The BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing program at the University of East Anglia (UEA) is ideal for students who are passionate about supporting people living with mental health challenges. You’ll combine academic study with hands-on experience, gaining the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to provide person-centered care across a variety of mental health settings.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundations of Mental Health Nursing
In your first year, you’ll explore the essentials of mental health nursing, including understanding mental health conditions and the nurse’s role in promoting recovery. Modules such as Introduction to Mental Health Nursing, Psychosocial Assessment, and Foundations of Therapeutic Communication will provide a strong grounding. Early clinical placements and simulated practice help you apply your learning in real-world settings.
Year 2: Developing Clinical Skills and Knowledge
The second year builds on your foundation, focusing on developing practical clinical skills and a deeper understanding of mental health care. You’ll study modules like Mental Health Across the Lifespan, Pharmacology in Mental Health, and Advanced Therapeutic Communication. Continued clinical placements allow you to gain experience in specialist areas such as child and adolescent mental health, adult services, or older adult care.
Year 3: Leadership and Advanced Practice
In your final year, you’ll focus on leadership and advanced clinical practice. Modules such as Leadership in Mental Health Nursing, Advanced Mental Health Assessment, and Research in Mental Health Nursing prepare you to take on professional responsibilities. A major clinical placement ensures you are ready to graduate as a confident, competent mental health nurse.
Focus Areas
Mental health assessment, therapeutic communication, pharmacology, leadership, research in mental health nursing
Learning Outcomes
Person-centered care, critical thinking, clinical decision-making, leadership, and applying research to practice
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), allowing graduates to register as qualified mental health nurses in the UK.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
UEA’s School of Health Sciences is recognized for high-quality nursing education and strong employability rates, consistently ranking among the top UK nursing programs.
At UEA, the BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing program focuses on hands-on learning, giving students the chance to gain real-world skills while studying. You’ll blend classroom knowledge with practical experience, building confidence and competence in caring for people with mental health challenges. From the start, you’ll work in a range of healthcare settings, supported by expert tutors and state-of-the-art facilities that help you develop professional skills safely and effectively.
To give you a clearer idea of what this looks like in practice:
Clinical Placements: Work in NHS hospitals, community mental health teams, crisis services, and rehabilitation centers, applying your learning in real-life environments.
Simulation Labs: Practice clinical skills in UEA’s Health Therapies simulation suites, which replicate real patient care settings.
Advanced Practice Programs: Access the HealthUEA Academy to develop specialist skills and leadership abilities.
Research Opportunities: Take part in research projects that contribute to evidence-based mental health nursing practice.
Specialist Sessions & Clinical Skills Training: Gain focused training to handle the complexities of mental health nursing.
Small Cohort Learning: Learn in small groups (around 11 students), which allows for personalized support and close interaction with faculty.
These experiences are designed to ensure you leave the program ready to excel as a confident, skilled, and compassionate mental health nurse.
Graduates of UEA’s BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing program are fully equipped to start rewarding careers supporting people with mental health needs. Typical roles include Mental Health Nurse, Community Psychiatric Nurse, Crisis Resolution Nurse, Psychiatric Liaison Nurse, Case Manager, and Clinical Researcher. These positions allow you to make a real difference in individuals’ lives while contributing to the wider mental health sector.
UEA helps you prepare for these careers with:
Career Services: Personalized guidance, CV workshops, and interview support to help you confidently step into the workforce.
Industry Partnerships: Strong connections with NHS trusts and mental health organizations for placements and employment opportunities.
Alumni Network: Access to graduates who provide mentorship, advice, and networking opportunities.
Professional Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), meaning you meet the standards to practice as a registered mental health nurse.
Employment Outcomes: Graduates typically secure roles in the NHS or other healthcare settings soon after finishing the program.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you can continue your studies and career growth through:
Postgraduate Degrees: Master’s programs in Advanced Clinical Practice or Mental Health Nursing.
Specialist Training: Focused courses in therapeutic techniques, leadership, or community mental health.
Doctoral Research: Opportunities to undertake research that shapes the future of mental health nursing practice.
These options give you the flexibility to specialize, advance, and become a leader in your field.



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