sources of material.

How you will be assessed

The assessment in this course has been designed to give you opportunities to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have obtained. The forms of assessment will vary according to the specific learning objectives and aspects of capability development to be achieved in each subject. These may include:

  • Assignment and projects: which may be done individually or in groups. This method may also enable you to demonstrate your ability to work alone or as a member of a team.
  • Assessments and clinical competency: an individual form of assessment where you have the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to explain fundamental principles and solve problems
  • Oral presentations to develop and evidence your professional communication skills
  • Reflective journals: where you pause to consider what you have learnt, identify issues associated with that learning and propose subsequent learning strategies
  • Self-assessment and peer-assessment: where you are equipped to become more independent in your own learning by assessing your own and others’ performance.

Most of the assessment you undertake will enable your lecturer to provide you with feedback on your progress and improve your performance in the future.

Industry connections

RMIT’s mental health nursing qualifications are linked and supported by industry partners.

They are offered to nurses across Australia working in acute, forensic services, child and adolescent, aged mental health, addictions, homelessness teams and consultation liaison services.

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The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

Course structure and plan

In this diploma, you will complete 7 core subjects and one option subject.

Over 2 semesters, you'll gain a strong understanding of the broader professional and social context of mental health nursing while learning to apply diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in your clinical practice.

You'll explore the evolving landscape of mental health and mental illness and learn to orient lived experience as a critical foundation for contemporary mental health care. Through that understanding, you'll develop advanced skills to design, implement and evaluate quality improvement initiatives in mental health nursing.

You'll then deepen your expertise in mental health assessment, substance-use impacts, clinical interventions and medication-related care across diverse settings, and develop practical skills in motivational interviewing, evidence-based therapies, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practice, and human rights-based care.

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

The designated WIL subject for this graduate diploma is Mental Health Nursing Clinical Portfolio, in which you will engage with and receive feedback from industry through mental health clinical practice contexts.

This subject integrates mental health nursing theory with clinical practice to support the development of a conceptual framework for professional practice. It emphasises the application of mental health nursing skills across a range of clinical settings, drawing on diverse theoretical perspectives.

A strong focus is placed on developing clinical practice capabilities aligned with the standards of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN).

Learning outcomes

As a graduate of RMIT's Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, you will acknowledge diversity in culture, values and belief systems, ensuring your practice is non-discriminatory and promotes dignity and self-determination. You will establish collaborative partnerships that empower people with mental health issues to participate in all aspects of their care, and develop relationships that respect individual choices, experiences and circumstances, building on strengths, holding hope and enhancing resilience to promote recovery.

In your professional practice, you will collaboratively plan and provide ethically based care that addresses the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, social and cultural needs of the individual. You will value the contributions of other agencies and stakeholders in delivering holistic, evidence-based care, and actively pursue opportunities to reduce stigma and promote social inclusion and community participation for all people with mental health issues.

You will promote innovation through research, clinical supervision, and reflective, evidence-based practice. Your practice will align with common law requirements, relevant statues, and the nursing profession’s code of conduct and ethics. As a mental health nurse, you will integrate international, national, local and state policies and guidelines with professional standards and competencies. You will hold specialist qualifications, demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills, and model leadership within the practice setting.

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Program code: GD158
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Bundoora Campus
Full-time 1 Years, Part-time 2 Years
GD158O
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
Full-time 1 Years, Part-time 2 Years
Plan code
GD158O
CRICOS
View plan

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Mental health nurses perform an essential role in a wide range of hospital and community settings, representing the largest mental health workforce in Australia and work in all contexts of care.

You may work across metropolitan and rural areas for public and private organisations, or go on to contribute to mental health policy and research.

According to the Australian Government, employment rates have increased steadily over the past 10 years and are forecast to continue growing for the foreseeable future. A substantial workforce gap is projected for the mental health nursing sector to 2030.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that $11.6 billion was spent on mental health-related services in 2020-21.

Jobs and Skills Australia projects that work opportunities for registered nurses are set to increase by 12.2% to 2028.

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The Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing is accredited with conditions by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) in Australia.

Graduates can apply for credentialling with the ACMHN, subject to meeting specific criteria set by the ACMHN. All applicants wishing to apply for credentialling with the ACHMN must hold current registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) General with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

In Australia, credentialled Mental Health Nurses are able to practise independently in public and private practice settings according to their scope of practice and in compliance with their pre-existing registration by the NMBA as a Registered Nurse.

Graduates intending to practise internationally must verify the specific registration to practise, or credentialing requirements with the relevant regulatory authority within their region.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Domestic applicants

  • Must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent
  • Must hold current unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

International offshore applicants

  • Must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent
  • Must hold current registration as a Registered Nurse in your home country.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this course.

Pathways and further study

Unfortunately, there are no formal pathways into this course.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out if you might be eligible

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, you are eligible to seek 96 credit points of credit transfer towards the Master of Mental Health Nursing.

Also, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related courses at RMIT University, subject to the individual entry requirements of those courses.

Fees

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Entry for this degree is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2027 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2027 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,908 to AU$18,025*. 

Full-fee places

  •  Full-fee places: AU$29,760* (2027 total)

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$386 maximum fee for 2027*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their degree in 2027. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each subject (course) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the subject.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all subjects in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in subjects from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2027 for commencing students

Student contribution band by subject

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2027
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,908 per standard year
$613 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,880 per standard year
$1,235 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $14,046 per standard year
$1,755 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $18,025 per standard year
$2,253 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can no longer study in a CSP.
Visit Study Assist for more information about SLE

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your degree. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2027 is $386.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Explore scholarships
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Additional costs

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2027 is $386. 

How your fees are calculated

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Explore scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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