Master of Clinical Nursing - FAQs

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What are the prerequisites for the Master of Clinical Nursing run by ECU?

Entry is available to Registered Nurses with a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) (with at least 12 months-nursing experience) or Registered Nurses without a degree (and at least 3 years experience).

The course relies on clinically-based learning therefore students are required to work at least 18 hours per week in an approved speciality area. (Students in the Critical Care and Emergency Streams are required to work a minimum of 24 hours per week).

Students who have completed an approved course of study elsewhere maybe eligible for advanced standing.

I don't have a University degree. Does this matter?

Not at all. Non-degree entry into the Master of Clinical Nursing program is available for nurses with three years post registration experience.

ECU recognises knowledge and skill obtained outside the academic environment (i.e. in the workplace) and welcomes nurses with 'prior learning' into their programs. Students with extensive specialty experience may be eligible for a unit exemption or may apply to challenge part of the program content.

I don't want to commit to Masters study. Do I have any other options?

Yes, although all ECU students must enrol in the Master of Clinical Nursing, students may elect to exit the program at various points. Exit points that are available include:

  • Postgraduate Certificate level (4 units of study)
  • Postgraduate Diploma level (6 units of study)
  • Masters level (9 units of study).

What is the cost of the program?

All available courses are full fee paying. The Department of Health, some hospitals and professional organisations offer scholarships for course fees. Government study assistance schemes are accessible through the university. Use the ECU Fees Wizard to calculate what your fees will be. You will need to enter each unit number separately.

I like clinical nursing and would like to develop speciality nursing skills. What can postgraduate studies offer me?

The Edith Cowan University (ECU) Postgraduate Certificate program (part of the Master of Clinical Nursing) is designed to provide the opportunity for nurses “working at the bedside” to extend their knowledge and clinical competence within a specialty area and provides academic recognition for these skills.

The program promotes the acquisition of knowledge related to advanced physiological and pathophysiological concepts, development of advanced nursing assessment skills, reflective practice, problem solving and clinical decision making skills relevant to nurses in a clinical setting. It also develops an understanding of the principles of evidence-based practice and its application to clinical care. Last, but not least, the program encourages the development and application of teaching and learning skills to health promotion, health maintenance and health restoration.

This program as part of the Master of Clinical Nursing is supported by Royal Perth Hospital and is available both in internal and external modes of study.