Mental Health Nursing BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Kingston University London

Program Overview

If you are passionate about supporting people with mental health needs and want a nursing career that truly makes a difference, Kingston University London’s Mental Health Nursing BSc (Hons) is designed for you. The programme combines classroom learning with simulation training and real-world placements, giving you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become a registered mental health nurse

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Exploring core concepts and foundational skills
In your first year, you will develop a solid understanding of mental health nursing and begin building essential clinical skills. Applied Life Sciences for Nursing Practice introduces the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology that underpin nursing care, while Introduction to Mental Health Nursing shows how recovery-focused and socially inclusive care works in practice. You will also study Public Health to understand the social and psychological factors affecting wellbeing, and start practical reflection and placement preparation through Practice Assessment Module 1.

Year 2 – Growing clinical competence and therapeutic practice
In the second year, you will build on your first-year learning with a focus on assessment, evidence-based care, and collaborative practice. Nursing Assessment in Mental Health Nursing develops your ability to plan and deliver safe, recovery-focused care, while Collaborative Recovery Focused Psychological Interventions in Mental Health Nursing supports your work with service users on both psychological and physical health. You will also strengthen research and clinical reasoning skills through Evidence-Based Healthcare for Nursing Practice and deepen pharmacology knowledge in Pharmacology for Nursing Practice, all alongside practical placement experience through Practice Assessment Module 2.

Year 3 – Transitioning to professional practice and leadership
In your final year, everything comes together as you prepare to become a professional nurse. Becoming a Registrant guides you through accountability, professional practice, and organisational understanding, while Collaborative Learning and Teaching in Practice enhances teamwork and communication skills. Leading Care for Mental Health Nursing develops your leadership and management abilities, and Complex Care for Mental Health Nursing prepares you to coordinate care for people with multiple and complex needs, all supported by continued practical skill development through Practice Assessment Module 3.

Focus areas: mental health nursing practice, therapeutic recovery models, clinical assessment and decision-making, evidence-based care, collaborative interventions, leadership and professional transition

Learning outcomes: apply holistic, person-centred assessment and care planning, deliver safe and effective mental health care, work collaboratively with service users and multidisciplinary teams, use evidence and clinical judgement in care decisions, and transition confidently into registered professional nursing practice

Professional alignment: academic degree leading to recommendation to the Nursing and Midwifery Council for registration as a registered mental health nurse in the UK and internationally

Reputation: Kingston University has a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework and is ranked top in London for Nursing and Midwifery by The Complete University Guide 2026, with strong national recognition in the Guardian University Guide 2026, reflecting excellent graduate outcomes and student satisfaction

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Kingston, you won’t just learn about mental health nursing in the classroom — you’ll get hands-on experience from day one. Around half of your course takes place in clinical placements and simulation suites, giving you the chance to practise your skills in realistic settings before working with real people. You’ll work alongside service users, carers, and experienced professionals, building confidence, compassion, and practical know-how that will prepare you for a rewarding career in mental health nursing.

During your studies, you will have the opportunity to:

Use simulation and clinical skills facilities that recreate hospital wards and community settings, helping you develop clinical decision-making, therapeutic communication, and patient care skills.
Take part in clinical placements with NHS trusts and partner organisations such as South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust, Surrey and Borders Partnership Trust, and the Priory Group, gaining real-world experience in a variety of mental health environments.
Learn directly from people with lived experience through recovery-focused partnerships with the Recovery College and local carers’ centres, helping you understand mental health from multiple perspectives.
Explore national and international elective opportunities at the end of Year 2, with past students experiencing placements in the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the USA.
Engage in group projects and reflective practice, supported by Kingston’s library resources and virtual learning platform to enhance your independent research and study skills.

This combination of practical placements, simulation training, and collaborative learning ensures you graduate with confidence, ready to provide excellent care and make a real difference.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Kingston’s Mental Health Nursing BSc (Hons) prepares you to start a rewarding career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives. You will qualify as a registered mental health nurse and can pursue roles such as mental health staff nurse, psychiatric liaison nurse, community mental health nurse, child and adolescent mental health services nurse, forensic nurse, or research nurse. The combination of professional registration, practical experience, and specialist knowledge ensures you are confident and employable from day one.

Kingston supports your career journey in several ways:

Careers and Employability Support: The university’s Careers and Employability Team offers one-to-one guidance, CV and interview coaching, workshops, and access to job platforms to help you find placements, internships, and graduate roles in mental health and nursing.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: Around 95 per cent of Mental Health Nursing graduates go on to work or continue their studies within 15 months, with many securing roles directly related to their training.
Early-Career Earnings: Median salaries for nursing and midwifery graduates are around £31,000 within 15 months of graduation, with strong prospects for growth as you gain experience.
Industry Partnerships: You’ll gain real-world experience and professional connections through Kingston’s links with NHS trusts and specialist providers, including South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and the Priory Group.
Accreditation and Professional Value: Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council gives your qualification long-term professional credibility in the UK and internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
After your degree, you could continue with postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Mental Health Nursing, advanced clinical practice, leadership, research, or healthcare education. These pathways help you specialise, move into senior clinical or management roles, or take on teaching and research responsibilities, offering long-term career growth in mental health services.