Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing

2023 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2023 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2023 course information
Award granted	Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing
Course Map	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2023. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Campus	This course is only offered Online
Online	Yes
Duration	1 year fulltime or part-time equivalent
Deakin course code	H675
Approval status	This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
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

With job growth of 13.9% projected for registered nurses by 2026, there is strong demand for nurses to take on leadership and mentoring roles in this vital sector. As a registered nurse, Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing will prepare you to meet that demand, providing a pathway to expand on your advanced practice knowledge and improve healthcare delivery in your workplace

You will study at one of Australia’s largest and most established nursing schools. Ranked 20th in the world,^ the School’s cutting-edge research is recognised as well above world standard#. Our strong industry connections, mean you will be guided by experts in nursing as you explore the current and emerging trends, concepts, knowledge and evidence that provides the policy and practice framework in which the care of patients takes place.

Are you ready to take on a leadership role as the next step in your nursing career?

Open the door to senior roles in nursing with the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing. This course enables you to gain a varied understanding of advanced nursing practice, without narrowing your focus to a particular specialty area. In addition to two core units, you can select six elective units tailored to your interests and career goals.

Core units will expand your professional judgement by exploring ethical practices in the workplace, as well as the policies and frameworks which govern patient care. You can then choose your electives from complementary areas of health practice related to your interests, or undertake studies preparing you for roles in education, leadership or management.

You will be challenged to become a leader in evidence-based practice, and a change agent to improve the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes.

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.

Graduates are prepared to handle the contemporary challenges nurses may face with a course that responds to industry trends and demands. You will also learn how to make a difference through roles in areas such as practice, education, leadership and research.

*2021 Employment Outlook – for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government National Skills Commission.
^2022 ShanghaiRankings Ranking of Academic Subjects.
#Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018.

Indicative student workload

As an online student in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course. Refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information.

Professional recognition

Nurses employed under the Victorian public hospital award receive a higher duties allowance.

Career opportunities

With job growth of 13.9% projected for registered nurses and 23.1% for nurse managers by 2026,* there is an industry demand for nurses who can lead and mentor teams within healthcare settings. Whether you are pursuing a senior position in nursing or want to be a leading voice in nurse education, this course will prepare you for each role.

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
clinical nurse specialist
research roles

*2021 Employment Outlook - for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government National Skills Commission.

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.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing (H575)

Articulated courses

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year and your study load. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website or our handy Fee estimator to help estimate your tuition fees.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Demonstrate advanced nursing practice commensurate with nursing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice and person-centred care.
Communication	Demonstrate advanced communication skills to ensure the delivery of quality, safe nursing care.
Digital literacy	Evaluate information using digital technologies to effectively disseminate relevant healthcare information to individuals, groups and/or the multidisciplinary team.
Critical thinking	Identify and evaluate complex data from multiple sources to inform evidence-based decision making.
Problem solving	Apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to routine and complex problems to optimise health outcomes.
Self-management	Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, reflection and personal autonomy.
Teamwork	Establish and maintain inclusive, collaborative professional relationships.
Global Citizenship	Display accountability for, and sound professional judgement in behaviours that uphold ethical principles of practice within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts.

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing, students must attain a total of 8 credit points. Student must complete 2 core (compulsory) units, 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.

Students are encouraged to select units on interest and/or relevance to your clinical practice.

All commencing Faculty of Health course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).