The Bachelor of Nursing curriculum at Western Sydney University is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive learning experience, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skill development. The course is built around an inquiry-based learning approach and spans three years of full-time study, with units typically structured across Autumn and Spring sessions.

Year 1: Foundations of Nursing Practice

• Focuses on introducing students to the professional role of the nurse, primary healthcare concepts, fundamental biosciences (Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacology), health assessment skills, and effective communication in nursing.
• Includes initial Professional Practice Experience (PEP) placements to gain early exposure to clinical environments.
• Typical units: Professional Practice Experience 1, Primary Health Care in Action, Bioscience 1, Professional Communication in Nursing, Human Relationships and Life Transitions, Professional Practice Experience 2.

Year 2: Health Variations and Complex Care

• Delves deeper into pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, and nursing care for individuals experiencing various health variations, including chronic illness, mental health conditions, and acute exacerbations.
• Builds on clinical skills and expands professional experience placements in more complex settings.
• Typical units: Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing 1, Health Variations 2 – Chronic Illness and Disability, Health Variations 3 – Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Conditions, Professional Practice Experience 3, Professional Practice Experience 4.

Year 3: Leadership, Specialised Care, and Transition to Practice

• Focuses on advanced clinical reasoning, leadership in nursing, ethical decision-making, and care for acute life-threatening conditions, palliative care, and end-of-life care.
• Culminates in significant professional experience placements designed to consolidate skills and prepare for transition to graduate registered nurse roles.
• Typical units: Professional Practice Experience 5, Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing 2, Health Variations 4 – Acute Life-Threatening Conditions, Health Variations 5 – Palliative and End of Life Care, Professional Practice Experience 6, Being a Professional Nurse or Midwife, Clinical Leadership and Professional Relationships, and one elective.

Professional Experience Placements (PEP): A critical component of the curriculum, students complete a minimum of 800 hours of supervised clinical practice throughout the 3-year program, across diverse settings such as acute care hospitals, aged care facilities, community health, and mental health services.

Entry Criteria

• Academic qualifications Applicants must have successfully completed a recognised senior secondary school qualification equivalent to the Australian Year 12, or higher education study.
  • For domestic applicants with recent secondary education: Eligibility is generally based on the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent selection rank. Specific ATAR cut-offs vary by campus and intake, and are published by UAC. Students may also be eligible for early offers through programs like ‘HSC True Reward’.
  • For international applicants: Equivalent secondary education completion from their home country is required. Western Sydney University assesses international qualifications based on their equivalence to the Australian Year 12.
  • Enrolled Nurse (EN) Pathway: For the 2-year pathway, applicants must hold a current registration as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and have completed an Australian Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121 or HLT54115) within the last 10 years.
• Non-Academic Requirements:
  • English Language Proficiency Declaration: All applicants are required to sign a declaration acknowledging the high English language competency requirements set by the NMBA for registered nurses.
  • Mandatory Checks for Clinical Placements: To undertake compulsory professional experience placements, students must meet NSW Health requirements. This includes:
    • A valid National Criminal History Check (Australia-wide check). International students typically need a translated International Police Check.
    • A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance letter.
    • A completed vaccination/immunization card with all required serology results (currency must be maintained throughout the program).
    • Completion of an Undertaking/Declaration form and any other state-specific documents (e.g., Tuberculosis Assessment tool, Hepatitis B statutory declaration form, Signed Code of Conduct, Student Deed Poll).
  • NMBA Student Registration: Students will be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) for the duration of their study. Full disclosure of any issues of impairment or misconduct is a declaration requirement when applying for student and later, professional registration.
  • Inherent Requirements: Applicants should review the inherent requirements for the program online to ensure they can meet the physical, cognitive, communication, and behavioral demands of nursing practice.

Language Proficiency

• English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) sets rigorous English language proficiency standards for registration as a Registered Nurse, and these standards are strictly applied to all students enrolling in the Bachelor of Nursing at Western Sydney University. This is primarily for public safety and to ensure graduates can practice safely and ethically.
  • IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0, with no score in any component (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) less than 7.0.
    • (Accepted from one test sitting, OR a maximum of two test sittings within a six-month period, provided a minimum overall score of 7.0 is achieved in each sitting, no score falls below 6.5 in any component, and all components achieve a minimum of 7.0 across the two sittings).
  • OET: Minimum score of Bs in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
  • PTE Academic: Overall score of 65, with no communicative skill score less than 65.
    • (Accepted from one test sitting, OR a maximum of two test sittings within a six-month period, provided a minimum overall score of 65 is achieved in each sitting, no score falls below 58 in any communicative skill, and all communicative skills achieve a minimum of 65 across the two sittings).
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 94, with minimum sub-scores of Listening 24, Reading 24, Writing 27, and Speaking 23.
    • (Accepted from one test sitting, OR a maximum of two test sittings within a six-month period, provided a minimum total score of 94 is achieved in each sitting, no score in any section is below Listening 20, Reading 19, Writing 24, Speaking 20, and all sections achieve the minimum required scores across the two sittings).
  • Exemption: If English is your primary language and you have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country (including at least two years between Years 7 and 12).