Nursing Postgraduate Course Guide

GRADUATE OPTIONS CAREERSwith STEM™

Nursing for the changing world.

Amid social disruption and technological change, nurses maintain a singular focus—patient care.

The impact of their work can reach beyond individuals and their families, to improve the health and wellbeing of communities. Today, the need for nurses is greater than ever, and nurses are increasingly playing a bigger role in our healthcare system.

QUT’s School of Nursing is the first and largest centre for tertiary nursing education in Queensland, with a true

dedication to developing the next generation of nurses to succeed and fostering an environment that supports lifelong learning.

Learn from some of Australia’s most respected nursing experts. Grow in your practice with mentorship from industry leaders, and expand your skills, insight and connections to confidently lead the transformation of healthcare delivery.

Advance your nursing career with a QUT postgraduate degree.

qut.edu.au/health

Raising the bar

Furthering your nursing study is good for enhancing your career and making a positive impact on the lives of patients and the community. Use this guide to explore your options

f you’re a nurse looking to take your career to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. I know firsthand the value of furthering your education in nursing. After working as a registered nurse at Princess Alexandra Hospital, I went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Social Science and PhD. My PhD research focused on the experiences of bereaved caregivers of people with cancer, and I continue to conduct research in the field of palliative care, cancer and aged care as a Distinguished Professor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health at QUT.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring many postgraduate nursing students, and I can tell you that pursuing additional education in nursing can open up many doors

5 reasons postgrad study will give your

and new career opportunities. In a postgraduate course, you’ll learn from experienced nursing professionals, gain a deeper understanding of the industry and be better equipped to provide high-quality care to your patients. Whether you’re just starting to consider your options or you’re ready to jump into further study, this guide is the perfect place to start. It’s full of information about the courses available at QUT, including profiles of nurses who have completed them. You’ll discover what you can expect from the courses, what you’ll learn and how you can use that knowledge to advance your career.

4. Better patient outcomes

I hope this guide inspires you to take your nursing career to the next level.

Patsy Yates, AM, FAHMS Executive Dean, QUT Faculty of Health

DEEP DIVE

Charting your nursing career at QUT

QUT’s Faculty of Health offers the full nursing study pathway, from undergraduate to PhD, in a flexible, supportive environment with strong industry partnerships

Bachelor of Nursing

3 years, full time

Embark on your study journey with QUT’s Bachelor of Nursing degree, providing you with the essential knowledge and skills to become a qualified registered nurse (RN).

Graduate Certificate in Nursing

1 year, part time

This flexible qualification gives you the option to exit early from the Master of Nursing with enhanced specialist knowledge and leadership skills .

Find out more about QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing on P7

Turn to P11 to meet two QUT alumni forging successful careers as Nurse Practitioners

Master of Nurse Practitioner (2 years, part time)

Develop advanced knowledge and skills in your speciality with an expanded scope of practice through QUT’s flexible, online course offerings. Find out more about becoming a nurse practitioner at QUT on P10

Master of Nursing

1.5 years, full time or 3 years, part time

Prepare for advanced practice nursing roles, educator roles, middle and senior leadership positions, and research opportunities in a supportive learning environment with strong industry connections.

Find out more about QUT’s Master of Nursing course on P8

Research pathways

Extend your expertise as a researcher with a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at QUT.

Why QUT?

Industry connections are strong

You’ll also be taught by experts and guest lecturers who work in the field, and have many networking opportunities.

You’ll get real-world experience

Books and theory are great, but QUT takes things to the next level by offering you practical learning opportunities. This includes solving real-life problems and seeing actual patients!

They’re all about world-class research

And you can soak up the benefits! QUT is also a research institute with strong links to international researchers, and world-class facilities and infrastructure.

Staff know their stuff

As well as being experts in the areas they teach, staff are across the latest teaching practices and provide support and mentoring to their students.

STUDY fLEXIBLy

Our courses are designed to make study work for you. You have the option to exit early with an embedded qualification or continue to pursue a masters.

Career chat

Jane is a leading figure in nursing education and research in Australia, renowned for her expertise in palliative care. As head of QUT’s School of Nursing, Jane has years of nursing experience in clinical, academic and policy environments and is dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s nurses to provide evidence-based, person-centred and culturally-safe care. We asked her a few questions to help you forge the ideal study path for your nursing career.

Why should nurses consider postgraduate study?

Jane: While your undergraduate education gives you excellent foundational skills, postgraduate study is where you can develop specialised knowledge and capabilities. Our healthcare system needs well-educated and well-prepared nurse professionals who can drive reform strategically, drawing on strong leadership skills and deep knowledge.

What should a nurse think about when considering their postgraduate study path?

Jane: Follow your passion, firstly. But also remember that education is an asset you can take wherever you go, and it’s something you will never lose. Even if you go down one path and change your mind, it’s all part of lifelong learning and you’ll always be able to leverage off that knowledge and experience.

What do you see as some of the key trends shaping the future of nursing?

Jane: I think we’re going to see more nurse practitioners in our healthcare system – QUT has the largest cohort of nurse practitioners in Australia and many more are looking to enrol.

As patients’ needs, treatments and care get more complex, everybody is going to have to really step up. It’s not about medical substitution, but it is about everyone having the capabilities to work to their full scope of practice. There are many practices in our healthcare system that nurses could – and will – fill.

Are postgraduate qualifications a way for nurses to future-proof their career?

Jane: Whenever nurses invest in their education they are future-proofing not only their own careers, but the future health of Australian society. We will all get better healthcare with a better educated health workforce.

Any final words of advice?

Jane: Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who taught you in your undergraduate degree, to people you know through work, or even to people you find online. Academics are really helpful and want to ensure you have the best possible outcome. I know the academics I work with at QUT are doing that all the time, and I do this for many of my palliative care colleagues.

remember that education is an asset you can take wherever you go, and it’s something you’ll never lose”

We spoke to Professor Jane Phillips, Head of QUT’s School of Nursing, about the benefits of postgraduate study and the future of the profession

Nursing Diploma, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital

Bachelor of Applied Science - Nursing, Curtin University

Post Graduate Diploma Health Promotion, Curtin University

Palliative Care Practice, Harvard Medical School

PhD, University of Western Sydney Professor of Palliative Nursing, and Director IMPACCT, UTS

Professor Nursing and Head of School of Nursing, QUT

Duration

• Oone year, part time

• Intakes in February and July

Entry requirements

• Must be registered as a nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

What will you learn?

QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing is a comprehensive program that focuses on clinical leadership, practice improvement, service delivery and the socio-political aspects of contemporary nursing practice. The course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your career.

Available majors include:

• ACUTE CARE NURSING

• CANCER NURSING

• EMERGENCY Nursing

• Gastroenterology Nursing

• HEALTH PROfessional

• intensive care Nursing

• Paediatric and Adolescent Nursing

• primary health care

You can also opt for a flexible program with no major and choose from a variety of electives, including: education, healthy ageing, research, dementia, aged care and management in health.

How will you learn?

IN FOCUS: GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN NURSING

Looking to enhance your nursing career in just one year, part time?

QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing is designed for professionals seeking specialist knowledge and leadership skills. It can also be used to kickstart a Master of Nursing degree if you want to take your career even further

The course is delivered in a flexible part-time mode, using online technologies that promote collaborative learning and a supportive community. As an external student, you will have access to a comprehensive package of electronic resources to support your learning journey.

Career potential

Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Nursing, you will be equipped with the skills to take on emerging leader roles in:

• a clinical speciality area

• Education

• Management

Further study

QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing articulates into the Master of Nursing and Master of Nurse Practitioner course. Read on to learn more about QUT’s Master of Nursing degree.

Duration

• One and a half years, full time or three years, part time

• Intakes in February and July

Entry requirements

• Registered as a nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

• Registered bachelor’s degree in nursing (or higher)

IN FOCUS: MASTER OF NURSING

QUT’s Master of Nursing will prepare you for advanced practice nursing roles, senior leadership positions and research opportunities. Learn from expert nurse clinicians in a supportive, flexible environment

What will you learn?

QUT’s Master of Nursing is a comprehensive postgraduate degree that covers the following majors:

• Acute Care Nursing

• Cancer Nursing

• Emergency Nursing

• Gastroenterology Nursing

• Health Professional Education

• Intensive Care Nursing

• Paediatric and Adolescent Nursing

• Primary Health Care

You can also choose a flexible program with no major and select from a variety of electives, including: science of pharmacology, health statistics, dementia and quality management in health.

How will you learn?

Whether you prefer to study full time or part time, online or on campus, QUT’s Master of Nursing offers you the flexibility to align your studies with your other personal and professional commitments. As an external student, you’ll benefit from an extensive learning package of electronic resources that will support you in your studies.

Choose your stream

Students can choose between the coursework or dissertation streams. If you’re interested in becoming a nurse unit manager, clinical nurse consultant, director of nursing or clinical nurse educator, the coursework stream is for you. If you’d like to pursue a career as a nurse researcher, nurse academic, or aim to progress onto a PhD, the dissertation stream is the recommended pathway.

Why choose this course?

QUT’s Master of Nursing is designed to meet the needs of healthcare organisations for graduates who demonstrate nursing leadership and advanced practice skills. Graduates will have the ability to demonstrate leadership, autonomy, expert judgement and adaptability to improve healthcare outcomes and service delivery models.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the QUT Master of Nursing will be prepared for nursing leadership positions including:

• Advanced practice nursing roles

• Middle and senior nursing management roles

• Nurse educator roles

• Research nurse roles

Further study

QUT’s Master of Nursing has the potential to articulate into the Master of Nurse Practitioner degree or further research, including a PhD.

Get qualified early!

QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing articulates into the Master of Nursing, providing an early exit option and study pathway for grad cert students

Mastering Your Craft

Kaila’s career in nursing began when she met with a registered nurse at an Australian Defence Force careers expo. The nurse spoke of the numerous opportunities and specialties that the career offered, inspiring Kaila to enrol in a Bachelor of Nursing program at QUT. After completing her undergraduate degree, Kaila started as a graduate registered nurse in a nursing home. She soon moved to a graduate position within the Orthopaedic Trauma Unit at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital before being seconded to the then newly-opened Elective Surgery High Dependency Unit, where she discovered her passion for intensive care.

“The high acuity patients and calibre of nursing staff motivated me to do more with my career,” Kaila says. “I could see that a postgraduate qualification was important in giving me flexibility within my nursing role, especially within ICU (Intensive Care Unit).”

Kaila completed her Graduate Certificate in Nursing at QUT while working clinically within ICU. The mentorship provided within her unit and during her clinical practice assessment gave her the confidence to work alongside her peers in caring for some of the most critically ill patients in the state. Kaila’s postgraduate qualification also allowed her to take on leadership roles within her unit, such as clinical coordinator, where she provided clinical support and guidance to other multidisciplinary staff at the bedside.

Leadership opportunities

Using her postgraduate education, Kaila applied for and gained a clinical nurse position within ICU, which opened up further leadership opportunities, including shift coordinator and Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) nurse. As a MERT nurse, Kaila was part of a team that provided support to clinical staff during deteriorating patient situations in a ward setting.

Currently, Kaila is completing her dissertation on high-fidelity simulation as part of a Master of Nursing at QUT.

“After completing my dissertation, I’d like to work within education and further simulation research at a graduate level for staff working in critical care,” Kaila says. “I’d also like to further investigate how virtual and augmented reality technology can help us advance simulation education to provide more life-like scenarios in a low-risk environment for clinical staff.”

For those considering postgraduate studies, Kaila advises talking to someone working within your desired speciality about the study and work experience required.

I could see that a postgraduate qualification was important in giving me flexibility within my nursing role”

Kaila Porter is a passionate intensive care nurse with a special interest in the power of simulation education to improve patient outcomes

IN FOCUS: MASTER OF NURSE PRACTITIONER

Become a qualified Nurse Practitioner at QUT. In this course, you’ll learn from experienced, practicing Nurse Practitioners in a supportive and flexible online setting as you expand your scope of practice and gain advanced knowledge in your speciality

Duration

• Two years, part time, external only

Entry requirements

• Relevant postgraduate qualification

• Current nurse registration (Division 1) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), without conditions

To meet clinical practice entry requirements, you must:

• Be currently working in an advanced nursing practice role

• Have a minimum of four years, full-time (or equivalent) clinical practice experience as a registered nurse in the nominated speciality

• Have a minimum of two years, full-time (or equivalent) experience (within the last six years) in an advanced nursing practice role in the nominated speciality

• Have the support of your executive director of nursing (or equivalent)

For a definition of ‘advanced nursing practice’, refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s ‘Fact sheet: advanced nursing practice and speciality areas within nursing’.

100% Online

All course components, including orientation, are online

What will you learn?

The Master of Nurse Practitioner program covers eight essential units, diving into primary health care, Indigenous health, leadership, health assessment, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, quality use of medicines and research. You’ll graduate ready to independently assess, diagnose and manage clients in your speciality area.

How will you learn?

This part-time program offers flexibility through online delivery of all units, including orientation. You’ll get access to electronic resources, webinars, Zoom sessions and direct support from QUT’s experienced unit coordinators.

Accreditation and endorsement

This course is accredited with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council on behalf of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Graduates can apply to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for NMBA endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner.

Why choose this course?

If you’re eager to provide advanced care in a specialised field, this course is for you. Develop leadership, communication, and deep clinical knowledge while enjoying mentorship and support from experienced Nurse Practitioners.

Career opportunities

After completing the program, you can pursue a rewarding career as a nurse practitioner in your chosen speciality.

Further study

Once you’ve completed the program, consider enrolling in a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) for further development.

Application and course requirements

Places are limited, so apply early to secure your spot. The final application date for February intake is 31 January but the course may close earlier if places fill up. Applications for the following mid-year intake open on 1 July. Before enrolling, ensure you meet all entry requirements and have support from your Executive Director of Nursing (or equivalent).

Health heroes

Meet two QUT Master of Nurse Practitioner graduates who are using their postgraduate qualifications to make a difference in the lives of patients

#1 Community crusader

Blessing’s nursing career began with an undergraduate degree in Zimbabwe. It was after moving to Australia and working in aged care here that she realised what nurses had the potential to do with a greater scope of practice. This inspired her to pursue postgraduate studies at QUT, where Blessing obtained a Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Health and Ageing) and a Master of Nurse Practitioner.

Blessing says she cannot overstate what a big impact her postgraduate nursing studies had on her career. “Where do I begin? The doors started opening and kept opening.”

Blessing’s studies have been particularly instrumental in allowing her to pursue a passion

#2 Nursing with heart

Luke chose nursing because he wanted to care for patients and support families during some of their most challenging moments, as well as for the clinical opportunities he knew the career would give him.

After completing his undergraduate degree in Melbourne, Luke worked in a neurosurgical ward in his native Tasmania before discovering his passion for cardiology in a cardiac cath lab. For the past two years, he’s been working as a chronic cardiac care nurse practitioner candidate, a role that requires a Master of Nurse Practitioner qualification.

Luke says he chose to do his Nurse Practitioner training through QUT because of its reputation for giving students a detailed and practical education under the guidance of experienced Nurse Practitioners. The program’s flexible learning arrangement also allowed him

to manage his studies alongside his professional commitments and a busy home life with three children under the age of five.

With QUT’s Master of Nurse Practitioner under his belt, Luke was able to transition into a nurse practitioner role with the Tasmanian Health Service. “It has given me more autonomy and helped me facilitate improved patient access to cardiac care,” he says. For example, Luke can undertake advanced cardiac assessments, collaborate with cardiologists to arrange diagnostic testing and implement treatment plans that lead to improved patient outcomes.

Looking to the future, Luke’s goal is to expand access to cardiac care for Tasmanians, particularly those in rural areas or from disadvantaged backgrounds. Thanks to his studies, Luke is well on his way to making a difference in the lives of even more people.

for developing and implementing new models of care, which she has done at Gold Coast University Hospital, Ipswich Hospital and Ipswich Hospice. Her skills and qualifications also enabled her to start Ipswich Nurses, in 2021, to provide palliative care to people living with disabilities in the community. “We have broken down barriers and are continuing to do so to ensure this vulnerable group has access to the best palliative care,” she explains.

For nurses considering postgraduate studies, Blessing’s advice is to find their passion and a good mentor with experience in that area. “We all have that one person who we dedicate our career success to,” she says.

Blessing Makoni Director, Ipswich Nurses Luke Dare Chronic cardiac care nurse

Discover your nursing niche

1. When faced with a critically ill patient, what is your biggest strength?

A. Remaining calm and focused on providing immediate care.

B. Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to develop a care plan.

C. Assessing the situation and prioritising the patient’s needs.

D. Communicating effectively with the patient and their family to address their concerns and needs.

E. Seeking out additional resources to provide the best possible care.

2. What is your preferred work environment?

A. Fast-paced and dynamic, where critical thinking and problem solving is key.

B. Collaborative and supportive, where teamwork is essential.

C. Structured and organised, with clear protocols in place.

D. Compassionate and empathetic, where patient-centred care is prioritised.

E. Innovative and flexible, where creative thinking and adaptability are encouraged.

3. What do you see as the most important aspect of nursing care?

A. Holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient.

B. Promoting and managing patient health and wellbeing through education and prevention.

C. Providing evidence-based interventions.

D. Advocating for patients and their families, and providing emotional support and comfort.

E. Empowering patients to make informed decisions and take an active role in their care.

4. What kind of patients do you enjoy working with the most?

A. Those who require complex and critical care.

B. Those who are managing chronic conditions and require ongoing support.

C. Those who are in urgent need of care in an emergency setting.

D. Children, and their families, who require specialised care.

E. Those with cancer or a serious illness who might require palliative and other supportive care.

5. What is your approach to continuing education and professional development?

A. Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and research.

B. Building strong relationships with colleagues and peers.

C. Participating in ongoing training and skill-building opportunities.

D. Focusing on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.

E. Advocating for and promoting the nursing profession through leadership roles and involvement in professional organisations.

Mostly As

Intensive care nursing

You are a quick thinker and remain calm in high-pressure situations. You prioritise the immediate needs of critically ill patients and work well in fast-paced environments.

Mostly Bs

Primary health care

You are compassionate and empathetic, and prioritise patient-centred care. You enjoy working with patients, managing ongoing health conditions and providing support and management of their conditions.

Mostly Cs

Emergency nursing

You are able to assess situations quickly and prioritise patient needs. You are comfortable in a fast-paced environment and thrive on being able to provide life-saving interventions.

Mostly Ds

Paediatric nursing

You are dedicated to helping children and their families and have a passion for providing specialised care. You are patient and nurturing, and enjoy creating a supportive environment for young patients.

Mostly Es

Cancer nursing

Ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Visit bit.ly/qut-nursing or scan the QR code for more information

You have a passion for supporting patients with a cancer diagnosis and a desire to empower them to take control of their health. You focus on relieving pain and suffering, and use evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.

Use this quiz to reflect on your passions, skills and goals, but remember — a career counsellor can provide more personalised guidance. There are also more specialisations than these, or you could choose a customised mix of courses.