Key facts
Duration
1.5 years full-time or up to 3 years part-time.
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
With job growth of 12.1% projected for nurse managers by 2028,* there is an industry demand for registered nurses with the analytical, practical, communication and leadership skills needed to take on senior roles across a range of health care settings. Deakin’s Master of Advanced Nursing prepares you for a senior position within a multidisciplinary team or to be a leading voice in nursing.
Ranked #16 in the world,^ our School of Nursing and Midwifery is one of Australia’s largest and most established. You will learn from the best with the School’s cutting-edge research recognised as well above world standard.# You will graduate ready to advance your career, and work in leadership roles across nursing education, management, policy and research.
Are you ready to open the door to roles in advanced practice, education, management, policy and research?
The Master of Advanced Nursing prepares you to practice effectively at an advanced level. You will graduate with ethical, safe, high-quality and expert clinical decision-making skills. Plus, you will gain the specialised theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice and person-centred care that is sought after in multidisciplinary teams.
As an experienced registered nurse, you will be challenged to advance your professional judgement to become a leader in evidence-based practice, and a change agent to improve the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes within modern healthcare practice.
We develop your clinical and leadership skills via core units. You will also have the opportunity to select from either a thesis or coursework stream to tailor the course according to your desired pathway.
The coursework stream allows you to customise your degree to match your career aspirations. You can choose from a mix of course-specific or general electives from across the university.
The thesis stream sets you up to pursue a research pathway upon graduation, with four dedicated thesis units and six elective units. Supported by a research supervision team and our expert staff you will create an individual research thesis.
Our course curriculum is shaped by industry insights and research from Deakin’s Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research (QPS). QPS is a leader in clinical research, quality and risk management, and has researchers within six of Victoria’s major health services. This means the course material is evidence-based, patient-focused and informed by academics, researchers and clinical experts who are leaders in their fields.
Designed for postgraduate nursing students, our innovative online program delivers a rich, interactive and empowering learning experience that will encourage critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills. Australia’s top-rated tech support and access to our expert teaching staff allow you to study flexibly around your work and other commitments, without compromising quality or support.
Want to further your career in a shorter time? Check out our Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing (H675) or Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing (H575).
Seeking to specialise in a specific area of nursing? See our Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing (H771) or associated graduate diploma and graduate certificate options with specialisations in cardiac, critical care, emergency, intensive care, intraoperative, perianaesthesia or perioperative nursing.
https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/H771
* Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections.
^ 2023 ShanghaiRankings Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Course information
- Award granted
- Master of Advanced Nursing
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H777
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Advanced Nursing students must attain 12 credit points. Students can choose to complete a coursework stream or a thesis stream.
Students completing the coursework stream must complete 3 core (compulsory) units, plus 9 credit points of electives, of which 6 must be from the course electives, listed below. The remaining 3 can be from any level 7 electives from anywhere in the university including stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials), subject to eligibility.
Students completing the thesis stream must complete 2 core (compulsory) units and 4 credit points of thesis units, plus 6 credit points of electives, of which 4 must be from the course electives, listed below. The remaining 2 electives can be from any level 7 electives from anywhere in the university including stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials), subject to eligibility.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.
The Master of Advanced Nursing can be undertaken over 1½ years full-time or 3 years part-time.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Coursework pathway
Plus 9 credit points of electives, of which 6 must be from the course electives, the remaining 3 can be from any level 7 electives from anywhere in the university or Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials).
Thesis pathway
Plus 6 credit points of electives, of which 4 must be from the course electives, the remaining 2 can be from any level 7 electives from anywhere in the university or Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials).
* Note - Students may only undertake a thesis if they have met the academic entry requirements of an overall WAM of 65 (Credit) in their previous studies.
Course electives
*HNN778 is only an available course elective in the Thesis pathway, the unit is already a core unit in the Coursework pathway
Stackable short courses
Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) to earn up to 2-3 credit point(s) of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Deakin stackable short course options.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online campus
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online campus
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Workload
As an online student in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting via CloudDeakin and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course. Refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent
- Registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia with no conditions or restrictions, or registered as a registered nurse in the country of practice or equivalent
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Students holding an approved specialist certificate from the former Nurses Board of Victoria may apply for up to four credit points of Recognition of prior learning towards the Masters.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
The healthcare industry is the largest growing employment industry in Australia. A number of roles within nursing are expected to grow significantly by 2028*, including:
Graduates of the Master of Advanced Nursing will be well placed to take advantage of this demand. Depending on the units you have completed, your expertise will allow you to pursue a range of roles, including:
- clinical nurse educator
- associate or unit manager
- research roles
* Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections
Professional recognition
Nurses employed under the Victorian public hospital award receive a higher duties allowance for postgraduate qualifications relevant to their practice.
Graduates of this course may be eligible to seek endorsement as a nurse practitioner via Pathway 2 as outlined on the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) website.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate expert clinical practice commensurate with nursing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice, and person-centred care. |
| Communication | Demonstrate expert communication skills to ensure the delivery of high quality, safe nursing care to patients. |
| Digital literacy | Evaluate complex information using digital technologies to effectively disseminate relevant healthcare information to patients and/or the multidisciplinary team. |
| Critical thinking | Analyse, evaluate and critique complex data from multiple sources to inform clinical decision making in the healthcare setting. |
| Problem solving | Apply expert nursing knowledge to complex problems in clinical practice to optimise patient outcomes. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, reflection, and personal autonomy as an expert nurse. |
| Teamwork | Establish, maintain, and lead inclusive, collaborative professional relationships with all members of the multidisciplinary team. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate accountability for, and expert professional judgement in behaviours that uphold ethical principles of practice within diverse social, cultural, and environmental contexts. |
Footnotes
* 2022 ShanghaiRankings Ranking of Academic Subjects
^ 2021 Employment Outlook - for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government National Skills Commission
# Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018