Master of Intensive Care Nursing – University of Sydney
SY University of Sydney logo
Master's Degree Nursing Full Time

Master of Intensive Care Nursing

at University of Sydney · Sydney, New South Wales

CRICOS course code

068709A

CRICOS provider code

00026A

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1.5 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$74,080 total

Per year

A$49,387/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Intensive Care Nursing at the University of Sydney is designed for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise in the dynamic and challenging environment of intensive care. This 1.5-year master's programme provides comprehensive training in evidence-based practice, clinical leadership, and specialised patient management within critical care settings. Coursework may cover topics such as advanced physiology, pharmacology, complex case management, and leadership in critical care, ensuring students acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The programme structure typically consists of a series of units of study amounting to the required credit points for graduation, with options to specialise further within intensive care nursing. Students often engage in a combination of seminars, clinical simulation, and workplace-based learning, and may complete a research-focused capstone project or dissertation relevant to intensive care practices. Work-integrated learning is a significant feature, with placements in leading Australian hospitals and intensive care units, strengthening industry links and ensuring graduates are well prepared for the demands of the healthcare sector.

Graduates gain advanced skills in critical thinking, patient assessment, decision-making under pressure, clinical reasoning, leadership, and communication in multi-disciplinary healthcare teams. The course suits Australian and international registered nurses aiming to develop advanced expertise for roles in intensive care units, pursue leadership positions, or contribute to research and education within critical care nursing.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the recognised nursing qualification requirements and evidence their English proficiency at an academic IELTS 7.0 or equivalent. Students studying in Australia may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters, and graduates can be eligible to apply for post-study work rights through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). For the most accurate and updated programme details, consult the official university and CRICOS course listing.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.
International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist – Intensive Care
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse
  • Clinical Educator in Critical Care
  • Nurse Unit Manager – ICU
  • Research Nurse – Critical Care
  • Opportunities in public and private hospitals, specialist ICUs, and tertiary health services across Australia

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Intensive Care Nursing at University of Sydney?

It typically takes 1.5 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$74,080 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Clinical Nurse Specialist – Intensive CareIntensive Care Unit (ICU) NurseClinical Educator in Critical CareNurse Unit Manager – ICUResearch Nurse – Critical CareOpportunities in public and private hospitals, specialist ICUs, and tertiary health services across Australia

Guides for this subject and the application

All guides →

Related programs

Master's Degree Nursing
MA Macquarie University logo

Master of Nursing

Macquarie University

CRICOS 117555D · Provider 00002J

⏱ 2 years 🎓 Full Time 💰 A$85,680 total
Bachelor's Degree Nursing
UN University of New England logo

Bachelor of Nursing

University of New England

CRICOS 008620G · Provider 00003G

⏱ 3 years 🎓 Full Time 💰 A$102,528 total
Bachelor's Degree Nursing
AC Australian Catholic University logo

Bachelor of Nursing

Australian Catholic University

CRICOS 001293G · Provider 00004G

⏱ 3 years 🎓 Full Time 💰 A$117,840 total
Bachelor Honours Degree Nursing
AC Australian Catholic University logo

Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)

Australian Catholic University

CRICOS 061896E · Provider 00004G

⏱ 1 year 🎓 Full Time 💰 A$39,280 total