Overview
Become a nurse to embark on a stimulating and diverse career in healthcare with a Bachelor of Nursing at Victoria University (VU).
A highly-valued nursing degree from VU will equip you with a broad set of skills to work as a Division 1 Registered Nurse in hospitals and healthcare with a diverse range of patients.
Based at our St Albans Campus, our Bachelor of Nursing program will ensure that you have sound scientific knowledge as well as hands-on nursing experience. This includes:
- 800 professional practice hours in work placements
- 140 clinical simulation hours at Sunshine Clinical School during your third year of study.
You’ll practise your skills in a safe environment using modern technology, then gain practical experience in the workplace through clinical placements.
During your nursing degree, you’ll enhance your communication skills and ability to be patient and tactful when dealing with people from all backgrounds and cultures, preparing you for a rewarding career in nursing.
Our sought-after VU nursing graduates are employed in a variety of organisations such as Royal Children’s Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital and Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Gain industry experience with 800 professional practice hours
As a VU student, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the day-to-day work of a nurse by completing 800 professional practice hours through work placements with our industry partners.
Benefit from VU’s strong industry connections with:
- Western Health
- Mercy Health Services
- Melbourne Health
- over 200 clinical agencies.
Our close industry partnerships also mean all your course material is regularly updated in-line with current healthcare practice, so you’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge to enter the workforce with confidence.
Find out more about nursing and midwifery placements.
Practise your skills at St Albans & Sunshine Clinical School
As a nursing student, you’ll get to practise what you learn in safe, supported, high-tech learning environments to prepare you to work with real patients confidently.
With 140 clinical simulation hours included in your Bachelor of Nursing, you’ll get access to our state-of-the-art nursing simulation laboratories at the St Albans Campus and at Sunshine Clinical School, VU’s new dedicated teaching facility embedded in Sunshine Hospital where you’ll spend part of your third year.
These laboratories are designed to simulate a hospital environment, to prepare you for working with real patients. They are also equipped with fixed cameras that enable video recording and live video streaming to give you an immersive learning experience.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers in nursing
With future growth of nearly 14% expected in the next five years, the current and future demand for nurses is strong.
As a registered nurse, you’ll enjoy a diverse and flexible career and be able to work across metropolitan, regional and rural areas in fields including:
- general practice
- acute care
- paediatric care
- rehabilitation
- aged care
- mental health
- residential care
- emergency
- research
- health education.
Accreditation
You will graduate qualified to register as a Division 1 Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
This course is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Nursing students will be required to complete:
- 288 credit points of Core studies.
Course structure and units
Year 1, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- HNB1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBM1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB1102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- AEK1203
- Credits
- 12
Year 1, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- HBM1202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB1205
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB1002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB1003
- Credits
- 12
Year 2, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- HNB2001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB2002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB2003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB2004
- Credits
- 12
Year 2, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- HNB2005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB2006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB2007
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB2008
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- HNB3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB3002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB3003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB3141
- Credits
- 12
Year 3, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- HNB3004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HIP3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HNB3005
- Credits
- 24
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Exhibit values, behaviours, attributes and professional knowledge congruent with quality, safe, ethical, legal and culturally appropriate provision of nursing practice in a range of health care settings across the domains of physical health, mental health and aged care to meet the Registered Nurse Standards of Practice; | ||
| 2. | Integrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology with scientific concepts underpinning nursing practice using clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills; | ||
| 3. | Contextualise comprehensive health assessment techniques to evaluate physical, psychosocial, sociological, spiritual, cultural and age appropriate elements taking a person-centred approach within an interprofessional framework whilst exhibiting accountability consistent with own nursing scope of practice; | ||
| 4. | Plan, implement and evaluate contemporary nursing practice within the context of evidence-based recommendations across the lifespan in primary, secondary and tertiary contexts in response to regional, national and global health priorities; | ||
| 5. | Exemplify cultural responsiveness, sensitivity and inclusive practice and promote the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culturally diverse communities; | ||
| 6. | Exemplify therapeutic and interpersonal skills using face-to-face and digital health communication within professional nursing practice; and | ||
| 7. | Critically reflect on own nursing practice to identify professional needs and opportunities, to inform development, and support evaluation of self-directed and lifelong learning. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Essential requirements for admission
Police check: Students must complete a National Police Records or Fit-2-Work check on admission to the course and on an annual basis.
Working with Children Check: Students must complete a Working with Children Check on admission to the course.
Specified DoH Immunisations with serology testing valid for completion of course. Flu vax to be completed yearly.
Fitness for Practice: Students must be prepared to declare their fitness for practice on admission and prior to undertaking hospital/agency placements by completing the Fitness for Practice Declaration Form on inPlace.
The University has a duty of care to ensure that students who undertake professional experience placements are both physically and mentally able, in a sustained manner, to engage in the experience.
Early identification of fitness to practice concerns allows the University to discuss with students potential reasonable adjustments to assist them to undertake their placement. Any agreed adjustments must not compromise the safety and wellbeing of the student and must ensure safety of the public.
For further information refer to the Nursing Inherent Requirements.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Inherent Requirements
'Inherent requirements' are the abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of a course. These should be met while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes.
You need to be able to demonstrate that you hold, or can acquire, the inherent requirements for this degree.
We may be able to make reasonable adjustments to help you manage circumstances that impact your studies – provided these don't fundamentally change the academic integrity of the degree.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.
AND
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Health And Human Development, any Mathematics or Psychology.
Please ALSO refer to ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section regarding English language skills registration standard for domestic students.
Subject adjustments
A study score of 25 in Biology, Chemistry, Health And Human Development, any Mathematics, Physics or Psychology equals 5 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 20 points.ATAR profile
VU course code: HBNB
VTAC course code: 4301343351
Campus: St Albans
| ATAR (Excluding adjustment factors) |
Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 81.90 | – |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 57.95 | – |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 46.30 | – |
Selection rank data is not available for this course due to a range of criteria in addition to the ATAR being used for selection (e.g. test, interview).
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent) in Nursing, Health Sciences or similar.
Please ALSO refer to ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section regarding English language skills registration standard for domestic students.
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Completed at least one semester of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent) in a Health Sciences related discipline.
Please ALSO refer to ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section regarding English language skills registration standard for domestic students.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) more than two years ago including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.
AND
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Health And Human Development, any Mathematics or Psychology.
Please ALSO refer to ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section regarding English language skills registration standard for domestic students.
Additional information
Students must have successfully completed and submitted all mandatory documentation onto VU WIL at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the block to remain enrolled in HNB1205 Foundations in Nursing 2. Students who have not successfully submitted documentation, will be withdrawn from HNB1205.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ALL DOMESTIC STUDENTS ON NURSING AND MIDWIFERY BOARD OF AUSTRALIA (NMBA) ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS REGISTRATION STANDARDS
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's (NMBA) English language skills registration standard. Proof of this English language competency can be achieved via ONE of the following three pathways:
Primary Language Pathway
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their primary language is English and they have satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America, including at least two years between years 7 and 12.
Extended Education Pathway
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have satisfactorily completed three years (full-time equivalent) of education taught and assessed in English, in either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America.
Note: It is a requirement of the NMBA English language skills registration standard, for registration as an Enrolled Nurse via this pathway, that five years (full-time equivalent) continuous education in total is completed.
English Language Test Pathway
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests and meet the requirements for test results specified in NMBA's English language skills registration standard:
• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band less than 7.0);
OR
• OET: minimum score of B in each of the four bands;
OR
• TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum score of 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking)
OR
• PTE (A): minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65)
Applicants can obtain further information about the Standard at: http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards/English-l...
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 20 January 2025
- 24 February 2025
- 28 April 2025
- 28 July 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply through VTAC
Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:
- you are applying for more than one course
- you are completing Year 12 in 2023
- you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024
VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.
Apply via VTACSpecial Entry Access Scheme
You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.
Apply direct to VU
Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:
- you are a current VU student
- you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023
Direct applications are due on 12 January 2025 for our next intake which starts on 20 January 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
