Bachelor of Science (Hons)

NURSING (MENTAL HEALTH) WITH NMC REGISTRATION

Mental illness requires just as much care as physical illness – sometimes even more so. As a mental health nurse, you’ll be crucial in helping people get their lives back on track. You’ll learn from our experienced lecturers and technicians using state-of-the-art simulation facilities, coupled with time out on clinical placement.

This combined learning approach of theory and practice will prepare you to provide safe, compassionate care and become a confident nurse. Upon completion of the degree, you’ll be eligible to apply for admission to Nursing & Midwifery Council.

 

Why study this subject?

Whether you have personal experience of mental illness, supported friends and family, or simply want to help those who struggle day-to-day, becoming a mental health nurse may be a great fit for you.

No two days within this job are the same – mental health comprises a vast and diverse range of illnesses that you will have to respond to, such as including anxiety, depression, psychotic disturbances, paranoia and dementia.

To support your studies, the UK Government are continuing to provide mental health nursing students with a payment of at least £5,000 a year which will not need to be paid back. Find out more about the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Once you graduate from this course, you'll be able to join as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), which enables you to practice in the UK.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

At Buckinghamshire New University, from your very first welcome, you’ll find yourself surrounded by friendly, like-minded students and staff – all passionate about nursing and healthcare.

BNU has been running nursing programmes for many years and students benefit from an excellent standard of teaching provided by staff from the University. Their lecturers maintain close links with practice, ensuring that the programme is always kept up to date.

You will receive personal tutoring and also be able to take part in our annual one-day inter-professional conference, focused on safeguarding. In addition, guest speakers regularly deliver sessions for students within the University to ensure we give a diverse range of views and experiences to our students.

At BNU, they recognise roles in this field are hands-on – that’s why you’ll take part in simulated learning experiences throughout the course using their specialised facilities at our Uxbridge campus. This will enable you to recreate authentic scenarios and practise your skills in a safe environment.

What will you study?

BNU believe in giving you the best chance for employment when you graduate, so their courses are carefully designed to ensure that you’re equipped with everything you need to start your career.

During your time on the programme, you will understand the theory behind diagnosis that can help you to make crucial decisions when looking after a patient. You will be able to lead changes in practice, improving the quality of delivery of care.

On placement, you’ll be able to put your theory into practice where you’ll be mentored in the art of patient care.

How will you be taught and assessed?

This programme integrates academic and practice learning underpinned by collaboration between practice partners and the University. It adopts a student-centred approach, enabling the development of the required knowledge, skills and professional values required to deliver compassionate, safe and effective nursing care.

Students spend approximately half of their programme learning in clinical practice and the other half with the University. BNU work closely with a number of NHS Trusts and independent care partners in the region to provide students with clinical placements – view the full list of partners we work with.

When you’re on campus, your academic study will be undertaken through varying modalities including seminars, lectures, simulation and virtual learning. BNU's team of experienced and dedicated lecturers have a collective wealth of knowledge from working in a number of areas, including:

• child mental health
• dementia
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• community mental health care
• acute mental health inpatient care.

Across the three years, you will be assessed through a number of means:

• Year 1: Reflective assignment, presentation and exams.
• Year 2: Academic poster presentation, assignment and exams.
• Year 3: Literature review/work-based learning project, reflective assignment, OSCE and exams.

You are also required to complete the knowledge skills and behaviours included in the Practice Assessment Document in each year of practice.

What are your career prospects?

Throughout your time with Buckinghamshier New University they’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. They will help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising and skilled leaders and support you in your search to find employment after graduation. 

On successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible to register as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing & Midwifery Council. With this qualification, you may find employment within the NHS or with private healthcare providers.

Opportunities for mental health nurses are continually expanding and you'll have the chance to go into many areas, such as:

• general practice surgeries as a mental health nurse
• community settings, for example home treatment team and recovery service
• nursing homes
• mental health services
• forensic mental health services including high secure services
• private health care providers
• prison nursing
• Armed Forces
• teaching and assessing roles
• working abroad
• researcher – promoting advances in health care and health promotion practice.