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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

187807 v.6 Graduate Diploma in Nursing

GradDipNurs(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 007862G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year


Course Overview

Graduate diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This course in advanced clinical nursing practice is characterised by knowledge and competencies within defined areas of individual specialisation.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or graduate certificate.


Specifically, applicants require a bachelor degree in nursing or equivalent with a course-weighted average of at least 60 per cent, plus registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), and a minimum of 12 months post-registration clinical experience. Those entering with a degree from an appropriate discipline must meet established criteria for the alternative mode of entry into graduate studies. Selection is based on academic performance, clinical experience, professional references and, where necessary, an interview. Overseas applicants must have completed a nursing program of three years or more leading to registration, be currently registered in their own country and provide documentation to that effect. They must also have met the usual University's entrance requirements. Overseas applicants are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. On acceptance into the course, overseas students are advised of requirements for provisional registration by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The completion of satisfactory clinic and/or practical experience is a compulsory component of this course. Whilst every effort is made to arrange placements, the University accepts no responsibility should agencies refuse to accept any student.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:


Graduate Certificate in Domiciliary Nursing; Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care and Community Nursing


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.


Course Entry/Completion Note

Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance section of the faculty website.



Course Organisation

Graduate diplomas contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.



Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is one year full-time or equivalent part-time study. As most units are offered only once in each year, and in required sequence of study, there is some limitation of choice for those studying part-time.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y        

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
311842 v.1   General Nursing Stream (G Dip in Nursing) 200.0
  OR  
311841 v.2   Primary Health Care and Community Nursing Stream (G Dip in Nursing) 200.0
  200.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Health Sciences on telephone (08) 9266 1000, email futurestudents@health.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.