Nursing (Mental Health), BSc (Hons)

Course summary

Mental health nursing is central to the NHS Workforce Plan (2023), and to meeting the health needs of the nation. It is a unique profession providing care to people across the lifespan who are experiencing mental distress, and promoting mental wellbeing for the entire population.Mental health nurses work in a diverse range of settings including the community, hospitals and the the voluntary sectors. They also work across boundaries to support people they care for with physical comorbidities.Our teaching is delivered by experienced practitioners with input from patient and carers. By doing this, we help students develop the technical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving and compassion required to provide high-quality mental health care.Taught at NTU in Mansfield, the core NHS values of care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment are embedded in our teaching. Through our flexible curriculum and blended learning approach, you’ll develop the core knowledge, skills and attributes needed for a successful career in nursing – both at home and abroad. You’ll have the chance to complete care-based work placements – putting into practice your theoretical skills.Taught by a team of experienced healthcare practitioners and with the additional input of service users and carer groups, you’ll learn from the very best on your journey towards becoming a Registered Mental Health Nurse.Why study mental health nursing at NTU?

• You'll taught by a dynamic team of lecturers who are also qualified nurses. Becoming a nurse is an exciting journey we are privileged to take you on.

• Our amazing facilities in the Centre for Health and Allied Professions allow you to learn effectively and become part of the NTU Nursing community.

• Service users and carers are involved in the development of our curriculum and take part in face-to-face sessions.

• NTU in Mansfield is your alternative route into higher education. We've built this qualification with the local job market in mind. Each of our higher education courses is relevant, hands-on and work-focused.

Year One Core Modules Introduction to Nursing Practice This module introduces you to the values and responsibilities of mental health nursing, as set out by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You’ll cover a wide range of key foundational areas – from professional accountability to reflective practice and emotional intelligence. You’ll also create your own professional portfolio, whilst getting to grips with the basics of academic writing and research. This module is the perfect introduction to your studies in person-centred mental health care. Integrative Nursing Practice On this module, you’ll build on your general healthcare knowledge with learning that’s specific to mental health nursing. You’ll focus on the biological, psychological and social processes that maintain people’s health, as you learn from experts who’ve worked throughout the sector. You’ll also study body systems to help you understand physiology and development. This module gives some valuable context and background to the key role nurses play in alleviating mental health problems. It will help you to understand the various drivers of mental health problems. Foundations of Applied Nursing Practice This module sharpens your therapeutic nursing skills – you’ll continue to work on your own reflective practice as you build up your independence and confidence. Through a range of practical sessions and workshops, you’ll learn how to deliver fundamental nursing care, whilst developing your communication skills. Year Two Core Modules Evidence in Nursing Practice To begin your second-year studies, we’ll be exploring research methods and evidence-based practice in greater detail. This will help you to understand how evidence – alongside clinical expertise – drives quality in mental health nursing care and service development. Biopsychosocial Approaches in Nursing Practice This module explores a number of social and psychological models, helping you to understand a wide range of perspectives on the development of mental distress in different populations. You will also study anatomy, physiology and body systems, as well as the effect of medications on the body. Applied Nursing Practice in Complex Care You’ll round off your second-year studies with a deeper look at delivering care to individuals with complex needs – as well as their families. To do this, you’ll explore a range of therapeutic skills within the classroom, our simulation environment, and real-world practice settings. Through this, you’ll develop your understanding of the kinds of interventions – such as psychological therapeutic techniques – that can improve service users’ health. Year Three Core Modules Innovating and Improving Healthcare Practice This module looks at the strategies that help mental health nurses to maintain and improve quality in healthcare – including a focus on managing change within the healthcare setting. You’ll also develop your knowledge of evidence-based nursing practice to a deeper level: with the support of our academic team, you’ll undertake an independent written project to generate your own recommendations for healthcare practice education or research. Leadership in Nursing The module examines the role and responsibilities of registered mental health nurses as leaders in healthcare, and mangers of interprofessional teams. You’ll examine the key concepts that underpin successful leadership, drawing on the reflective skills you’ve developed throughout the course to develop your own leadership style. This will prepare you effectively for the role of Practice Supervisor, following your qualification. Leading and Managing Applied Nursing Care This final module consolidates everything you’ve learned throughout the course – allying the hands-on experience you’ve developed on placement to the theoretical and academic skills you’ve acquired in the classroom. With this approach, you’ll be fully prepared to practice as a registered mental health nurse.