Science
Bachelor of Nursing
Learning Mode
Full Time
Duration
3 Years
Start date
March, July
Qualification
Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7)
Fees
AUD 44,600
Location
Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool
About the Course
The Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University is a dynamic and comprehensive program designed to prepare you for a compassionate and impactful career as a registered nurse. This degree focuses on developing your clinical skills, critical thinking, and professional understanding to provide high-quality, patient-centre care across diverse healthcare settings. You will gain foundational knowledge in health sciences, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing practice, preparing you to address the complex health needs of individuals, families, and communities.
A key strength of the program is its extensive emphasis on practical experience, with significant hours dedicated to clinical placements in hospitals, community health centres, and other healthcare facilities. You will learn in state-of-the-art simulation labs, replicating real-life clinical scenarios to hone your skills in a safe environment. Deakin’s strong industry connections ensure you benefit from current best practices and emerge as a highly competent and adaptable nursing professional.
Career prospects
Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing are highly sought after in Australia and internationally, equipped for diverse and essential roles within the healthcare sector. Your comprehensive training will prepare you for a rewarding career providing direct patient care, advocating for health, and contributing to the well-being of society. You will be eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Why choose Nursing at Deakin?
Extensive clinical placements
Start hands-on hospital placements early, building essential real-world experience and confidence in diverse healthcare environments.
Simulation facilities
Practice clinical skills in cutting-edge simulation labs mirroring real hospital settings to sharpen decision-making and patient care.
Industry accreditation
Fully accredited by ANMAC, ensuring national registration eligibility and international recognition as a qualified Registered Nurse.
Course Overview
The Bachelor of Nursing (H326) at Deakin University is a 24-credit point (3-year full-time equivalent) undergraduate degree designed to prepare you for professional registration as a Registered Nurse. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience, ensuring you are well-prepared for the demands of the healthcare industry.
The course structure typically includes:
- Foundational Health Sciences: Units covering anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology, providing the scientific basis for nursing practice.
- Nursing Practice and Theory: Core units focusing on professional nursing roles, patient assessment, care planning, communication, and evidence-based practice across various health contexts.
- Clinical Placements: A significant component involving supervised professional practice in a diverse range of healthcare settings, allowing for application of theoretical knowledge and skill development.
This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding to provide high-quality nursing care.
Course Duration
3 years full-time
Mode of Study for international students:
- Full-time enrolment is generally required for international students to comply with visa regulations.
Course Curriculum
The Bachelor of Nursing curriculum is designed to progressively build your knowledge and skills, moving from foundational concepts to advanced clinical reasoning and specialised areas of practice.
- Year 1: Foundations of Nursing Practice Focus on core health sciences, fundamental nursing skills, communication, and person-centre care. Units typically include: Foundations of Nursing Practice, Anatomy and Physiology for Health, Professional Communication for Nurses.
- Year 2: Developing Nursing Expertise Building on foundational knowledge, this year delves into more complex care requirements, chronic conditions, and specific population groups. Units might cover: Acute Care Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Care of the Older Person, Pharmacology and Quality Use of Medicines.
- Year 3: Consolidating Professional Practice, the final year integrates advanced clinical reasoning, leadership, and preparation for professional practice. Units include: Leadership in Nursing, Comprehensive Nursing Practice, and significant clinical placement blocks.
Throughout the program, a substantial number of clinical placement hours are embedded within relevant units, providing essential practical experience.
Admission Requirements
Entry Criteria
- Academic qualifications Applicants must have successfully completed Australian Year 12 (VCE) or equivalent, with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in English other than EAL, and a study score of at least 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Health and Human Development, or Psychology. A competitive ATAR or equivalent international qualification is required.
- Prior Tertiary Study: Applicants with prior tertiary studies may be considered, and credit for prior learning may be available.
- Non-Academic Requirements:
- Fit to Practice requirements: All students undertaking placements must meet specific requirements, including a satisfactory National Police Check, Working with Children Check (WWCC), and up-to-date immunizations.
Language Proficiency
- English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) For international applicants, demonstrated proficiency in English is mandatory. This is typically evidenced by:
- IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 7.0, with no band less than 6.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 94, with specific minimum scores for listening (24), reading (24), speaking (23), and writing (27).
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 65, with no communicative skill score less than 58.
Fees and Funding
- AUD 44,600 (Undergraduate – per 1 year full-time for international students). *Fees are approximate and subject to annual review and may vary.
Scholarships and Bursaries:
Deakin University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support eligible students in their Bachelor of Nursing studies. These include:
- Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship: For high-achieving international students.
- Deakin STEM Scholarship: Open to international students pursuing STEM degrees, which can include nursing.
- Faculty of Health Scholarships: Specific scholarships offered by the Faculty of Health for students demonstrating academic merit or financial need.
- Various other bursaries and support schemes are available, designed to assist students with their study costs and enhance their educational experience.
Career Opportunities
Potential job roles and industries Graduates of Deakin’s Bachelor of Nursing are highly sought after and can pursue diverse and impactful careers across a wide spectrum of healthcare environments. The qualification provides eligibility to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
Common career paths include working as a Registered Nurse in: Acute care hospitals (emergency, medical, surgical, critical care), Community health centres, aged care facilities, Mental health services, Pediatric nursing, Rural and remote health, public health initiatives, Education roles (after gaining experience), and international healthcare settings. Your skills will also be valuable in areas such as health promotion, research, and policy development within government and non-governmental organisations.
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