Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

About the course

This graduate diploma prepares registered nurses for specialist practice in mental health nursing. You’ll develop contemporary knowledge and clinical capabilities to support people experiencing mental illness across a range of settings, with an emphasis on evidence-informed care and professional practice. The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is an on-campus postgraduate nursing qualification at RMIT. The programme develops advanced clinical reasoning, health leadership, and evidence-based practice for complex care environments.

Career outcome

Graduates are prepared for specialist mental health nursing roles across inpatient, community and acute care services. Career pathways can include mental health nurse positions in public and private health services, community mental health teams and multidisciplinary settings supporting assessment, treatment and recovery-oriented care. This Graduate Diploma is designed to support career advancement in mental health nursing practice. Preparing graduates for clinical leadership, health management, and advanced nursing or allied health specialist roles.

Living Costs in Melbourne**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 15 - 20	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 1,583 - 2,094	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 1,207 - 1,596
Transportation (Daily) A$ 7 - 9	Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 240 - 318

Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)