If you’re passionate about supporting people through mental health challenges, the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) at Nottingham is the perfect choice. This programme combines academic study with hands-on clinical placements, giving you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a real difference in mental health care.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundation in Nursing
In your first year, you’ll learn the essentials of nursing practice and the science behind it. Biosciences Applied to Nursing 1 & 2 covers anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology, while Clinical Learning 1 & 2 gives you your first taste of patient care in real clinical settings. You’ll also explore Introduction to Professional Nursing to understand the role and ethics of nursing, and Evidence Applied to Nursing Practice, which shows how research informs effective care.
Year 2: Building Clinical Competence
The second year deepens your clinical skills and introduces leadership concepts. Clinical Learning 3 and Clinical Practice: Application of Learning help you apply theory in more complex patient care scenarios, while Psychosocial Influences on Health explores how psychological and social factors impact wellbeing. Modules like Leadership for Nursing and Using Evidence to Improve Nursing Practice prepare you to make informed decisions and take on responsibility within healthcare teams.
Year 3: Advanced Practice and Professional Preparation
In your final year, you focus on specialised mental health skills and preparing for professional practice. Advanced Clinical Learning equips you to handle complex mental health cases, while Development of Management and Leadership Skills for Practice readies you for leadership roles. You’ll also complete a Dissertation (Extended Literature Review) to explore a topic in depth, and optional modules like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Mental Health Nurses let you specialise further.
Focus Areas:
Mental health disorders, therapeutic interventions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), acute and long-term conditions, psychosocial care, leadership in nursing
Learning Outcomes:
Develop skills in evidence-based practice, patient-centred care, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) — graduates are eligible to register as mental health nurses in the UK
At Nottingham, learning mental health nursing isn’t just about theory—it’s about gaining real-world skills you’ll use every day. From the start, you’ll step into clinical placements and simulated practice sessions that mirror real-life scenarios, helping you build confidence and competence before you work with patients. You’ll also have access to expert staff, cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities to shape your learning through elective placements and collaborative projects.
Here’s what you can expect in practice:
Clinical Practice Placements – gain hands-on experience in community services, rehabilitation units, and secure hospitals, seeing a wide range of mental health care in action.
Simulated Practice Learning – practise assessments, interventions, and emergency scenarios in a safe, realistic environment.
Expert Teaching Staff – learn from experienced nurses and academics who combine clinical expertise with research insight.
Elective Placement Opportunities – explore areas of special interest in your second year to broaden your professional experience.
Supportive Learning Environment – curriculum input from service users and carers ensures your learning is grounded in real-world perspectives.
These experiences ensure you graduate ready to step confidently into a mental health nursing career, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional awareness to make a difference.
Graduating from the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) programme at Nottingham gives you the skills, confidence, and professional accreditation to make a real difference in mental health care. With excellent training and hands-on experience, you’ll be ready to step into a variety of rewarding roles:
Adult Nurse, Nurse Specialist / Advanced Nurse Practitioner, District Nurse, General Practice Nurse, Clinical Researcher, Healthcare Educator, Health Leadership Positions
The University supports your journey into employment with a range of tailored services:
Careers and Employability Service – get personalised advice, help with CVs and interviews, and attend events that connect you with potential employers.
Elective Placement Opportunities – explore areas of personal interest and expand your professional experience.
Leadership Development – final-year placements prepare you for senior roles and management positions.
Industry Partnerships – strong links with NHS trusts and local healthcare providers ensure diverse clinical placements.
Graduate Outcomes – around 97.9% of graduates secure graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months, with an average starting salary of £26,240.
Professional Accreditation – registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) gives long-term recognition and career mobility in the UK.
Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, there are many ways to advance your career and specialise:
Postgraduate Nursing Programmes – focus on areas such as advanced practice, education, or research.
Master’s Degrees – enhance your expertise in mental health or broader healthcare fields.
Doctoral Studies (PhD) – pursue research to contribute to innovation and best practice in mental health nursing.
These opportunities provide a clear pathway for career growth and specialised roles within the healthcare sector.
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