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Why study the SCU Online Master of Mental Health Nursing?

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Pathway to credentialing  

Accredited under the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMNH)

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Leading in nursing education

#2 in Australia for Nursing in overall Educational Experience 1

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Top 100 Young Universities

Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world that are 50 years old or younger 2

Good Universities Guide 2023
Times Higher Education 2024 Young University Rankings

The SCU Online Master of Mental Health Nursing difference

Are you thinking about studying for an online mental health nursing masters? At SCU, we’re cultivating the leaders of tomorrow, today, right in our very own backyard. We aim to provide an exceptional education experience through our unique learning model and innovative online platform. We’re committed to lifelong learning and providing equal access to education for everyone, regardless of background or location. As one of the top universities in the world at only 25 years young, we’re pioneers in online education and have been doing so since 2015. We’re a rising, dynamic university that is proud to be a game changer and leader in education. That’s the SCU Online difference and why you should study an online masters degree in mental health nursing with us.

Quick facts

  • Units
    12
  • Duration
    24 months part-time
  • Fees
    $2,712 per unit, FEE-HELP available
  • Intakes
    Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct

The SCU Master of Mental Health Nursing online benefits

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Take control of your study schedule

Have the flexibility to study around shift work, family commitments and other responsibilities so you can manage your own study progress.

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Learn from clinically experienced academics

Developed in collaboration with passionate mental health nursing providers with a wealth of clinical experience, preparing you to apply specialist mental health knowledge in practice.

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Helping communities thrive

At SCU Online, we stand for our community. We’re  committed to offering a vibrant teaching, learning, research and cultural environment to help you achieve your career goals.

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Pathway to a specialist mental health nurse credential

Developed in line with the latest mental health industry standards, set by the ACMHN. You can use your qualification as part of the pathway to becoming a credentialed mental health nurse.

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Unique learning model

Find the ideal balance between work, life and study through our unique seven-week study units. Apply the knowledge and skills you learn immediately to real-world situations.

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Unparalleled support

Receive academic and non-academic support to assist with your study from enrolment through to graduation. Have full access to SCU campuses, including the library and other facilities.

How does the online Master of Mental Health Nursing work with SCU?

  • With no exams, you’ll learn through quizzes, videos, interactive presentations and more.
  • Connect with academics and students through online chat platforms and discussion boards.
  • Access support throughout the course, including feedback from a learning coach and a dedicated student success advisor from enrolment through to graduation.
  • Live classes are optional but encouraged for networking, while the course is self-paced.
  • To make the most of your learning experience, we recommend dedicating around 20 hours per week to your studies.

A typical study period at SCU Online

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Study Timeline

Career and salary outcomes

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Mental Health Nurse, typical annual salary: $95,000

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Mental Health Support Worker, typical annual salary: $73,000

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Nurse Unit Manager, typical annual salary: $128,000

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Clinical Nurse, typical annual salary: $105,000

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Registered Nurse, typical annual salary: $85,000

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Nurse Consultant, typical annual salary: $115,000

* Salary outcomes captured by Seek.com.au, accurate as of September 2023.

Early exit options

We know that plans change, which is why we’ve built A flexible completion option into the online Master of Mental Health Nursing. If you need to exit early, you could still receive a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing or a Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing

Graduate Certificate
4 Units, or continue studying

Graduate Diploma
+ 4 Units, or continue studying

Masters Degree
+ 4 Units

Entry requirements

To gain entry into the Master of Mental Health Nursing, all applicants must: 

  • Be a Registered Nurse (Division 1) and have access to mental health nurse practice or to mental health nurse practitioners during their course of study, and; 

  • Be proficient in English. 

If you are not a registered nurse, you could also be eligible for the Master of Mental Health degree. Find out more about Rules Relating to Awards and Specific Award Rules

Need more information on the entry requirements? Chat to a Student Enrolment Advisor today via live chat or call us on 1300 863 819 to discover your eligibility. 

Units of study

This unit will expose you to critical exploration and practical application of the core contexts of mental health within the Australian healthcare system.  

This unit emphasises the life stage and bio-psycho-social contexts specifically related to providing effective engagement and interventions with children, adolescents and older persons.  

This unit explores the varied roles of a mental health professional in the 21st century.  

This unit explores the experiences of people with complex mental health presentations, co-morbidity and risk behaviours.  

This unit introduces you to an evidence-based approach to health practice.  

Enhance understanding and capability of mental health to ensure patient physical health needs are being addressed within holistic mental health assessment, diagnosis and interventions. 

Develop a deeper knowledge of psychological approaches and models of understanding that influence a consumer taking constructive change that supports recovery.  

In this unit, you will reflect on your own professional practice and learning, planning strategies to collect, select and reflect on evidence to include in a professional portfolio. 

This unit emphasises on leading the translation and application of knowledge to clinical practice settings. 

Develop knowledge and capabilities in evidence-based and effective talk-based interventions, through a critical analysis of key therapies from behaviourist theory perspectives.  

Broaden and deepen your understanding of literature analysis and research design in relation to an area relevant to professional practice. 

Get detailed information about each unit in our course guide.

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Learning outcomes

Covering a broad spectrum of mental health, gain the skills to create holistic mental health care treatment plans to meet patient needs. 

Explore current mental health policy and government legislation within the Australian healthcare system while building on your collaborative recovery and evidence-based mental health practice.

Build the capacity to analyse and critique the latest mental health research, preparing you to apply evidence-based approaches and drive better patient outcomes in clinical settings.

Meet our course coordinator

Dr Richard Lakeman is the course coordinator for the Master of Mental Health and Mental Health Nursing programs, and an Associate Professor at Southern Cross University’s internationally recognised School of Health and Human Sciences. Richard can provide valuable support and guidance through: 

  • Hands-on learning
    Gain real-world insights into the challenges and nuances of mental health care in a variety of settings with Richard’s 30 years of experience working in the field. 

  • Expertise in complex mental health needs
    Understand and address the unique challenges faced by individuals with complex mental health needs, especially if you aspire to work in specialised areas of mental health. 

  • Mentoring
    Receive one-on-one guidance and support in your academic and career journey. As your course coordinator, Richard can offer career advice, share insights and help you develop the necessary skills to excel in mental health leadership roles in a variety of community settings. 

  • Bringing a holistic approach
    Learn about the importance of considering psychological and emotional aspects alongside medical interventions in mental health care. 

Frequently asked questions

To qualify for entry into the Master of Mental Health Nursing, all applicants must: 

  • Be a Registered Nurse (Division 1) and have access to mental health nurse practice or to mental health nurse practitioners during their course of study, and; 

  • Be proficient in English. 

If you are not a registered nurse, you could be eligible for the Master of Mental Health degree. 

No, but students have access to FEE-HELP Government loans. FEE-HELP is the Government loan that eligible full-fee paying postgraduate students can use to defer their payment. 

As this course is delivered 100% online, you can be located anywhere and undertake the Master of Mental Health Nursing, provided you meet the entry criteria. Different nursing courses in Melbourne, even throughout Victoria and other Australian states have different study requirements - like on-campus attendance, however with SCU Online, our students don't need to worry about that. 

To gain your online Master of Mental Health Nursing degree, you will complete 11 core units and 1 elective unit. 

You can choose one from any of our 14 mental health nursing electives. 

These include: 

  • Health Systems, Policies and Practices 

  • Leadership and Management in Health 

  • Leading Change in Healthcare 

  • Principles and Practice of Clinical Accountability 

  • Social and Emotional Competence in the Workplace 

  • Teaching and Supervision in a Clinical Setting 

  • The Positive Leader 

  • Digital Marketing 

  • Organisational Change and Development 

  • Human Resource Management 

  • Organisational Behaviour 

  • Project Management Principles 

  • Business Accounting for Managers 

  • Management Communication

Nurses who specialise in mental health can be found at every level of service delivery, from Medicare-subsidised to specialised mental health care settings and support services.

 

The course is accredited under the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN). You can use your qualification as part of the requirements to become a credentialed mental health nurse.

 

For more information on the Career Outcomes in Mental Health, visit our blog.

Our Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing is comprised of four units, our Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is comprised of eight units, and our Master of Mental Health Nursing is comprised of twelves units. The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing is your first step towards a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and a Master of Mental Health Nursing, both of which are accredited under the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN). 

Advanced standing focuses primarily on receiving credit from previous academic study, such as an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, while RPL encompasses a wider range of learning experiences as well as professional work experience. Both processes provide the opportunity for you to have your prior learning recognised, thereby reducing the amount of time and effort required to complete the online Master of Mental Health Nursing. 

Download a course guide

Find more information on our course, including:

  • Fees
  • Entry requirements
  • Units
  • Online platform
  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3

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