Nursing (Mental Health) BSc(Hons)

Start date

16 September 2024

Duration

3 years full-time

About the course

Reasons to study

This course is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and after successfully graduating, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the NMC and work as a Registered Nurse in Mental Health.
On this Nursing (Mental Health) BSc(Hons) course, you’ll develop and hone your skills through allocated clinical placements in a range of statutory, private, voluntary and student-led services.
To enhance your learning, you’ll hear first-hand experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.

Mental health nursing involves working with people, their families, carers, and communities, all of whom may experience the impact of mental ill health. This could include people with formal diagnoses, such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders, as well as those who do not accept or recognise these diagnostic labels.

Mental health nurses work within the recovery framework to help people make sense of their own experiences; our nursing mental health course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive as a healthcare professional.

Why study Nursing (Mental Health) BSc(Hons)

If you’re keen to enter the world of mental health nursing, this course could help open doors to a rewarding, lifelong career. It is designed to help you become a confident, competent, and compassionate nurse – and, following successful graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and work as a Registered Nurse in Mental Health.

Alongside building your theoretical knowledge in lectures and seminars, you’ll be able to focus on your practical skills through simulation and group work. On the course, you’ll practice and develop your skills through allocated clinical placements in a range of statutory, private, voluntary, and student-led service.

To enhance your learning, you’ll hear first-hand experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group. Our teaching staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2022), so you can be sure you’re learning from the best, too.

What’s more, in 2024, the University’s new Daphne Steele Building will open on the site of the National Health Innovation campus, which will allow our Mental Health Nursing students to benefit from specialist, clinical teaching facilities and world-leading research facilities.

Students studying this course may be eligible to receive a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each year. Further information is available on the NHS Learning Support Fund website.

Not quite ready to start Nursing (Mental Health) BSc(Hons)? Successful completion of our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree will equip you with the foundation knowledge to study Mental Health Nursing.

Course detail

Year 1

Core modules:

Becoming a Professional - Mental Health Nursing

This module involves exploring your development as a professional, examining your personal and professional attitudes and beliefs, as well as relating these to your future professional role as a mental health nurse. You’ll gain an understanding about how you can develop as a learner and maintain your physical and mental health, so you are able to promote and support people who have mental health care needs with their health. You’ll also learn how to manage the transition to university and explore ethical and professional codes underpinning mental health nursing.

Introduction to Mental Health Nursing

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the fundamental knowledge and skills to care specifically for people with mental health care needs, as well as people of all ages from conception to end of life, with a range of physical, mental health and cognitive care needs. You’ll learn the principles of holistic assessment and management of well and sick people of all ages. You’ll gain an understanding of development through the lifespan by exploring the principles of anatomy and physiology. You’ll also be introduced to pharmacology and medicines administration.

Nursing Practice 1

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the fundamental skills of nursing practice including personal hygiene, infection control, undertaking observations and basic life support. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 2

This module provides you with a further opportunity to develop the fundamental skills of nursing practice including personal hygiene, infection control, undertaking observations and basic life support. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing

This module introduces you to the nature of knowledge and how it supports evidenced-based nursing practice. You’ll learn how to search for and read evidence to identify its value and relevance to nursing practice. You’ll explore how to evaluate published research and will be introduced to the concept of ethics within healthcare research. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop and use a variety of transferable skills including literature searching, critical appraisal of evidence and application of evidence to your own and the nursing practice of others.

Year 2

Core modules:

Developing as a Professional

This module builds on the Becoming a Professional module in Year 1 and provides the opportunity for you to develop the professional and transferable knowledge and skills required to become a Registered Nurse. You’ll gain an understanding of professional, legal and ethical knowledge and frameworks, and their role in your clinical decision-making. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your understanding and skills for effective team working, leadership and management to enable you to positively influence care delivery, decisions and management for people in your care.

Developing Critical Knowledge and Skills in Mental Health Nursing

This module builds on the knowledge and skills you developed in Year 1. You’ll expand your range of assessment skills and apply them to more complex care encounters with people who have mental health care needs. Using your knowledge to recognise deterioration and begin to identify appropriate interventions to meet the care needs for people with a range of complex physical, mental health and cognitive care needs. You’ll plan care needs and begin to formulate care plans to meet the needs of individuals and groups of people in your care.

Developing Research Knowledge and Evidence for Mental Health Nursing Practice

This module builds on the Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing module in Year 1, by introducing you to the design of research studies, including literature reviews and empirical studies. You’ll have the opportunity to develop research methods and design, preparing you to undertake a study relevant to mental health nursing in Year 3. You’ll learn about research ethics, data collection, analysis and research approaches including qualitative, qualitative and mixed method studies, literature reviews undertaken systematically, systematic reviews and audits. For those apprentices with a Nursing Associate qualification, this module may not be required. If so, you would spend this time back on base with your employer.

Nursing Practice 3

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills of nursing practice including cannulation and phlebotomy. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 4

This module provides you with the opportunity to further develop your skills of nursing practice including cannulation and phlebotomy. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Year 3

Core modules:

Being a Professional

This module builds on professionally themed modules in Year 1 and 2 to consolidate your preparation to become a qualified nurse. You’ll have the opportunity to develop future nurse leader skills to prepare you to positively influence care, undertake the role of teacher to individuals and groups, as well as the role of practice supervisor for future nurses.

Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Mental Health Nursing

This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1 and 2. You’ll have the opportunity to expand your range of mental health nursing skills, including the management and coordination of the care of people with mental health difficulties with varying complexity in a range of settings. The module also assists you to develop skills in advanced care management and complex discharge or transfer planning.

Nursing Practice 5

This module provides the opportunity for you to gain fundamental skills of nursing practice including intravenous medicine administration. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 6

You’ll be supported in supervised practice in placement areas to develop your knowledge and skills related to practice. Simulated placement learning will focus on preparation for placement; mandatory skills and transition to registered nurse. Both formative and summative assessment will be provided with initial, intermediate, and final interviews in practice. Lectures will provide opportunities for preparation and support before and during placement.

Using Evidence and Research to Enhance Mental Health Nursing Practice

This module builds on the evidence and research modules in Year 1 and 2, enabling you to systematically undertake a literature review or a small scale research project based on the research proposal developed in Year 2. You have the opportunity to develop a detailed literature review report or research study report. You’ll use one of a variety of approaches including qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods, audit or a review of literature undertaken in a systematic way, within the mental health nursing field. You’ll also be involved in data collection and analysis.

Teaching and assessment

An average of 7% of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc and 50% is spent on placement. You'll be taught by a team who really understand what it is like be a mental health nurse and are able to demonstrate the latest techniques and procedures whilst supporting you as you put these skills and qualities into practice.

Learning and teaching on this course is delivered through seminars, lectures, group work, simulation and skills practical experiences. This will involve keynote lectures, where you'll study with students from the other fields of nursing, which will then be followed by mental health specific sessions relating theory to your context of care. Our simulated sessions use real life acting of mental health scenarios, enabling us to give a real world feel to your learning. The modules have been designed to embed transferable skills and enable you to progressively increase your knowledge and confidence. Your studies will also be supported by the University's virtual learning environment.

The assessment methods on the course are varied and involve a combination of coursework, practice/proficiency based learning, reports, presentations and examinations. The nature of the assessment varies from module to module, and mirrors the modes of communication expected of graduates in this field, such as the ability to present to a range of audiences and provide reports to enhance the quality of care.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

Laboratory sessions, classroom based learning and the use of simulated patients enable you to practice your skills in a safe and controlled environment. You’ll undertake practice placement experiences, where you’ll learn and be assessed in a real practice setting, under the supervision of appropriately qualified practice supervisors and practice assessors. You’ll be assessed whilst on placement through a Practice Assessment Document (PAD).

Throughout the course you’ll also have access to a Personal Development Plan, where you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, construct a record of achievement documenting the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies, as well as reflect and act upon your personal, professional, academic and long-term career goals.

Further information

Once you’ve submitted your application form to UCAS you may be invited to attend an interview.

The teaching year normally starts in September and your breaks will be interspersed throughout the year depending on what stage you have reached in your three year programme. Your main examination/assessment period usually takes place in May/June. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. This is a full-time course, so you may have to attend every day of the week.

Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study core modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification.

If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

Teaching excellence

The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.
Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.
We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).
We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

*full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

Entry requirements

To find out if you’re eligible to start this course in September 2024 and get more information on how to apply, please see our Clearing pages or call our Clearing Helpline on 0333 987 9000 01484 472777.

If you’re interested in studying this course in September 2025, please view the 2025-26 course information.

In addition to the academic entry requirements, you will also need:

Successful applicants will also demonstrate:

Desirable values and attitude – caring, compassionate, confident and committed.
Experience of working with people with mental health difficulties.
An understanding of the role of a mental health nurse and the ability to identify transferrable skills.

Offers will be subject to an interview and references. Please note all the information provided in support of your application may be checked and must be verifiable as a true record.

You also need satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration on the course. We arrange these as part of the application process. You'll be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year and at the end of the course. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination. We will request an Overseas Police Check if you have lived in a country outside of the UK for 6 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years before applying to us and whilst aged 18 or over.

Placement providers for this course may require you to have received a number of vaccinations, unless medically exempt, and provide evidence of these. As a student on a course with a clinical or healthcare placement, we strongly recommend that you complete any courses of vaccinations required under current guidelines for your future profession. Failure to do so may result in your inability to undertake a placement in certain clinical settings, therefore impacting upon your academic progression, and may result in academic failure of your course.

Daphne Steele Building

The Daphne Steele Building which is due to open in September 2024, will be the new home to our Health Professional degree courses. This will feature state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for our midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, operating department practice, paramedic science, physiotherapy, podiatry and speech and language therapy courses.

Watch the video to tour our new Daphne Steele Building, the first development on our National Health Innovation Campus in Huddersfield.

Emma's story

Watch Emma’s film to hear why she choose to study mental health nursing and how placements are her favourite part of the course. Emma also talks about what her future career plans are.

Placements

Nothing can really replicate working in the real-world, which is why practice placements are essential and a compulsory part of the course. The Nursing and Midwifery Council require you to complete the minimum of 2300 hours over the three years in order to obtain registration. Each year you'll complete two blocks of placement.

You'll have the opportunity to complete your practice learning experiences in a diverse range of health and social care settings. These may be in private, voluntary, charitable or statutory settings and include forensic services, assessment teams, in-patient treatment units, rehabilitation centres, community teams, respite services, crisis and home based treatment, liaison services, child and adolescent mental health services and prisons. You'll be mentored throughout your practical experiences by qualified nurses, who will provide you with any required help and advice.

In order to provide you with the broadest professional experience possible, practice experiences are generally offered across West Yorkshire and beyond, covering 24 hour care including evening, weekend and occasional night shifts.

Please note that you will be required to travel to and during your placements. Your placement areas could be anywhere within the wider Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield metropolitan districts of West Yorkshire. You need to think very carefully about how you’ll travel across this region for your placements with awareness that when in placement you’ll often be required to start a shift at 7.00am and may not finish until 8.00pm. Your placements will also incorporate night-shift and weekend working. For more information visit our placements page.

“Placements are extremely useful as they have provided the opportunity for me to apply the knowledge I have gained, practice and further develop my skills, gain an insight into the different roles within a team and experience a range of settings where mental health nurses work.”

Esther Bakare, Graduated from Nursing (Mental Health) BSc(Hons) in 2022

Facilities

Role play exercise assessing a person at home.

Exploring barriers and enablers to communication.

Simulating the experience of voice hearing.

Exercise in experiencing what it's like to be fed

Helping people to meet their needs.

Your career

A career in mental health nursing can be varied and interesting with a wide range of satisfying career opportunities. Our graduates have gone on to work in local healthcare trusts, private hospitals and in the community.**

Other career opportunities could include working in child and adolescent mental health services, forensic settings, substance misuse, accident and emergency liaison, self harm, criminal justice system, youth offending, management of violence and aggression, as well as specialist roles such as admiral nursing and nurse consultant.

After qualification further professional development opportunities are available in relation to enhancing knowledge relating to psychological therapies and intervention, medicines management and nurse prescribing, and becoming an approved mental health practitioner.

* Percentage of graduates from this subject area who go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 20/21, UK Domiciled)
** LinkedIn.

97% Graduates employed*

Professional links and accreditations

This course is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Whilst studying this course you're currently not required to register as a member with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), however you must follow their codes of conduct.

Career support

We know you’re coming to university to undertake your course, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

So while you’re here (and even after you graduate) the Careers and Employability Service offer professional help, support and guidance, including industry-supported workshops, careers fairs and one-to-one guidance sessions. Find out more about the Service.

Further study

Progression to one of ourWorkforce Development courses could include studying a specialist short course, Postgraduate Certificate, Master’s or Master’s by Research. Our courses are designed to assist you in developing your career and skills in specialist areas of clinical practice.

End of Life Care PgCert

Developed in partnership with Kirkwood hospice this course provides an excellent opportunity for you to consolidate and enhance your knowledge and understanding of effective palliative/end of life care.

Start date

Duration

About the course

Reasons to study

Why study Nursing (Mental Health) BSc(Hons)

Course detail

Becoming a Professional - Mental Health Nursing

Introduction to Mental Health Nursing

Nursing Practice 1

Nursing Practice 2

Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing

Developing as a Professional

Developing Critical Knowledge and Skills in Mental Health Nursing

Developing Research Knowledge and Evidence for Mental Health Nursing Practice

Nursing Practice 3

Nursing Practice 4

Being a Professional

Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Mental Health Nursing

Nursing Practice 5

Nursing Practice 6

Using Evidence and Research to Enhance Mental Health Nursing Practice

Entry requirements

Daphne Steele Building

Emma's story

Placements

Facilities

Your career

End of Life Care PgCert

Health Professional Education PgCert

Health Studies MSc

Independent and Supplementary Prescribing

Long Term Conditions PgCert

Master of Public Health

Nursing and Midwifery (MSc by Research)

Career support

End of Life Care PgCert

Health Professional Education PgCert

Health Studies MSc

Independent and Supplementary Prescribing

Long Term Conditions PgCert

Master of Public Health

Nursing and Midwifery (MSc by Research)

Student support

Fees and Finance

Fees and Finance

Important information

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules:

Major changes:

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