Female nurse tending to a patient in a hospital bed

Postgraduate nursing degree: take your career to the next level

Are you ready to take your nursing career to new heights? Study a postgraduate nursing degree at a university with more than 40 years’ experience delivering nursing education.

Charles Sturt University has worked with nursing professionals across Australia to design four graduate certificates that will build on your skills as a nurse – and empower you to move into advanced nursing roles.

Because you can take your career anywhere with a postgraduate nursing degree. Just ask Maddy Bowers, who has worked in big city hospitals, regional healthcare – and been on TV!


“You have to believe in yourself and ignore thoughts of not being good enough. Set your goals early in your career and do whatever you need to, to achieve them. I kept taking one leap of faith after another, and every step paid off.”

Read more about Maddy’s career journey

What’s more, you’ll be in demand. The government predicts very strong future growth in opportunities for nurses, nurse managers, nursing educators and nursing researchers.

Your postgraduate nursing degree

We’ll break down each degree for you.

But first…

What do these postgraduate study options bring to the table?

  • You can complete your nursing graduate certificate in as little as six to eight months part-time. Alternatively, your nursing master’s in 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent).
  • You study 100% online. So you can upskill while you work.
  • You’ll get credit for your graduate certificate if you do a master’s later.
  • You could save thousands of dollars on fees.

Say what?

Study and save on fees

That’s right. University just got a little easier – apply now to save up to $10,000 on your course fees with a Commonwealth supported place (CSP).* Even better, with a CSP you not only save on the cost of your course, but you can also apply for a HECS-HELP loan to pay for your studies and defer repayment until you earn above a certain amount. So, upskilling has never been more affordable.

Master’s degrees in nursing

Master of Nursing (with specialisations)

This course is designed for registered nurses looking to upskill for advanced nursing practice. Enhance your critical thinking, decision-making and research-related skills. Step into a specialisation in an area you’re passionate about – aged care, clinical education, leadership and management, research for clinical practice, or rural and remote nursing.

Master of Health Management and Leadership

Created for healthcare professionals, this postgraduate degree will give you the knowledge and skills required for effective management and leadership. Prepare to lead the planning, implementation, monitoring and also the evaluation of the health service industry.

Graduate certificates in nursing

Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Rural and Remote Nursing) – save up to $8,688 on your course fees!

This course is the only one of its kind in New South Wales – and one of only two in Australia. Develop your capacity for safe and effective advanced nursing practice that meets the complex healthcare needs of people living in rural and remote communities.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Leadership and Management) – save up to $8,688 on your course fees!

Created for clinicians, leaders and managers at all levels of healthcare. With a focus on practice improvement and transformative leadership, this course will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need to be a successful nurse leader in the rapidly changing healthcare environment.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Aged Care) – save up to $10,067 on your course fees!

This course is designed for nurses working in aged care as clinicians. It’s also ideal for emerging or current leaders working in aged care settings. Advance your assessment skills with a focus on age-related changes and the needs of ageing groups. You’ll also develop your capacity to plan and provide person-centred care that enhances quality of life.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Clinical Education) – save up to $8,166 on your course fees!

In this postgraduate nursing degree you’ll focus on the knowledge and skills required for advanced nursing practice. And you’ll also develop your ability to plan, deliver and evaluate clinical education in a range of healthcare settings through a focus on transformative learning principles.

Ready to upskill with a postgraduate nursing degree?

*Courses marked are those which have CSP places available in 2024.