Mental Health and Children's Nursing MNurs (Hons) (Integrated Master's)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Chester

Program Overview

The Mental Health and Children’s Nursing MNurs (Hons) at Chester gives you the chance to train in two highly rewarding areas of nursing at the same time. You’ll learn how to support mental wellbeing in people of all ages while also caring for children and young people, gaining the skills, confidence, and compassion needed for a meaningful, flexible nursing career.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll start blending theory with hands-on practice. Modules like Applied Anatomy, Physiology and Integrated Pharmacology help you understand how the human body works and how medicines affect health, while Practice Learning 1 gives you your first real-world experience delivering person-centred care under supervision.

Year 2
Year two focuses on building your ability to assess, plan, and coordinate care. You’ll study Interprofessional Research & Innovation to see how teamwork and evidence improve healthcare outcomes, alongside continued placements that help you develop clinical confidence in both mental health and children’s care.

Year 3
By year three, you’ll advance your clinical skills and leadership potential. Modules like Prescribing Ready enhance your understanding of safe clinical practice, while Advancing Leadership and Supervision prepares you to guide and mentor others. Your practice learning grows in complexity, giving you more responsibility and autonomy.

Year 4
In your final year, you’ll focus on Children’s Nursing, completing modules like Practice Learning 3 Children’s Nurse and Applied Sciences in Children’s Field. Here, you’ll gain specialised knowledge in child and family-centred care, building on all the skills you’ve developed across both nursing fields.

Focus areas: mental health nursing, children’s nursing, anatomy & pharmacology, leadership & supervision, person‑centred and family‑centred care

Learning outcomes: gain dual-field nursing competence, deliver safe and evidence-based care, lead and collaborate effectively, communicate confidently with patients, families, and healthcare teams

Professional alignment (accreditation): dual Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration in Mental Health and Children’s Nursing

Reputation (employability & outcomes): graduates are ready to work across hospitals, community services, and specialist settings, supported by up to 800 hours of clinical placements each year

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Chester, this Mental Health and Children’s Nursing degree isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about getting hands-on experience from day one. You’ll spend a large part of your time in real hospitals, community services, and mental health settings, learning directly from patients and healthcare professionals. On campus, you’ll have access to simulation suites and clinical skills labs where you can practise procedures and scenarios safely, so you feel confident when it comes to real-life situations. With modern tools and supportive tutors, you’ll build practical skills that truly prepare you for your career.

Here’s what your learning journey looks like in practice:

Real-world placements: You’ll complete up to 800 hours a year in clinical settings, working with patients in hospitals, children’s services, and mental health facilities — gaining real, meaningful experience.
Simulation suites: Practice clinical skills in lifelike ward settings with mannequins and realistic scenarios before stepping into live environments.
Technology-enhanced learning: Use VR simulations and other digital tools to develop decision-making skills safely and repeatedly.
Hands-on clinical labs: Learn and practise essential nursing skills like life support, risk assessment, and patient observation with guidance from experienced tutors.
Teamwork and group projects: Collaborate with peers in workshops and simulation exercises — just like in real healthcare teams.
Digital tools for practice: Get comfortable with healthcare tech, including electronic record systems and communication devices, preparing you for modern clinical environments.
Reflective learning: Regular feedback and reflection sessions help you grow, refine your skills, and understand your practice better.
Library and learning resources: Access specialist university libraries and online resources to support both practical training and academic learning.

The facilities at Chester are designed to help you bridge theory and practice seamlessly, from simulation labs to integrated clinical spaces.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Mental Health and Children’s Nursing MNurs (Hons) gives you a fantastic head start in a truly rewarding career. With dual registration through the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in both Mental Health and Children’s Nursing, you can work across a wide range of settings, supporting people’s mental wellbeing or caring for children and young people. Typical roles include Registered Mental Health Nurse, Registered Children’s Nurse, Community Health Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Support Nurse, or Specialist Paediatric Nurse.

Here’s how Chester helps you turn your degree into a successful career:

Careers and Employability support: The University’s award-winning team offers tailored guidance, CV help, mock interviews, and connections with employers to help you land the right role.
Professional registration and readiness: Completing this course gives you dual NMC registration, allowing you to work legally and confidently in both mental health and children’s nursing.
Employment prospects: Nurses are in high demand across the UK, with early-career salaries typically in the £20,000–£30,000 range depending on role and setting.
Hands-on experience through placements: Around half of your course is spent in real clinical settings, from hospitals and community teams to family support services, giving you valuable experience and professional contacts.
Long-term qualification value: Dual-field registration opens doors to flexible career paths, whether you want to specialise in children’s care, mental health, or leadership roles in healthcare.
Graduation outcomes: You’ll leave ready to deliver high-quality, compassionate care in a variety of healthcare environments, fully prepared to meet professional standards.

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

Postgraduate study: You could pursue master’s degrees in Advanced Clinical Practice, Child Health Leadership, or Mental Health Nursing Specialisms, opening doors to senior and specialist roles.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Chester offers CPD modules to deepen skills in areas like therapeutic communication, child development, or complex care management.
Research and academic pathways: If you’re interested in evidence-based practice or teaching, postgraduate research (PhD) or academic roles are also possible next steps.