Victoria University
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 16 months
Build your knowledge of trauma-informed care and gain a holistic understanding of mental health and its impact on individuals, families and communities.
Course overview
- Progress towards credentialing with the ACMHN - This degree meets the education requirements for the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) Credential, the only nationally consistent standard for recognising specialist mental health nurses.
- Award-winning study model - VU's postgraduate online Block Model, winner of the Learnx Live! Award 2021 ‘Best Online Learning Model’, recognises the complexity of students' lives while giving a consistent, manageable and connected online learning experience.
- Support seven days and in the evenings—Get the support you need, when you need it, during your course. VU's support network has a single focus: ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed.
With the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, you can build your knowledge of trauma-informed care and gain a holistic understanding of mental health and its impact on individuals, families and communities.
VU Online’s Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing meets the education requirements for the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) Credential – the only nationally consistent standard for recognising specialist mental health nurses.
After completing this course, you can deliver mental health nursing practice and produce better patient outcomes. You can also continue your studies with the Master of Mental Health Nursing from VU Online.
Key facts
July, 2025
August, 2025
October, 2025
What you will study
To attain the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, students will be required to complete 96 credit points of core studies.
- Recovery Oriented Mental Health
- Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health
- Effective Trauma-Informed Care
- Mental Health Nursing
- Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health
- Mental Health in Later Life
- Care Coordination in Practice
- Evidence and Research for Practice
Entry requirements
Applicants must have the following:
- Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification; and
- Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) or Registered Midwife with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) OR equivalent registration with the relevant registering authority for applicants outside of Australia; and
- Provide evidence that they are employed in a health setting (e.g., employment contract); or
- Completed Victoria University’s Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have completed your studies at another university or institution, you may be eligible to receive credit for skills and past studies. Units can be credited if they are part of the course structure you are applying for. Please note that credits relating to prior VU subjects are automatically granted and no further action is required.
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
With VU Online’s Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, you’ll enhance your knowledge and skills in evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches in mental health to take up senior mental health services positions. This course positions you to take on mental health care coordination roles, leadership roles in mental health nursing or community mental health services.
Upon completion, you can continue your studies to gain your Master of Mental Health Nursing.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative per unit cost in 2025: $2,870 - $2,950 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total cost in 2025: $23,280 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The total cost is calculated based on eight units of study or 96 credit points.
The fees depend on the number of units you study and whether you are eligible for Advanced Standing, which is assessed after you submit your application.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.