BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)

At the University of Plymouth, learning nursing isn’t just about reading textbooks—it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting real-world experience. In the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) program, you’ll combine classroom learning with hands-on practice, giving you the confidence and skills to support people with mental health needs in a variety of settings.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Clinical Skills Simulation Ward – Practice real-life scenarios in a safe, controlled environment, building confidence before you work with actual patients.

• Practice Placements – Spend around half of your time in hospitals, community care, and mental health services across the South West, gaining a wide range of experiences.

• Interprofessional Learning – Work alongside students from other healthcare disciplines to understand how teams collaborate in real healthcare settings.

• Foundation and Preparation – For those who need extra support, our integrated foundation year explores biology, healthcare, and nursing science through hands-on activities.

• Simulation and Support Facilities – Use state-of-the-art simulation suites to rehearse complex clinical scenarios in a supportive setting before entering placements.

These experiences are designed to help you develop the practical skills, confidence, and professional mindset needed to thrive as a mental health nurse.

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) program leave Plymouth ready to make a real impact in mental health care. With strong demand for nurses across the UK, you’ll find a wide range of career opportunities in hospitals, community teams, hospices, specialist units, and even in private healthcare, the armed forces, or overseas. Typical roles include:

Mental Health Nurse, Community Psychiatric Nurse, Crisis Intervention Nurse, Mental Health Nurse Educator

The University of Plymouth provides a variety of services and opportunities to support your career journey:

• Careers and Employability Service – Personalized guidance on job searching, CV writing, interview preparation, and networking.

• Placement Opportunities – Gain practical experience across hospitals, community care, and mental health services in the South West.

• Alumni Network – Connect with graduates for mentorship, advice, and potential job leads.

• Strong Employment Outcomes – Around 96% of nursing graduates report that their degree gave them a formal advantage in securing highly skilled roles.

• University–Industry Partnerships – Collaborations with NHS Trusts and private healthcare organizations provide real-world experience and networking opportunities.

• NMC Accreditation – Graduates are eligible to register as mental health nurses, giving you recognized professional status in the UK and abroad.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the program, you can continue your studies to specialize or advance your career. Options include:

• Postgraduate Certificates or Diplomas in areas like mental health, leadership, or education.

• Master’s Degrees in advanced nursing practice, healthcare management, or public health.

• Doctoral programs for research or academic careers in nursing.

This program equips you with the skills, practical experience, and professional recognition to build a fulfilling and flexible career in mental health nursing.