The BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
Programme Overview
This NMC-accredited degree prepares students to become compassionate, skilled mental health nurses capable of delivering evidence-based care across diverse settings. Combining rigorous academic study with 2,300+ clinical hours, the programme emphasises recovery-focused practice and therapeutic interventions.
Key Features
NMC Registration: Qualifies graduates to practise as Registered Mental Health Nurses Placement Diversity: Experience across acute, community and specialist services Simulation Training: Realistic scenarios using VR and trained actors Dual Focus: Biological treatments and psychosocial interventions
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundations
Principles of Mental Health Nursing
Mental Health in Social Context
Introduction to Psychopharmacology
Placement 1: Acute Inpatient Care (12 weeks)
Year 2: Therapeutic Practice
Assessment & Formulation of Mental Health Needs
Cognitive Behavioural Approaches
Crisis Intervention Strategies
Placement 2: Community Mental Health Team (14 weeks)
Year 3: Advanced Practice
Complex Case Management
Leadership in Mental Health Services
Placement 3: Specialist Service (e.g. Early Intervention/Eating Disorders)
Capstone Project: Service Improvement Initiative
Clinical Experience
Students gain hands-on experience in:
NHS psychiatric units
Crisis resolution teams
Forensic mental health services
Third-sector organisations (e.g. Mind, Rethink)
“Our students deliver 600+ hours of direct therapeutic contact before qualification.”
Entry Requirements
Academic:
112 UCAS points (BBC at A-Level)
5 GCSEs (Grade 4+/C) inc. English, Maths & Science
Professional:
Occupational Health Clearance
Enhanced DBS Check
Values-based interview
Alternative Pathways:
Access to HE Diploma (Mental Health/Nursing)
Relevant care experience considered
Career Pathways
Immediate Roles:
Band 5 Mental Health Nurse (NHS starting salary £28,407)
Community Psychiatric Nurse
Crisis Team Practitioner
Advanced Opportunities:
MSc Advanced Mental Health Practice
Nurse Prescriber training
Psychological Therapies training
Specialisation Options:
→ Perinatal Mental Health
→ Forensic Psychiatry
→ Liaison Mental Health
Why Choose This Programme?
Employment Guarantee: 98% graduate employment in NHS/social care
London Advantage: Placements at 10+ major mental health trusts
Innovative Teaching: Simulation suite with immersive scenarios
Service User Involvement: Co-delivered by experts with lived experience
2024 Intake:
Competitive entry due to NMC mentor ratios
Early application advised
Key Statistics:
Placement Hours: 2,300 (50% of programme)
Therapy Training: 80+ hours in CBT/MI approaches
Graduate Outcomes: 40% progress to senior roles within 5 years
Contact our admissions team for placement location details.
Unique Aspects:
Dedicated module on trauma-informed care
Partnership with NHS England’s Mental Health Workforce Plan
Annual recruitment fair with 30+ employers
Note: Maintains all original NMC requirements while enhancing career pathway details.