BSc Hons Nursing with Registered Nurse (Mental Health)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Central Lancashire

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about supporting people’s mental health and want a career where you can make a genuine difference, this degree is designed for you. UCLan’s BSc (Hons) Nursing with Registered Nurse (Mental Health) blends theory, research, and real-world clinical practice to prepare you for a rewarding role as a registered mental health nurse.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Your first year helps you build the foundations of mental health nursing. Through modules like “So You Want to Be a Mental Health Nurse?”, “Welcome to Mental Health Nursing Practice”, and “Health Sciences for Nursing Practice”, you’ll explore the core principles of care, human psychology, and effective communication. You’ll also start your first placements, where you’ll begin developing hands-on nursing skills under supervision.

Year 2:
In the second year, your learning becomes more focused on the realities of mental health care. You’ll study modules such as “Talking Mental Health Matters”, “Drugs and Diseases in Mental Health Nursing”, and “Actively Participating in Mental Health Nursing Practice”. These help you strengthen your understanding of pharmacology, therapeutic communication, and complex patient care while spending more time on clinical placements in hospitals and community settings.

Year 3:
Your final year is about transition and leadership. You’ll study “Becoming a Newly Qualified Nurse”, “Making Decisions in Mental Health Nursing”, and “Leading Nursing Practice”, preparing you to take on responsibility, make evidence-based clinical decisions, and step confidently into your first professional role as a registered nurse.

Focus areas:
Mental health nursing, person-centred care, clinical leadership, inter-professional collaboration

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate as a confident, compassionate mental health nurse—ready to deliver safe, effective, and person-centred care, make informed clinical decisions, and work across diverse healthcare teams.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This degree is fully approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), meaning you’ll be eligible to register and practise as a Mental Health Nurse upon graduation.

Reputation (employability rankings):
UCLan is ranked 2nd in the North West for graduate prospects in the Times Good University Guide 2024, and its nursing graduates are recognised nationally for their high employability and professional readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very first year, you won’t just be learning about mental health nursing—you’ll be doing it. UCLan’s modern simulation labs and clinical skills suites let you practise procedures, communication, and care planning in realistic, safe environments before you step into real clinical settings. As part of the programme, you’ll spend a significant portion of your time on placements with local NHS Trusts, giving you hands-on experience in hospitals, community mental health teams, and specialist mental health services.

Here’s what practical learning looks like on this course:

Simulation facilities such as the Simulated Hospital Environment, Clinical Skills Suite, Telemedicine Suite, and Simulation Flat, where you can practise real-world scenarios safely.
Clinical placements with UCLan’s NHS partners, giving you exposure to a variety of mental health care settings and patient experiences.
Blended learning that combines online study with on-campus practical sessions, connecting theory directly to practice.
Group work and case-study simulations, helping you collaborate with peers, reflect on practice, and build confidence in decision-making.
Library and digital resources, plus academic and clinical support to help you reflect, research, and develop professionally throughout your placements.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to take on meaningful roles in mental health care, such as Mental Health Nurse, Community Psychiatric Nurse, Clinical Team Lead, or Well-being Coordinator. This programme equips you with the skills, knowledge, and professional registration to start your career confidently and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Here’s how UCLan helps you take the next steps:

Careers Service: Personalized one-to-one guidance, CV and interview support, and healthcare-specific job advice to help you connect with employers.
Employment & Salary: Around 95% of graduates enter employment or further study within six months, with typical starting salaries of £29,200, rising to about £33,600 after five years.
University–Industry Partnerships: Strong links with local NHS Trusts provide real-world placement experiences and professional networking opportunities.
Accreditation: Fully approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), giving your qualification long-term professional value.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates move into a wide range of healthcare roles across hospitals, community services, and specialist mental health settings.

Further Academic Progression:
After this degree, you could continue your studies with options like an MSc in Advanced Mental Health Practice, Healthcare Leadership, or Nursing Research, paving the way toward specialist practice, leadership roles, or academic careers.