Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Mental Health)

The aim of the Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Mental Health) is to produce a graduate who can practise mental health nursing skilfully and within ethical and legal boundaries, and who can think abstractly and critically.

The Graduate Diploma encourages critical examination of issues such as mental health nursing knowledge, the evidence based perspective of practice, the measurement of outcomes and the consumer movement. Research training and the study of the relationship between research, knowledge and practice is a key component of the course.

Issues include learning how to use the self therapeutically, relationships with clients, understanding the experience of people who have mental illnesses, disorders and crises. Collaborative relationships and partnerships between nurses, multidisciplinary colleagues and stakeholders in the mental health care service are endorsed as a key value within the course. You will be challenged to conceptualise and articulate definitions of the unique role of mental health nursing, to ask difficult questions and to seek answers.

The course is offered by the UWS School of Nursing and Midwifery – a national leader in nursing and midwifery education, research and scholarship in Australia. With a strong reputation for quality, relevant and contemporary professional education, the School has well established industry partnerships with nursing leaders and health and community services in Greater Western Sydney.

UWS also has well established ties across the state of New South Wales and nationally. These national and regional ties are complemented by collaborative partnerships and active international links, enabling the School to work with a range of partners to advance nursing education and research.

Career Opportunities

This course will enable graduates to pursue careers as a registered nurse or nursing manager.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS postgraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens in a new window). Step by step instructions are available on the How to Apply pages.