Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Mental Health Theory)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing is a 100 point 4th year coursework program offering theoretical nursing specialization or a generic award. Achievement of clinical field practice competency requirements is not available in this course and therefore full unrestricted registration with the NBV is not required for completion of the course.

Depending on subject selection, the award is available as a generic qualification or with bracketed theoretical specialization to acknowledge the nursing specialty that is the focus of the student's studies.

The course may be taken full time over 2 semesters or part time over 3 - 4 semesters.

Overall the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing aims to provide the opportunity for nurses to extend their understanding of the relationship between the theory and practice of nursing in a specific area of specialty nursing. Students develop a depth and complexity of knowledge that enhances their specialty practice in a variety of contexts and in a variety of nursing roles. There is an emphasis on academic preparation for leadership in specialty nursing, specialty nursing education and patient education.

Upon completion of the course it is therefore expected that students will have the academic attributes described for the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice, but in acknowledgment of the focus on academic development, clinical competence objectives are replaced with the following objectives that foster leadership in specialty nursing:

• Proficiency in areas of professional scholarship;
• an understanding of the professional issues impacting upon specialty nursing and the wider nursing profession;
• a beginning understanding of the international context and sensitivities of the specialty area;
• a capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society that impact on and are impacted by specialty nursing practice;
• an appreciation of the ways in which evidence based practice guides specialty practice and how specialty knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialty area;
• an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of research as it relates to the development of evidence based practice;
• a capacity to transfer knowledge and understanding of specialty nursing in oral and written presentations to a wide range of professional and non-professional audiences;
• the ability to communicate an understanding of the theoretical basis for practice both verbally and in a written form.

Mandated Points:62.5 credit points

50 credit points mandated specialty subjects including 25 credit points of specialty theory subjects;

AND 12.5 credit points comprising EITHER NURS90009 Evidence for Practice; OR an approved alternative 4th year research familiarization subject

Elective Points: 37.5 credit points

Chosen from any 4th year subjects offered within or external to the School of Health Sciences.

Total Points: 100 credit points

Full time - 50 credit points each semester.

Mandated Subjects

Admission requirements for all specialty and advanced practice courses:

• a Bachelor of Nursing (or equivalent training)
• at least one year of clinical experience as a registered Division 1, 3 or 4 nurse within the five years prior to applying for the course
• current unrestricted registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (formerly the Nurses Board of Victoria) in Division 1, 3 or 4 of the Register (courses with clinical components only)
• current employment and clinical support in your specialty area (courses with clinical components only)
• meet the University of Melbourne's English language requirements

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s courses. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to clinical/field work activities. Students who think their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

The Melbourne Experience enables our graduates to become:

• Academically excellent:
  • have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
  • have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
  • reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
  • be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
  • be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies
• Knowledgeable across disciplines:
  • examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
  • expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
  • have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
  • have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment
• Leaders in communities:
  • initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
  • have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
  • mentor future generations of learners
  • engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs
• Attuned to cultural diversity:
  • value different cultures
  • be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work
  • have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
  • respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values
• Active global citizens:
  • accept social and civic responsibilities
  • be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
  • have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics