BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) Top Up Degree Apprenticeship

18 Months On Campus Bachelors Program

Liverpool John Moores University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) Top Up Degree Apprenticeship at Liverpool John Moores University is designed for nurses who already have professional experience and want to earn an honours degree while continuing to work in healthcare. It’s ideal if you’re passionate about mental health and want to build advanced clinical skills, confidence, and leadership to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Curriculum Structure

First Phase (Level 5)

In the first part of the programme, you’ll strengthen your core mental health nursing knowledge and skills. You’ll study Assessment in Mental Health Nursing to understand how to evaluate patient needs and plan care, and Complexities in Mental Health Care to tackle challenging clinical situations with confidence. Developing Practice Learning helps you link theory with hands-on work, so your learning is grounded in real-life healthcare experience.

Final Phase (Level 6)

The final stage focuses on advanced practice, leadership, and professional autonomy. Person Centred Care Planning in Mental Health Nursing develops your decision-making and ability to tailor care for individuals. Leadership and Quality Enhancement equips you to lead teams and improve services, while modules such as Health Economics and Health Policy, Managing Risk in Mental Health Nursing, and Nursing Interventions and Prescriber Readiness broaden your understanding of the healthcare system and prepare you for complex clinical practice.

Focus Areas: Mental health assessment and care planning, advanced clinical interventions and prescribing pathways, leadership and quality enhancement, risk management, health policy and health economics.

Learning Outcomes: Build confidence and expertise in mental health nursing practice, lead and manage care effectively, apply evidence-based knowledge in complex situations, and meet professional standards for registration.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and aligned with the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship standard ST0781, ensuring you qualify as a Registered Mental Health Nurse.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): LJMU nursing students report high satisfaction with learning resources and career preparation, with 95 % positive feedback on learning resources and 94 % stating skills gained are useful for 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 Degree Apprenticeship because the best learning happens when you’re actively applying your skills. You’ll spend plenty of time in real clinical settings, working alongside healthcare professionals, while also practising scenarios in state-of-the-art simulation suites to build confidence before stepping into real patient care. Digital tools, collaborative projects, and group activities help you reflect, connect theory with practice, and develop teamwork and problem-solving skills — all essential for a successful nursing career.

Here’s how this hands-on learning works in practice:

  • Clinical placements: Gain real-world experience in hospitals, community services, and mental health settings, assessing, planning, and delivering care under the guidance of experienced teams.

  • Professional simulation suites: Practise skills and realistic scenarios safely using advanced mannequins and technology, so you’re confident before working with patients.

  • Digital learning tools: Use e-portfolios, discussion boards, and interactive platforms to reflect on your practice and link classroom learning with placement experiences.

  • Group work and seminars: Collaborate with peers through seminars and tutorials, building communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.

  • City Campus facilities: Study in the Tithebarn Building, with access to libraries, IT suites, lecture theatres, and quiet study spaces to support both learning and research.

  • Guided support: Receive mentorship and feedback from personal tutors, practice assessors, and academic staff to help you connect theory and practice effectively.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the Mental Health Nursing Top Up Degree Apprenticeship prepares you to make a real impact in people’s lives while advancing your career. With your honours degree and NMC registration, you’ll be ready to step confidently into professional roles across healthcare settings. Graduates often go on to careers as Registered Mental Health Nurse, Community Mental Health Practitioner, Specialist Nurse in secure or acute care, Nurse Educator, Clinical Research Nurse, or Healthcare Manager, giving you a range of pathways to match your interests and ambitions.

Here’s how LJMU supports your next steps:

  • Tailored career support: The Student Futures team provides help with CVs, interviews, job searches, and professional networking, so you can launch your career with confidence.

  • Strong employment outcomes: Around 95 % of mental health nursing graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of completing the programme, showing just how in-demand your skills will be.

  • Professional recognition: NMC accreditation means your qualification is recognised across the UK — giving your career credibility and long-term value.

  • Flexible career paths: Opportunities exist across the NHS, private and voluntary sectors, community clinics, schools, youth services, and specialist settings, offering variety and choice.

  • Industry connections: Through placement partners and healthcare providers, you start building your professional network while studying, which can help you move smoothly into your first role.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you’ve earned your BSc (Hons), you can continue your education with postgraduate study, such as a Master’s in Mental Health Nursing or Advanced Practice. This opens doors to senior clinical roles, leadership, teaching, or research. Some graduates also choose specialist certificates or healthcare management courses to broaden their skills and career options even further.

Program Key Stats

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Mar Intake : 1st Sep


Eligibility Criteria

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Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Registered Mental Health Nurse
  • Community Mental Health Practitioner
  • Specialist Nurse in secure or acute care
  • Nurse Educator
  • Clinical Research Nurse
  • Healthcare Manager

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