BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) - Top Up

18 Months On Campus Bachelors Program

Liverpool John Moores University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) Top Up at Liverpool John Moores University is an 18-month degree designed for nurses who already have professional experience and want to take their career to the next level. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enhance their mental health nursing skills, gain advanced knowledge, and complete an honours degree while continuing to grow in practice.

Curriculum Structure

First Phase

The first part of the programme focuses on building advanced knowledge in mental health nursing. You’ll study modules such as Assessment in Mental Health Nursing, Complexities in Mental Health Care, and Developing Practice Learning, which help you sharpen your skills in assessing patient needs, managing complex cases, and applying evidence-based care in real-world settings.

Final Phase

In the later stage of the Top Up, the emphasis is on leadership and advanced clinical practice. Modules like Person Centred Care Planning in Mental Health Nursing, Leadership and Quality Enhancement, and Nursing Interventions and Prescriber Readiness prepare you to confidently plan care, lead teams, and deliver advanced interventions in diverse healthcare environments.

Focus Areas: Advanced mental health assessment and care planning, evidence-based interventions, leadership in nursing, risk management, health policy and ethics.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be able to deliver high-quality, person-centred mental health care, lead care planning and teams, and critically apply policy, ethics, and evidence in complex clinical situations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Fully approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and meets UK standards for registered nurses.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): LJMU nursing courses are highly rated by students, with around 95% satisfaction with learning resources and 94% stating the skills are highly relevant to their future careers (National Student Survey 2025).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At LJMU, practical experience is at the heart of the Mental Health Nursing Top Up programme — because the best learning happens when you’re actively doing. You’ll get hands-on experience in real clinical settings, practising your skills with guidance from experienced professionals. On top of that, our simulation suites let you try out scenarios in a safe environment, while digital tools and collaborative activities help you reflect, problem-solve, and work confidently with peers.

Here’s what this looks like in action:

Clinical placements: Spend time in hospitals, community services, and mental health settings, assessing, planning, and delivering care while learning from real patients and professional teams.
Simulation suites: Practice clinical skills and realistic scenarios safely using advanced mannequins and technology, so you’re confident before working with patients.
Digital learning tools: Use e-portfolios, online discussion boards, and interactive platforms to reflect on your practice and connect theory with real-world care.
Group work and collaboration: Seminars, tutorials, and group activities help you build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills — essential for modern healthcare.
City Campus facilities: Study and practise in the Tithebarn Building, with easy access to the library, IT suites, and social learning spaces.
Guided support: Experienced nursing and academic staff provide mentorship, supervision, and feedback to help you link classroom and placement learning effectively.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the Mental Health Nursing Top Up sets you up to make a real difference in people’s lives while advancing your career. With your honours degree and NMC registration, you’ll be ready to work confidently in a variety of roles. Many graduates go on to become Registered Mental Health Nurses, Community Mental Health Practitioners, Specialist Nurses in secure or acute care, Nurse Educators, Clinical Research Nurses, or Healthcare Managers, giving you plenty of options to follow your passion.

Here’s how LJMU supports your career journey:

Tailored career support: The Student Futures team helps with CVs, interview prep, job searches, and professional networking, so you feel confident stepping into the workforce.
Strong employment outcomes: About 95 % of mental health nursing graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing, showing how in-demand your skills will be.
Professional recognition: The NMC accreditation allows you to register as a Mental Health Nurse, giving your qualification international credibility and long-term value.
Flexible career paths: You can work in the NHS, private and voluntary health services, community clinics, schools, youth services, and specialist settings — all giving you different ways to use your expertise.
Industry connections: Links with healthcare providers and placement partners mean you’ll start building your professional network while you study.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you’ve completed your BSc (Hons), the learning doesn’t have to stop. Many graduates choose postgraduate study, such as a Master’s in Mental Health Nursing or Advanced Practice, to move into senior clinical, leadership, teaching, or research roles. Others pursue specialist certificates or healthcare management courses to broaden their career options even further.