Master's degree
A master’s degree will enable students to
- perform as autonomous learners capable of integrating prior learning while exploring professional contexts and the socio-political climate
- advance their capacity for clinical judgement by engaging with the complexities of practice and discipline knowledge.
In 2010, the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery offers master’s degrees in the following areas:
- Cancer and Haematology Nursing
- Clinical Nursing
- Clinical Trials Practice
- Emergency Nursing
- Intensive Care Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Nurse Practitioner
Admission
Admission to our master’s courses requires a bachelor's degree with a credit average, and, with the exception of the Master of Clinical Trials Practice, registration as a nurse in Australia or in a country other than Australia. Additional admission criteria apply for those students seeking admission to the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner).
International students are also required to provide evidence of English proficiency with an IELTS score (academic test) of 7.0 in each band and 7.0 overall. More information on English language requirements for international students, can be found at http://www.usyd.edu.au/fstudent/international/postgrad/apply/english_res.shtml.
Note: International students who wish to study on campus can only apply for the full-time option. The Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) is not available to international students.
Honours
Eligible students will also be able to undertake an honours degree in their area of specialty. People undertake an honours degree for many reasons, although they usually do so for professional advancement and/or personal fulfilment. An honours degree allows students to undertake more detailed and in-depth research in their particular specialty fields of practice. Students who successfully complete the honours degree with First Class or upper Second Class Honours are eligible for entry into a PhD. They may also be eligible for a competitive scholarship.
More information about honours degrees can be found in the research degrees section of this website.
Mode of attendance
Each unit of study may have up to five face-to-face study days. A normal part-time load is two units of study per semester.
Student learning is further supported by the University’s eLearning.
Fees
The master’s courses are full-fee paying and the cost per unit of study in 2009 is approximately $1740 (please note that these costs are indicative and may be subject to change and will increase slightly each year). Fee-Help is available for Australian Citizens and the student centre will provide you with further information regarding eligibility and repayment information.
The international fee rates vary depending on which level of degree you choose. You may like to visit the International Office website for the fee listings.
Duration and credit points
With the exception of the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)* the master’s degree is three semesters full-time, or five semesters part-time. There is one intake per year in March.
The master’s degree requires a total of 60 credit points*. Master’s students take a selection of units of study, comprising core units and elective units (to a total of 48 credit points), and a 12 credit point capstone, bringing the total to 60 credit points.
Non-award units of study
Previously completed non-award units of study may be credited towards the master’s degree. Award units taken at graduate diploma and graduate certificate levels may also count towards a master’s degree.
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2010 study tables
The following 2010 study tables indicate which units you will study in each semester.
For full descriptions of each of the following courses, click on the unit of study codes.
Master of Cancer and Haematology Nursing
Course code: GC060
Course coordinator: Moira Stephens
Clinical practice requirements
Students wishing to enrol in the Master of Cancer and Haematology Nursing will be required to undertake clinical assessments in the workplace or through simulation. Students must fill out a clinical assessment form and send it in with their application.
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Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Assessment and Clinical Judgement
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Cancer and Haematology Nursing Practice |
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Biology of Cancer and Haematology
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Navigating the Cancer Experience |
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Research in Nursing and Health Care |
Creating a Culture for Safety and Quality |
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Advanced Cancer and Haematology Practice |
Strengthening Nursing Leadership* |
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Year 2
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Semester 1 |
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|---|---|
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Capstone (Work-based Project) OR |
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Capstone (Thesis) |
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Master of Clinical Nursing
Course code: GC061
Course coordinator: Dr Tom Buckley
Clinical practice requirements
There are no clinical practice requirements for Clinical Nursing. Therefore you do not have to fill out a Clinical Assessment form.
Year 1
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Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Assessment and Clinical Judgement
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Clinical Practice and Nursing Work |
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Foundations of Clinical Practice
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Developing Clinical Nursing Practice |
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Research in Nursing and Health Care |
Creating a Culture for Safety and Quality |
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Preventing Adverse Clinical Outcomes |
Strengthening Nursing Leadership* |
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Year 2
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Semester 1 |
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|---|---|
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Capstone (Work-based Project) OR |
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Capstone (Thesis) |
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Master of Clinical Trials Practice
Course code: GC058
Course coordinator: Dr Kathleen Scott
For admission into the Master of Clinical Trials Practice, you must be a registered nurse or a health care professional, preferably working in the area of clinical trials or health care research.
Year 1
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Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Elective*
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Elective* |
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Elective* |
Creating a Culture for Safety and Quality |
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Methods in Clinical Trials |
Clinical Trials: Measurement and Analysis |
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Research in Nursing and Health Care |
Clinical Trials in Practice |
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Year 2
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Semester 1 |
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|---|---|
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Capstone (Work-based Project) OR |
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Capstone (Thesis) |
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Master of Emergency Nursing
GC062
Course coordinator: Dr Andrea Marshall
Clinical practice requirements
Students wishing to enrol in the Master of Emergency Nursing will be required to undertake clinical assessments in this specialty area. Students should be currently employed in the relevant clinical area and be able to demonstrate the support of the clinical area for undertaking these clinical assessments. Students must fill out a clinical assessment form and send it in with their application.
Year 1
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Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Assessment and Clinical Judgement
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Emergency Nursing Practice |
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Foundations of Clinical Practice
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Complexity of Critical Illness and Injury |
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Research in Nursing and Health Care |
Creating a Culture for Safety and Quality |
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Expanding Practice in the ICU & ED |
Strengthening Nursing Leadership* |
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Year 2
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Semester 1 |
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|---|---|
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Capstone (Work-based Project) OR |
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|
Capstone (Thesis) |
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Master of Intensive Care Nursing
Course code: GC063
Course coordinator: Dr Andrea Marshall
Clinical placement requirements
Students wishing to enrol in the Master of Mental Health Nursing will be required to undertake clinical assessments in the workplace. Students must fill out a clinical assessment form and send it in with their application.
Year 1
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Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Assessment and Clinical Judgement
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Intensive Care Nursing Practice |
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Foundations of Clinical Practice
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Complexity of Critical Illness and Injury |
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Research in Nursing and Health Care |
Creating a Culture for Safety and Quality |
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|
Expanding Practice in the ICU & ED |
Strengthening Nursing Leadership* |
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Year 2
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Semester 1 |
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|---|---|
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Capstone (Work-based Project) OR |
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|
Capstone (Thesis) |
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Master of Mental Health Nursing
Course code: GC064
Course coordinator: Associate Professor Kim Foster
Clinical practice requirements
Students wishing to enrol in the Master of Mental Health Nursing will be required to undertake clinical assessments in the workplace. Students must fill out a clinical assessment form and send it in with their application.
Year 1
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Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Assessment and Clinical Judgement
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Mental Health and Illness in Context |
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Mental Health Nursing A
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Mental Health Nursing B |
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Research in Nursing and Health Care |
Creating a Culture for Safety and Quality |
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Expanding Practice in Mental Health |
Strengthening Nursing Leadership* |
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Year 2
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Semester 1 |
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|---|---|
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Capstone (Work-based Project) OR |
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Capstone (Thesis) |
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Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)*
*Subject to approval by the Nurses and Midwives Board NSWCourse code: GC059
Course coordinator: Dr Tom Buckley
Prerequisites for the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
The Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) requires students to have completed a graduate certificate in their chosen speciality, have a minimum of three years as a registered nurse and have a minimum of one year advanced practice experience prior to commencement of the course.
Applying for the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
There are two intakes of students for the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) – in March and/or July each year.
The closing dates for your application are in the feature pane on the right hand side of this webpage, along with the relevant forms. Once you’ve completed your application form, you need to return it with certified copies of required documents (see list below) along with any original academic transcripts. All these are listed clearly in the application form. If you lodge your application in person at Nursing Student Services, the certification can be done by a staff member who will cite the original documents, and return them to you immediately.
Note: It is up to you to make copies of your documents before submitting your application.
All applications must be submitted in person at Mallett Street Campus, or sent by post. No online or faxed applications will be accepted.
List of documents to accompany the application form
Along with the application form, you will also need to supply the following documentation in order to demonstrate eligibility for admission to the degree:
- certified copy of current authority to practice as a registered nurse from an Australian state or territory
- curriculum vitae detailing both education and clinical experiences
- certified copies of academic transcripts or clinical qualifications/achievements
- minimum of two references from two senior clinicians attesting to the applicant’s advanced practice experience and capabilities
- letter of support from manager/supervisor (proposed or current) indicating that you will be supported to carry out the 300 advanced clinical practice hours while you are enrolled iin the degree
- letter of support from nominated Primary Clinical Supervisor* and copy of their curriculum vitae (CV)
- any other relevant documentation that supports your application
*Primary Clinical Supervisor
You must be supported by an approved Primary Clinical Supervisor while undertaking the degree. The Primary Clinical Supervisor will be required to hold a minimum qualification at master level or deemed equivalent by other achievements and professional activities. The Primary Clinical Supervisor will be an advanced practice clinician holding a clinical position in your workplace with responsibility to act as a mentor, teacher and supervisor while you undertake the required clinical components of this course.
The nominated Primary Clinical Supervisor must provide you with a CV; a statement which explains why he/she is the appropriate person for the role; and a signed agreement to fulfil the role.
Minimal entry requirements
- A minimum of a graduate certificate in the area of clinical practice that is relevant to the nurse practitioner application*
- a minimum of three years experience as a registered nurse
- a minimum of one year advanced practice** experience prior to commencement of the course
- A nominated primary supervisor who is currently practising as an advanced practice clinician, preferably with authorisation to refer for diagnostic investigations and prescribe medications in practice (may include clinical nurse consultant, nurse practitioner or medical practitioner).
*Where the graduate certificate is in an area of specialty practice not directly related to the Nurse Practitioner application, you must be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience at an advanced practice level as demonstrated by portfolio and referee reports.
**Advanced Nursing Practice is defined by the NMB (2006) as "nursing or midwifery practice that incorporates an ability to provide care to a range of clients who require nursing or midwifery care at a level, which demands a repertoire of therapeutic responses; insightful, sophisticated clinical judgements; and clinical decision-making, justified by application of advanced knowledge".
Recognition of prior learning
The Faculty works within existing frameworks for recognition of prior learning as established by the University of Sydney. Students may be granted credit on the basis of previous studies where the student has completed comparable subject matter in prior studies at the same academic level. In order to qualify for an award a student must, for postgraduate award courses, complete at least 50 percent of the requirements prescribed for the award course at the University. These requirements may be varied where the work was completed as part of an embedded program at the University or as part of an award course approved by the University in an approved conjoint venture with another institution. The credit granted on the basis of work completed at an institution other than a university normally should not exceed one third of the overall award course requirements.
Year 1
Note: 50 hours of advanced clinical practice will be undertaken, along with the following units of study.|
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Research in Nursing and Health Care
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Strengthening Nursing Leadership |
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Pathophysiological Phenomena in Nursing
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Quality Use of Medicines in Nursing |
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Year 2
Note: 250 hours of advanced clinical practice will be undertaken, along with the following units of study.|
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Capstone (Professional Practice)
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Capstone (Professional Practice) (continued, if part-time) |
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