Nursing - Nurse Practitioner

The course resolutions detailed in this page apply to all courses included in the table below under section 1 (course codes).

These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Coursework Policy 2021 (the 'Coursework Policy'), the Learning and Teaching Policy 2019, the Resolutions of the Faculty, University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule 2021, the Academic Integrity Policy 2022 and the Academic Integrity Procedures 2022. Current versions of all policies are available from the Policy Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies

1  Course codes

2  Attendance pattern

The attendance pattern for this course is full time or part time according to candidate choice.

3  Master's type

This master's degree is an advanced learning master's course, as defined by the Coursework Policy.

4  Admission to candidature

(1) Available places will be offered to qualified applicants in the order in which complete applications are received, according to the following admission criteria.

(2) Admission to this course requires applicants to be registered to practise nursing in an Australian state or territory. In addition, applicants are required to nominate a Primary Clinical Supervisor for the purpose of undertaking clinical components of this course. All applicants must satisfy the English language proficiency requirements detailed here:

(a) Applicants require an IELTS overall band score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each band, or equivalent score in another recognized test completed in the two years prior to their application; or

(b) Successful completion of an appropriate course at the University’s Centre for English Teaching in the two years prior to their application;

(c) For admission to postgraduate courses, proof of English language proficiency may also be provided through a record of satisfactory achievement in tertiary studies in which the language of the institution was English and the language of instruction, examination and assessment was English. The Faculty defines satisfactory achievement as:

(i) A three year degree, completed no more than five years prior to commencement; or

(ii) A degree of two or more years duration, completed no more than three years prior to commencement.

(d) For admission to post-registration postgraduate courses, proof of English Language proficiency may also be provided by a record of current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a (Division 1) Registered Nurse and proof of current employment in this capacity at an appropriate health facility.

(3) Admission to the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) requires:

(a) a pre-registration nursing degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification with a credit average; or

(b) a graduate diploma with a credit average in a nursing discipline from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; and

(c) a minimum of a graduate certificate in:

(i) the area of clinical practice relevant to the Nurse Practitioner application; or

(ii) another area, and be able to demonstrate advanced skills in the area of clinical practice relevant to the Nurse Practitioner application by portfolio and referee reports; and

(d) a minimum of two years full-time equivalent experience as a registered nurse in a specified clinical field and two years full time experience of advanced nursing practice in the same field.

(4) Qualifications (other than the pre-registration nursing degree or equivalent) used as the basis of admission must have been completed less than ten years prior to application. Qualifications older than ten years will be considered subject to the applicant providing further information substantiating appropriate continuing education and development. In these cases, admission will be at the discretion of the Faculty.

5  Requirements for award

(1) The units of study that may be taken for the course are set out in the Units of Study table for the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner).

(2) To qualify for the award of the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) a candidate must complete 72 credit points, including:

(a) 60 credit points of core units of study; and

(b) a 12 credit point capstone experience unit of study.

(3) Candidates are required to attend clinical simulation and fieldwork as prescribed including 300 hours of supernumerary integrated professional practice. Where appropriate, the Faculty may require individual candidates to undertake further or remedial theoretical, clinical or practical study in addition to the above requirements.

6  Time limits

A candidate must complete all the requirements for the course within six calendar years of first enrolment, excluding periods of suspension.

7  Transitional provisions

(1) These resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January 2023 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2023 who elect to proceed under these resolutions. Students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2023 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement.