COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Nursing Practice is organised into two major components that work together to build both professional capability and essential clinical competence. Part A focuses on professional development studies and includes five units that introduce nursing through a social model of health, encouraging students to understand healthcare in relation to the broader social and cultural contexts of Australia’s diverse population. These units explore the foundations of contemporary nursing practice, including ethical and legal responsibilities, communication skills that support therapeutic relationships, evidence-based approaches to nursing care, and the importance of delivering culturally safe and respectful healthcare. Students also examine the core concepts of caring and helping within various healthcare environments, while the final unit in this part introduces theories of health leadership and highlights the important relationship between effective leadership and improved patient outcomes. Part B comprises five units dedicated to the development of clinical skills and practical experience across a range of settings, equipping students with the foundational knowledge required to provide safe and competent care throughout the lifespan. These studies cover the assessment of physical health status, management of acute and chronic illness, and essential areas such as pharmacology, pain management, wound care, and collaborative approaches to treatment. Students also learn to respond effectively to complex presentations, including mental health concerns and deteriorating clinical conditions, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based interventions and appropriate decision-making. Together, these two parts create a comprehensive learning pathway that ensures graduates are fully prepared for professional nursing practice. The program requires the successful completion of 96 credit points, evenly divided between professional development studies and clinical skills and practice, with the course progression map offering detailed guidance on the recommended sequence of unit enrolment throughout the degree.