About this course
Mental health nursing is central to the NHS Workforce Plan (2023), and to meeting the health needs of the nation. It is a unique profession providing care to people across the lifespan who are experiencing mental distress, and promoting mental wellbeing for the entire population.
Mental health nurses work in a diverse range of settings including the community, hospitals and the the voluntary sectors. They also work across boundaries to support people they care for with physical comorbidities.
Our teaching is delivered by experienced practitioners with input from patient and carers. By doing this, we help students develop the technical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving and compassion required to provide high-quality mental health care.
We also offer:
Progressing from the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship (R2RN)
You can also join this course by progressing from our Level 5 Nursing Associate Apprenticeship. At NTU this route is known as R2RN, and you can learn more about this option at the bottom of this page.
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You'll taught by a dynamic team of lecturers who are also qualified nurses. Becoming a nurse is an exciting journey we are privileged to take you on. -
Our amazing facilities in the Health and Allied Professions Centre allow you to learn effectively and become part of the NTU Nursing community. -
91% of our Nursing (Mental Health) students believe the course has improved their career prospects (National Student Survey, 2024). -
Service users and carers are involved in the development of our curriculum and take part in face-to-face sessions.
What you’ll study
Our facilities allow us to promote learning using traditional, creative and innovative teaching methods. This ensures you will be able to relate to the theory you encounter at University, and apply it to clinical practice while you are on placement.
This course provides you with the opportunity to engage with a wide and diverse curriculum including:
- a holistic view of a person's psychological and physical needs to support recovery
- an understanding of person-centred care
- the Mental Health legislation.
Introduction to Nursing Practice
This module introduces you to the values and responsibilities of mental health nursing, as set out by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You’ll cover a wide range of key foundational areas – from professional accountability to reflective practice and emotional intelligence. This module is the perfect introduction to your studies in person-centred mental health care.
Integrative Nursing Practice
This module builds on your general healthcare knowledge with learning that’s specific to mental health nursing. You’ll focus on the biological, psychological and social processes that maintain people’s health, as you learn from experts who’ve worked throughout the sector. You’ll also study body systems to help you understand physiology and development. This module gives some valuable context and background to the key role nurses play in alleviating mental health problems. It will help you to understand the various drivers of mental health problems.
Foundations of Applied Nursing Practice
This module helps you develop your therapeutic nursing skills – you’ll continue to work on your own reflective practice as you build your independence and confidence. Through a range of practical sessions and workshops, you’ll learn how to deliver fundamental nursing care, whilst developing your communication skills. This will help you to develop effective therapeutic relationships with people who use mental health services.
Evidence in Nursing Practice
To begin your second-year studies, we’ll be exploring research methods and evidence-based practice in greater detail. This will help you to understand how evidence – alongside clinical expertise – drives quality in mental health nursing care and service development. We’ll also be looking at how to build resilience as a nursing professional – one of the field’s most important and valued attributes.
Biopsychosocial Approaches in Nursing Practice
This module explores a number of social and psychological models, helping you to understand a wide range of perspectives on the development of mental distress in different populations. You will also study anatomy, physiology and body systems, as well as the effect of medications on the body. Supported by experienced professionals from across the sector, you’ll examine the impact of mental health conditions on individuals, families and communities.
Applied Nursing Practice in Complex Care
In this module you will take a deeper look at delivering care to individuals with complex needs – as well as their families. To do this, you’ll explore a range of therapeutic skills within the classroom, our simulation environment, and real-world practice settings. Through this, you’ll develop your understanding of the kinds of interventions – such as psychological therapeutic techniques – that can improve service users’ health. You’ll also explore the planning, delivery and evaluation of mental health care for people with complex and / or long-term conditions.
Innovating and Improving Healthcare Practice
This module looks at the strategies that help mental health nurses to maintain and improve quality in healthcare – including a focus on managing change within the healthcare setting. You’ll also develop your knowledge of evidence-based nursing practice to a deeper level: with the support of our academic team, you’ll undertake an independent written project to generate your own recommendations for healthcare practice education or research. In turn, your work will provide new learning opportunities for your peers and colleagues in mental health nursing.
Leadership in Nursing
The module examines the role and responsibilities of registered mental health nurses as leaders in healthcare, and mangers of interprofessional teams. You’ll examine the key concepts that underpin successful leadership, drawing on the reflective skills you’ve developed throughout the course to develop your own leadership style. This will prepare you effectively for the role of Practice Supervisor, once you are a registered practitioner. You’ll benefit from our “interprofessional” approach, as you learn from – and work directly with – experts across the healthcare sector.
Managing Applied Nursing Care
This final module consolidates everything you’ve learned throughout the course – combining the hands-on experience you’ve developed on placement to the theoretical and academic skills you’ve acquired in the classroom. With this approach, you’ll be fully prepared to practice as a registered mental health nurse. By completing this module, you should be able to show values-based, evidence-informed decision making within multidisciplinary teams, ahead of your registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Take a look around the HAP Centre
How you're taught
The BSc Nursing (Mental Health) course is taught by experienced staff used to working with students from a range of backgrounds and with varying levels of skill and experience.
To provide you with a first-class learning experience and to guarantee you have an opportunity to make the most of your time at university, you will receive contact time through a diverse range of delivery methods that include lectures, seminars, clinical skills sessions, workshops, and one-on-one supervision.
Core lectures and seminars
Core lectures are in person and introduce the up-to-date evidence, underpinning policy, theory and guidelines, and expert opinion. Lectures are complimented by small group seminars and clinical skills sessions that provide a safe space to apply this learning to healthcare provision.
Each year you will study 3 modules; 2 short modules and one that is a yearlong module.
Virtual learning environment
You'll use our virtual learning environment NOW, which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students and submit coursework electronically. The VLE provides you with the opportunity to further develop knowledge on areas of interest outside a formal learning environment.
Personal tutor groups
You are allocated a personal tutor for the full duration of your course and from the welcome week we meet with you to help you settle into University life and highlighting key activities that are needed for you to be able to progress on the Nursing course (for example DBS and Occupational health clearance which is required for placement). Your personal tutor is your key ‘go to’ person during the course.
Clinical placements
The course is fifty per cent in clinical practice and these placements are organised by our placement team. During your placement you will always have a practice assessor, a registered Nurse, in the clinical area where you are working to help you achieve the necessary elements during your experience. We use a variety of placements from across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, North Leicestershire and South Yorkshire. We offer a placement choice once in the programme, during the third year. Students can self-arrange an international placement to further broaden their practice experiences.
Clinical skills sessions
Learning and practicing your clinical skills in our excellent facilities at the University is a key part of our programme. This allows you to learn safely and then be able to transfer these skills when you are on placement.
How you're assessed
Year One
- Written work (total of 4 essays)
- Exams (total of 2 exams)
- Poster Presentation (total of 1)
- Practice Assessment document
Year Two
- Written work (Research diary, Essay)
- Exams (total of 2 exams)
- Presentation (a recorded presentation)
- Observed Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)
- Practice Assessment document
Year Three
- Written work (Dissertation, 2 essays)
- Exams (1 exams)
- Microteach (recorded teaching session)
- Practice Assessment document
Contact hours
The Nursing and Midwifery Council state you need to successfully achieve 2,300 hours of theory and 2,300 hours of practice to be able become a registered practitioner.
Your practice hours will be met through a variety of different placement environments and experiences.
The theory is a mixture of classroom / clinical skills based with you taking accountability to explore the topics as outlined on the VLE for each module. This will enable you to complete the 2,300 hours of theory which includes passing all of the assessment points in the programme.
Careers and employability
Nurses are part of the multidisciplinary team that provide healthcare across the lifespan. They work in a diverse range of settings to promote health and support individuals to meet their health needs.
Our nursing graduates have secured employment in community and inpatient settings both within the NHS and the private sector.
NTU works closely with local healthcare providers to ensure our students graduate with the skills required by employers and are prepared for a career in nursing.
The NHS have produced some videos that you may find useful to find out more about life as a student nurse, and your future career in nursing:
- University life as a student nurse (YouTube playlist)
- Make NHS Knowledge and Library Services Part of your Team Throughout Your Nursing Career (YouTube video)
Our Employability team
Our dedicated Employability team are available to help you alongside your studies. They can give you advice and guidance on everything you need to stand out from the crowd – from voluntary and work experience opportunities to bespoke, specialised support for student nurses. They also help to coordinate our Acceler8 Award which you make decide to take part in to help you to develop a broader range of transferable skills, knowledge and experience.
If you’d like to know more about NTU’s groundbreaking Employability Promise, and the support you’ll receive both during and after your course, visit our Careers and Employability page.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the purpose-built Health & Allied Professions (HAP) Centre. The 34,000 square foot building features mock hospital wards, consultation and counselling rooms, creative teaching spaces and specialist equipment.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
UK students
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications
Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications
Other requirements: An interview, and GCSE English, Maths and a Health or Science related subject at grade C / 4.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
Personal statement
You will be expected to detail evidence of transferable skills that may include academic study, voluntary or work experience, and should detail this in your personal statement along with how this makes you a suitable candidate for nurse training.
You should also consider including the following information in your personal statement:
- Evidence of professional knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
- Evidence of communication and interpersonal skills
- Evidence of transferable skills and practice
- Understanding of the role of a nurse specific to the route that you are applying for i.e. Adult or Mental Health, and current nursing issues
- Insight into the professional, regulatory and statutory aspects of nursing and current nurse training
Other requirements
You will also need to:
- be at least 18 years of age at the start of the course. This is the minimum age requirement set by our placement providers. If you will be under 18 at the start of the course, your application may be declined, or you may be offered the opportunity to defer your application until next year
- undertake an interview with a lecturer, clinical practitioner and service user
- you will be required to provide detailed health information to occupational health who will, after reviewing your evidence, assess your suitability for the role
- complete an enhanced-level Disclosure and Barring Service check
Nursing students will be expected to provide evidence of digital literacy skills specific to a variety of digital technologies at the start of the programme. A self-assessment task will provide evidence for support from the programme team and a personal development plan to be used throughout the programme.
Vaccinations
As a healthcare student, you have a duty of care towards patients and other staff, including taking reasonable precautions to protect yourself and others from communicable diseases. We therefore require you to be vaccinated for some infectious diseases if you do not already have immunity to them. Whilst we cannot force you to have a vaccination, the University and our practice partners strongly recommend you do.
Failure to undertake the required immunisations and blood screening may lead to you not being able to be placed in certain clinical areas which may adversely impact your ability to complete the required practice hours and clinical competencies.
Interview dates
Interview dates may be subject to change and will be confirmed to successful applicants when they are invited to interview.
Important information
Nursing courses at NTU have a limited number of places available to ensure that you receive a good quality placement experience. In exceptional circumstances this may result in the course becoming full before you have completed the admissions process. In this situation we will offer you the opportunity to be considered for the following year’s entry.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four A levels. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
Other requirements: An interview, and GCSE English, Maths and a Health or Science related subject at grade C / 4.
Please note: Due to the mandatory teaching and placement requirements of this course, we are unable to accept applications from individuals with a Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.
Personal statement
You will be expected to detail evidence of transferable skills that may include academic study, voluntary or work experience, and should detail this in your personal statement along with how this makes you a suitable candidate for nurse training.
You should also consider including the following information in your personal statement:
- Evidence of professional knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
- Evidence of communication and interpersonal skills
- Evidence of transferable skills and practice
- Understanding of the role of a nurse specific to the route that you are applying for i.e. Adult or Mental Health, and current nursing issues
- Insight into the professional, regulatory and statutory aspects of nursing and current nurse training
Other requirements
You will also need to:
- be at least 18 years of age at the start of the course. This is the minimum age requirement set by our placement providers. If you will be under 18 at the start of the course, your application may be declined, or you may be offered the opportunity to defer your application until next year
- undertake an interview with a lecturer, clinical practitioner and service user
- you will be required to provide detailed health information to occupational health who will, after reviewing your evidence, assess your suitability for the role
- complete an enhanced-level Disclosure and Barring Service check
Nursing students will be expected to provide evidence of digital literacy skills specific to a variety of digital technologies at the start of the programme. A self-assessment task will provide evidence for support from the programme team and a personal development plan to be used throughout the programme.
Vaccinations
As a healthcare student, you have a duty of care towards patients and other staff, including taking reasonable precautions to protect yourself and others from communicable diseases. We therefore require you to be vaccinated for some infectious diseases if you do not already have immunity to them. Whilst we cannot force you to have a vaccination, the University and our practice partners strongly recommend you do.
Failure to undertake the required immunisations and blood screening may lead to you not being able to be placed in certain clinical areas which may adversely impact your ability to complete the required practice hours and clinical competencies.
Interview dates
Interview dates may be subject to change and will be confirmed to successful applicants when they are invited to interview.
Important information
Nursing courses at NTU have a limited number of places available to ensure that you receive a good quality placement experience. In exceptional circumstances this may result in the course becoming full before you have completed the admissions process. In this situation we will offer you the opportunity to be considered for the following year’s entry.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
