Master of Mental Health Nursing

Master of Mental Health Nursing

POSTGRADUATE

Understand the complexities of mental health to get you ready for leadership and clinical roles.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable*

Duration:
Full-time 1.5 years
Part-time 3 years
Fees:

Commonwealth Supported Places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

RMIT is one of the longest standing providers of nursing education in Australia and sits at the forefront of nursing education and research. We are the leading provider of postgraduate mental health nursing education in Australia.

Our mental health nursing qualifications are linked and supported by industry partners and are offered to nurses across Australia working in acute, forensic services, child and adolescent, aged mental health, addictions, homelessness teams and consultation liaison services.

To undertake this degree, you should be a registered nurse with at least 840 hours experience working in mental health clinical practice or you will be currently completing a graduate year in mental health nursing. 

As a student of this degree, you'll study advanced individual and group counselling, mental health treatment, contemporary nursing issues, global health, physical health assessment, psychopharmacology, leadership, clinical teaching, mentorship and research.

Please note that this masters degree 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.

Why study the Master of Mental Health Nursing at RMIT?

#1 in Australia

Learn with the best. RMIT is Australia’s leading provider of postgraduate mental health nursing education.

Learn from industry

Benefit from exposure to real-world experience and learn from mental health nurses with strong industry connections.

Professionally recognised

As a graduate, you will be eligible for credentialling by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.

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Shape what’s next for your career in health

Discover a rewarding career and seize your opportunities for professional development with a qualification from RMIT. 

Details

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You will be exposed to a range of teaching and learning opportunities.

All lectures are video recorded to enhance the flexible delivery of this degree. Online tutorials are also recorded, in case you are unable to attend in real time.  

You will experience a range of teaching approaches including learner-centred curriculum, learning activities and projects, and working in multidisciplinary teams.

Learning at RMIT

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.

RMIT Capabilities

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.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

The assessment you will complete within this degree will reflect the contemporary work you will be involved in within mental health nursing clinical practice.

  • Year 1 takes place at the Bundoora campus.
  • Year 2 takes place at the Melbourne City campus.

As a graduate of the Master of 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.

The Master of Mental Health Nursing consists of 144 credit points, from a selection of 12 and 24 credit point courses. After completing 96 credit points of study approved by the Program Manager, you may exit with a graduate diploma.

The curriculum is structured to enable you to:

  • focus on assessment, dual diagnosis, pharmacology, leadership, recovery-based therapy work and mental health evidence-based practice
  • have flexibility in your learning where you can choose to study on-campus or off-campus (online lectures and tutorial material)
  • develop your career towards leadership roles.

Examples of subjects offered as part of this degree include:

  • Foundations of Mental Health Nursing Partnerships
  • Context of Mental Health Nursing
  • Therapeutic Initiatives in Mental Health
  • Dual Diagnosis and Community Work
  • Mental Health Nursing Clinical Portfolio
  • Assessment Analysis in Mental Health Nursing
  • Health Inquiry Critique
  • Leadership, Supervision and Mentoring in Health Care
  • Physical Assessment, Therapeutics and Mental Health
  • Global Mental Health
  • Health Research Project.

Course structure

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

Master of Mental Health Nursing
Program code: MC268
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Mental Health Nursing
Bundoora Campus
Full-time 1 Years 6 Months, Part-time 4 Years
MC268
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
Full-time 1 Years 6 Months, Part-time 4 Years
Plan code
MC268
CRICOS
View plan

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates will be able to seek to extend their careers in mental health nursing in a wide range of hospital and community settings across metropolitan and rural areas.

Graduates of this degree should be well prepared to conduct shift leadership and care coordination roles as well as mentorship of staff in a mental health setting.

With almost half of Australians estimated to experience a mental illness at some point in their lives, 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.

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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You can join the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses and cite this qualification as part of your application for credentialing. Credentialed mental health nurses can be funded for employment under the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program.

Graduates can apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and after obtaining credentialing with the ACMHN may seek a provider number for private practice or practice in any Australian state or territory under the mental health nurse incentive program. To register in Australia you need English languages skills at IELTS academic level 7 or equivalent within the two years prior to registration.

Entry requirements and admissions

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

You must have:

  • An Australian bachelor degree in Nursing, or equivalent

OR

  • An Australian bachelor degree in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, or equivalent.

AND  

  • Current registration or be eligible for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

AND

  • 840 hours of supervised clinical practice already completed in the field of mental health nursing OR you are completing this as part of a graduate year program in mental health nursing or supervised practice during the candidature.

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 program.

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

None

None

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways and further study

You can gain entry to this master's degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate courses, if you meet the entry requirements.

Learn more about RMIT undergraduate courses

Graduates of the RMIT's Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing are eligible to seek 96 points of credit transfer towards the Master of Mental Health Nursing.

Applicants who have completed an equivalent postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma (which must include a Research Methods component) in mental health nursing at another university can claim a maximum of 72 points credit (50%) towards the Master of Mental Health Nursing degree at RMIT.

You can also apply for credit if you have completed a recognised psychiatric graduate nurse program (that was at least 12 months long) and/or are a nurse with advanced standing and experience in mental health.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Master by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Explore postgraduate research degrees

Fees

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

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

2026 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2026 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,738 to AU$17,399*. 

Full-fee places

  •  Full-fee places: AU$28,800* (2026 annual)

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$373 maximum fee for 2026*.
  • 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 program in 2026. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

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

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (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 2026 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2026
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,738 per standard year
$592 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 $9,537 per standard year
$1,192 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,558 per standard year
$1,694 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $17,399 per standard year
$2,174 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 program. 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 2026 is $373.

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 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.

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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 2026 is $373. 

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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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures