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Master of Mental Health Nursing (Online)

Step into advanced practice and clinical leadership

100% online
delivery

ACMHN-accredited qualification

Project or research stream options

Step into leadership roles

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Complete the form below for detailed course information and to be contacted by phone and email.

  • Length 3 years part-time online study
  • Cost per course* $37,200
  • Credit points 120

Course Benefits

  • 12 units
  • ACMHN-accredited qualification
  • Flexible study 100% online
  • Commonwealth supported places available

Lead change through advanced mental health nursing practice

  • Apply by: 15-Jan-2027
  • Start classes: 1-Feb-2027

At a senior level, mental health nursing demands more than skill and clinical competence. It calls for confidence, leadership, critical thinking and the ability to shape services as well as deliver excellent care.

ACU’s Master of Mental Health Nursing (Online) is designed for registered nurses working in mental health who are ready to go further into advanced practice, research, education or leadership.

You’ll enhance therapeutic expertise, strengthen research capability and build a better understanding of how mental health services are structured, governed and improved.

More information about this program

Click on each tab below to learn additional details regarding the program requirements and features.

Curriculum

Master of Mental Health Nursing

3 years part-time online study

12 units

120 credit points

You’ll complete core mental health nursing units before moving into either a project or research stream. Across 12 units (120 CP), you’ll build advanced capability in therapeutic practice, research, leadership and service development – honing skills that support more senior clinical and system-level roles.

Designed for experienced mental health nurses, the master’s degree strengthens your specialist capability while preparing you to make your mark in service development, mentoring, clinical leadership and improvement across mental health services and teams.

In this course you’ll:

  • advance recovery-focused and therapeutic practice in complex settings.
  • strengthen research capability and evidence translation.
  • develop leadership and service improvement skills.
  • choose a project or research pathway aligned to your goals.
  • build capability for senior mental health nursing roles.
Curriculum details

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Application deadline 15-Jan-2027

Start date 1-Feb-2027

Applicants must meet ACU’s admission criteria:

  • Hold a completed Bachelor of Nursing degree (or higher), OR
  • Hold a completed Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing (or equivalent), AND
  • Provide written confirmation from your employer that you are currently employed in a mental health service.
How to apply

Fees and support

Fees and support

$37,200 total course fee

$3,100 per unit

Fee support available

The cost of study is an important consideration when planning your future, and the tuition outlined here is designed to give you a clear and transparent understanding of what to expect for the Master of Mental Health Nursing (Online).

  • Limited Commonwealth supported places are available for eligible students.
  • FEE-HELP is also available for eligible students.
  • We offer two intakes per year in February and July.
Fees & support

Take the next step in mental health leadership

Mental health services continue to grow across hospital, community and specialised settings. Demand for experienced nurses who can lead support teams and work confidently with research is on a steady rise.

For graduates, career outcomes may include:

  • mental health nurse: $95,000 AUD per year1
  • clinical lead: $120,000 AUD per year2
  • clinical nurse: $110,000 AUD per year3
  • nurse educator: $133,000 AUD per year4
Explore careers

Your teachers

Our mission-driven approach combines academic excellence with a commitment to ethics, social responsibility and real-world impact.

ACU’s strong and established reputation in nursing and health sciences positions and prepares graduates to deliver safe, equitable and patient-centred care in evolving healthcare environments.

What’s it like to learn online?

As an ACU Online student, you’ll study the same curriculum taught on campus, with the flexibility to learn where and when it suits you. ACU’s digital learning platform connects you with expert educators, live tutorials and interactive coursework designed for flexibility and support. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, you’ll have the tools, structure and guidance to learn, succeed and excel at your own pace.

Sources and disclaimer

  1. How to become a mental health nurse https://au.seek.com/career-advice/role/mental-health-nurse.
  2. How to become a clinical lead https://au.seek.com/career-advice/role/clinical-lead.
  3. How to become a clinical nurse https://au.seek.com/career-advice/role/clinical-nurse.
  4. How to become a nurse educator https://au.seek.com/career-advice/role/nurse-educator.

*Fees are subject to change. Speak to an enrollment advisor to confirm cost per course.