BN Hons Mental Health Nursing (Chester)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Chester

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about helping people with mental health challenges, this Mental Health Nursing degree is designed to give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a real difference. You’ll combine classroom learning with hands-on practice, preparing you to graduate ready to register and work as a professional Mental Health Nurse.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll start developing your core nursing skills. Applied Anatomy, Physiology and Integrated Pharmacology introduces how the body works and basic medicines, Introduction to Person-Centred Care teaches holistic care and communication, and Practice Learning 1 gives you your first real-world clinical experience. Together, these modules help you care safely and compassionately.

Year 2
Year 2 focuses on building confidence and deeper clinical expertise. Modules like Field Nursing 1 Mental Health and Field Nursing 2 Mental Health cover health promotion, risk assessment, and care for people with complex needs. Through Practice Learning 2a and 2b, you’ll gain hands-on experience across a variety of mental health settings.

Year 3
In your final year, you’ll hone advanced skills and prepare for professional practice. Prescribing Ready develops your understanding of medicines and consultations, Interprofessional Research & Innovation strengthens your evidence-based practice, and Practice Learning 3 Mental Health Nurse consolidates your real-world experience, leaving you ready to graduate as a confident, skilled Mental Health Nurse.

Focus Areas

Mental health care, person-centred nursing, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, clinical placements, professional values.

Learning Outcomes

Provide safe, compassionate care; apply clinical knowledge in diverse settings; communicate effectively with patients and teams; reflect on professional practice; integrate theory and practice confidently.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), preparing you to register as a Mental Health Nurse and begin your career with professional recognition.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Around 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with typical earnings around £28,500, demonstrating strong career prospects and employability in mental health nursing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Chester, studying Mental Health Nursing is all about learning by doing. You’ll spend a large part of your time in real clinical settings, working alongside experienced practitioners who guide and support you as you gain confidence and practical skills. The course also includes simulation suites and hands-on workshops, giving you the chance to practise techniques safely before applying them in real-life placements:

Here’s what you’ll experience:

Clinical Placements: Around half of your course is spent in hospitals and community mental health settings, allowing you to apply your learning directly with patients and build real-world experience.
Simulation and Skills Workshops: State-of-the-art simulation suites let you practise communication, basic clinical care, and therapeutic techniques in a safe environment.
Blended Learning: Your study combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, and e-learning, helping you link theory with practice.
Digital Tools: You’ll use clinical recording systems and healthcare technology just like in professional practice, giving you a head start in the workplace.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Group projects and interprofessional activities help you develop communication, leadership, and teamwork skills essential for working in multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Chester’s Mental Health Nursing programme opens the door to a meaningful and rewarding career. You’ll be ready to work as a Registered Mental Health Nurse, equipped with the practical skills, confidence, and experience to make a real difference in people’s lives. Graduates often go on to roles such as Mental Health Nurse, Community Mental Health Practitioner, Patient Advocate, Clinical Practice Educator, Health Services Coordinator, or Mental Health Support Specialist:

Here’s how Chester helps you move from study to career:

Careers and Employability Support: The university’s dedicated Careers team guides you from day one, helping with CVs, applications, mock interviews, and connecting you with graduate employers.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: Around 85% of graduates move into work or further study within 15 months, showing the programme prepares you well for the job market.
Salary Potential: Many graduates start around £28,500, with opportunities to increase earnings as you gain experience and specialisation.
Professional Accreditation: The programme leads to NMC registration, giving you a valuable professional qualification that’s recognised in the UK and internationally.
Real-World Connections: Clinical placements across hospitals and community settings help you gain hands-on experience and build networks that support your future career.

Further Academic Progression:
After your degree, there are plenty of ways to grow:

Postgraduate study: You could pursue master’s degrees or specialist qualifications in advanced nursing, leadership, or mental health research.
Professional development: Options include certifications in clinical education, service management, or consultancy to move into senior roles.
Related fields: Some graduates explore areas like public health, counselling, or health policy, broadening the impact of their skills.