6 reasons to study the Master of Nursing at Westmead

1. Cutting-edge health facilities

You will learn in state-of-the art classrooms and the purpose-built accredited Westmead Clinical Simulation Laboratory, developing your clinical skills in nursing such as personal care, wound dressings, catheterisation, medication administration and intravenous therapy. Medium and high-fidelity manikins in the clinical labs will assist you to develop confidence in communicating with people, time management, developing technical skills and delivering patient care.

“I have 24 hours access to the Westmead Hospital Library as well as the Student Common Room, where we also interact with dental students, medical students and other allied health students studying at the University of Sydney. In terms of my personal religious beliefs, there are two prayer rooms where Muslims can enter and pray.” - Skala Hamawandy, Master of Nursing graduate.

Nursing students have access to the Central Acute Services Building (CASB), a partnership between the University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and NSW Health Infrastructure. In addition to two emergency departments, digital operating theatres, surgical suites, a helipad, and an infectious diseases unit, the new hospital building includes formal and informal learning spaces, collaboration and workplace settings and facilities for University staff and students.

2. Study at the University of Sydney – without the commute 

Our Master of Nursing program at Westmead is a great opportunity for students who already have a first degree, and who live in western Sydney, to access high quality education at a prestigious university and seek future employment within their local community.

Your clinical placement experiences will be conveniently based across western Sydney, including the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, as well as the same rural and international placement opportunities offered to students at its Camperdown campus. 

3. Learn from world leading academics and researchers

The Westmead Health and Education Precinct, contains the largest concentration of health services in Australia, providing our students with access to some of the best clinicians and researchers in Australia and internationally. You will learn from active researchers who are committed to advancing knowledge and making a difference to communities, policies and the overall health sector.

“You’re surrounded by academics and healthcare workers busy on phone calls or taking breaks from their shifts. I loved being around these healthcare professionals as it is very inspiring and motivating. Faculty staff are always willing to help and are very encouraging towards the students at Westmead.” - Skala Hamawandy, Master of Nursing graduate.

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4. Small student cohort 

With small class sizes of up to 40 students per intake, your teachers can get to know you as an individual, working with you to enhance your strengths and improve your weaknesses. You will also get to know your classmates better, allowing you to support one another and nurture lifelong friendships. 

5. Scholarships to ease financial pressure

The Sydney Nursing School offers up to 12 Susan Wakil Scholarships  annually to support the education of deserving students who demonstrate a high level of ability and potential. These scholarships are offered to undergraduate and postgraduate students from Greater Sydney and rural locations, with a dedicated annual scholarship for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students. The value of these scholarships vary – some provide up to $14,500 in financial support per semester. 

The University also offers a number of other scholarships to students based on academic achievement, equity and location.

6. Gain a competitive edge  

The health sector in western Sydney is growing rapidly. Studying and completing your clinical placements at Westmead Hospital could boost your chances of gaining future employment in your local area.  

Andrew Romero, was part of the first cohort of students to graduate from the Master of Nursing at Westmead in 2018. He is now working as a full-time registered nurse in Westmead Hospital’s emergency department. 

“When the [clinical] teams found out we studied [at Westmead], they were really excited because we already know how things work, where everything is. It makes the transition from study to practice seamless.”

The Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)  is open to university graduates from any discipline – no prior health background is required. The degree is offered on a two-year full time or four-year part time basis, with graduates eligible to apply for registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.