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University Handbook

Deakin University

Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)

2027 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2027 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)
Deakin course code	H421
Course credit points	8
Course version	1
Faculty	Faculty of Health
Course information	For students who commenced from 2022 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2022 should contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
Online	No
Duration	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Course map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Semester 1 2027 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
CRICOS code	006227K Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Take your nursing career further with the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours). Designed for graduates of a Bachelor of Nursing or entry-to-practice postgraduate nursing degree, this specialised honours year will enable you to build the advanced research and evaluation skills that are highly valued in senior nursing and midwifery roles.

Undertake an in-depth research project in an area of professional interest, developing the expertise to analyse evidence, manage data and contribute to improved health outcomes. Gain a strong understanding of research ethics, methodologies and health care principles, and learn how to design, implement and report on a research study.

On graduating, you will gain a competitive edge for leadership roles across acute and sub-acute care, emergency, aged care, paediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as opportunities in government, education and private industry. You could also progress onto postgraduate research, including a masters by research or PhD.

Indicative student workload

You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.

Professional recognition

Honours is not a professional accreditation requirement. Honours offers students a competitive edge in the job market and is designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and research skills to undertake a postgraduate research degree, advanced professional training or to pursue diverse employment opportunities.

Career opportunities

After successfully completing the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours), you will be well prepared to build on your profile as a Registered Nurse, leading quality care initiatives and evidence-based practice. You will have improved entry into a range of areas including quality management, policy, education, research and clinical practice.

Participation requirements

Students will participate in online learning, intensive classroom activities, attend the Annual Research School and meet regularly with their supervisor.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit with a work integrated learning component, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. Refer the relevant unit guide.

Pathways

Students who achieve a high-grade Honours result can apply for credit for the research component if they decide to progress to a masters degree. A high-grade Honours result also gives students the option of applying for entry to a PhD program.

Honours

For detailed information, particularly with respect to the selection of areas of study and availability of appropriate supervision, students should consult the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Inherent requirements

Essential knowledge, skills and capabilities are required to undertake and successfully complete the undergraduate nursing and midwifery courses and to practice safely as a registered nurse and/or midwife. The inherent requirements of the course are listed at School of Nursing and Midwifery Undergraduate Courses: Inherent Requirements

Course learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes
Apply cognitive and technical skills combined with a systematic and coherent body of knowledge to develop a conceptual framework for research inquiry, select the appropriate methodology and procedures for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; and disseminate research findings.
Autonomously communicate research outcomes to the professional community, defend and discuss all elements of the research project in the chosen field of study via oral and written means to academics, specialists and others.
Autonomously undertake research, comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence to locate, select and collect appropriate technologies to source, interpret, adapt, collate, analyse and disseminate relevant information to an academic audience and specialists.
Critically and constructively, evaluate, critique and synthesise the literature in the chosen field of study; select and apply appropriate methodological principles suitable for the research project; select and apply appropriate analytical techniques to test the hypothesis; and interpret, compare and contrast study findings to the wider literature in the chosen field of study.
Contribute to advancement of knowledge in the field of health care policy and delivery by identifying a suitable and novel research question based on the literature that can be completed within the given timeframe; conducting the research to address the question in an appropriate, realistic and ethical manner.
Identify own learning needs and seek additional knowledge and/or information as required to produce a realistic timeline for the research project that incorporates preparing a literature review, obtaining ethical approval (if applicable), sourcing and/or collecting and analysing data, and disseminating research findings.
Collaborate effectively as a member of a research and professional team of specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.
Apply ethical standards governing research and professional practice in the discipline whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting inclusive, cultural sensitivities.

Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
8 credit points of core units
- including 4 credit points of an independent research project

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Part-time enrolment not available to International Students.

Course structure

Core units

Semester 1

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

Research Methods

Research Planning in Nursing

Semester 2

Research Project 1

Research Project 2

Part-time enrolment - (not available to international students)

Students may be able to complete in less than four semesters - please contact your course enrolment officer.

Year 1 - Semester 1

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

Research Methods

Year 1 - Semester 2

Research Planning in Nursing

Year 2 - Semester 1

Research Project 1

Year 2 - Semester 2

Research Project 2

Students commencing in Semester 2

Year 1 - Semester 2

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

Research Methods

Research Planning in Nursing

Semester 1

Research Project 1

Research Project 2

Part-time enrolment

Year 1 - Semester 2

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

Research Methods

Year 2 - Semester 1

Research Planning in Nursing

Year 2 - Semester 2

Research Project 1

Year 3 - Semester 1

Research Project 2

Work experience

The School of Nursing and Midwifery conducts its research through the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research (QPS). Collaborative research partnerships with health services facilitate knowledge translation particularly in relation to clinical care, quality and patient safety that directly impacts the quality, safety and experience of patient care.

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Other learning experiences

Attendance and presentation of work in progress at student workshops and Annual School of Nursing and Midwifery research school are strongly recommended.

Research and research-related study

In the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) the research and research related study activity comprises 50% (4CP) of the overall program. The research thesis is completed over two units of study.

Fees and charges

Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.

Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.

Estimate your fees

Further information

Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page .

Contact Student Central