Bachelor of Nursing
65.0
Overview
Our Bachelor of Nursing prepares you for the diversity and complexities of 21st century nursing.
At Swinburne, you'll benefit from our focus on technology and innovation from year 1, and our small class sizes which provide more individualised support. Your clinical skills will be developed safely using simulation technology and realistic case studies.
Please note: due to high interest and limited capacity, students are encouraged to apply early to secure a place within this course. This course is available in Swinburne's Hawthorn and Wantirna campuses.
Campus delivery
If you choose the Wantirna intake, you will be required to attend the Hawthorn campus one day per week for classes in Year 1, Semester 1 of the course.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Your industry experience
All our bachelor degrees include a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity. This degree features work placement as a professional accreditation requirement. You’ll complete 800 clinical practicum hours in varied clinical settings. In Nursing Projects (NUR30007), you'll collaborate with industry partners on a student-led project.
Skills you’ll learn
- Critical thinking
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Problem solving skills
- Patient safety and well-being
- Wound management
- Communication
Your career opportunities
- Registered nurse
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional accreditations
Why Swinburne?
5 stars for learner engagement
1# in Melbourne for staff: student interaction
#1 in Melbourne for graduate satisfaction
93% of graduates found employment within 4 months of completing their course
Qualifications
One of the following:
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
ATAR Minimum Entry Score
65.0
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2024 [after adjustment factors]
62.55
You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.
If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements.
Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
*Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Course prerequisites
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Other requirements
All enrolled students must maintain a current Working with Children Check (from the Appropriate State Authority) and a current Police Check throughout the duration of the course.
Evidence of a completed adult vaccination program is required before clinical placements are undertaken.
Students enrolled in this course may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Screening Check prior to commencing placement with an NDIS provider. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.
Students enrolled in this course may be required to complete an annual N95 Mask Fit Test prior to commencing placement. The relevant fee is the responsibility of the student.
View the Informed Choices statement, which provides information about the inherent requirements of nursing, specifically the essential physical and behavioural abilities needed to perform assessment tasks and professional placements in nursing and progress to a career in this field. This information is intended to assist you to choose whether you can successfully participate in and complete a course.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
The Bachelor of Nursing has program entry criteria set by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. All students entering this program must demonstrate they have achieved the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) specified level of English language skills, prior to commencing the program.
You must demonstrate your English language competency in one of the following ways:
- English is your primary language and you have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the recognised countries*, including at least two years between years 7 and 12.
- You have successfully completed at least five (5) years (full-time equivalent) continuous education taught and assessed solely in English, in a recognised country that is a combination of:
a) tertiary and secondary education taught and assessed in English; o
b) tertiary and vocational education taught and assessed in English; or
c) combined tertiary, secondary and vocational education taught and
assessed in English; or
d) tertiary education taught and assessed in English
The last period of education must have been completed no more than five years prior to applying for registration.
- Test pathways – below is a list of the approved tests and the minimum scores required:
- IELTS (academic Module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components
- OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components
- PTE (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills
- TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and a minimum score of 24 in listening, 24 in reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking
- OET Nursing profession test and a minimum score of B (more than 350 marks) in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking) from a single test sitting. Results are to be valid for a maximum of two years from the test date.
*Recognised countries include Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa or the United States of America.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Course deferral
Due to high interest and limited capacity, students will be unable to defer their place in this course.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Apply for a pathway course
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.
Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.
How credit points work
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Nursing requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
What your course could look like
This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2025 only. You are advised to use the study plan template available via your student portal in conjunction with your course planner to plan your studies. Sequence may also vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions. The unit offering information is correct at the time of publication, however changes may occur.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Anatomy and Physiology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO10004 |
|
Health Assessment and Decision Making
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR10001 |
|
Indigenous Health
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
HEA20006 |
|
Strengths Based Nursing and Health Promotion
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR10008 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Ethics and Law in Health Care
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR10004 |
|
Foundations of Nursing
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, 80 placement hours |
NUR10005 |
|
Concepts of Aged Care
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR10006 |
|
Physiology in Health Sciences
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR10009 |
Want to see the full range of electives?
Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Mental Health Nursing
Core unit, 25.0 credit points, 160 placement hours |
NUR20002 |
|
Acute Nursing Care
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR20005 |
|
Pharmacology and Pathophysiology in Nursing
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR20007 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Nursing Research
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR20003 |
|
Managing Chronic Care
Core unit, 25.0 credit points, 160 placement hours |
NUR20006 |
|
Nursing Children and Young People
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR20008 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Preparation for Entry to Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR30002 |
|
Clinical Governance and Quality Care
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR30004 |
|
High Acuity Nursing
Core unit, 25.0 credit points, 160 placement hours |
NUR30005 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Nursing Projects
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR30007 |
|
Leadership for Digital Health Technologies in Nursing
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NUR30008 |
|
Complex and Community Care
Core unit, 25.0 credit points, 240 placement hours |
NUR30009 |
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$4,627
Total fee* ($AUD)
$13,881
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$43,280.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2025 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
Accreditation placement fees
Placement opportunities at Swinburne are designed to provide valuable experience, promote career readiness, and recognise the importance of practical skills in achieving your goals. Students attending placements will be required to cover fees with costs ranging from approximately $350 to $600, depending on the specific course.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
NOTE: Advanced Entry applications must be submitted directly to Swinburne.
NOTE: Advanced Entry applications for this course in Semester 1, 2024 have now closed.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
- VTAC Code: Bachelor of Nursing Wantirna 3401011301
- VTAC Code: Bachelor of Nursing Hawthorn 3400211301
Note:
- Semester 1 standard intake is for direct year 12 entry (or equivalent) into the degree.
- Block 1 intake is for students who have completed a Diploma of Nursing or have approved advanced standing.