Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined degree integrates core nursing theory, clinical practice and business studies across a multi‑year program. Nursing subjects cover anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical assessment, professional practice, mental health nursing, paediatric and maternal health, community and public health, aged care, acute and emergency care, Indigenous and culturally safe practice, and research and evidence‑based practice. A strong clinical component includes progressive supervised placements in hospitals, community health services and aged‑care settings.

The business component provides foundational and applied units in accounting, management, marketing, organisational behaviour, business law, economics, finance, human resource management, operations and strategy. You will also study business communication, ethics and leadership, and may have options in areas such as entrepreneurship, health services management or business analytics depending on campus offerings and elective choices.

The program typically sequences nursing practice and placement units alongside business coursework so you develop practical clinical competence as well as management and decision‑making skills. Teaching combines lectures, tutorials, simulation lab work and clinical placements supervised by qualified clinicians.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and based on secondary school qualifications (such as an ATAR or recognised equivalent) or recognised tertiary pathways. Applicants must meet ACU's general English language requirements; international applicants will need to meet the university's accepted English tests. Prior study in sciences (biology, chemistry) can be advantageous but is not always mandatory — check the specific campus requirements.

Because of the clinical placements required for the nursing component, applicants must be able to meet health and safety entry conditions which typically include up‑to‑date immunisations, a police check, and compliance with relevant workplace health requirements (for example first aid/CPR certifications where required). Some campuses may require a disclosure of any matters that could affect placement eligibility. Mature‑age applicants and those with relevant vocational or work experience are considered through alternative admission pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia via AHPRA and can work as registered nurses across public and private hospitals, community health services, primary care, aged care and mental health services. The added business qualification expands career options into roles such as nurse unit manager, clinical coordinator, health services manager, policy adviser, practice manager, health program coordinator, and roles in healthcare consulting, medical device or pharmaceutical sectors.

Graduates also have the transferable business skills to pursue careers outside health in general management, human resources, marketing, or to start their own business ventures. The combination of clinical credibility and business acumen is attractive to employers looking for leaders who understand both patient care and organisational performance.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises values‑based education with small class sizes, a focus on student support and strong links with health services across metropolitan, regional and rural settings for clinical placements. The university provides modern simulation facilities and clinical skills laboratories that allow students to practise procedures and decision‑making in safe, supervised environments before placements.

ACU’s nursing programs meet professional accreditation standards and prepare graduates for registration with national regulators. The integrated business curriculum equips you with practical management and leadership skills relevant to health and other sectors. Students benefit from dedicated placement coordination, career services and opportunities to gain interdisciplinary experience through collaborations across faculties.