OVERVIEW

• ?6th in the UK for Mental Health Nursing (Guardian University Guide, 2024)
• Inclusive teaching delivered by service users and carers
• Clinical placements rated as Good/Outstanding

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence and throughout adulthood. However, around one in four of the population will be affected by poor mental health. The overall number of people reporting mental health problems has increased in recent years. You have searched for this page because you have a passion for positive mental health. Studying this degree at Hertfordshire offers you the chance to make a difference to people’s lives. You want a high level of flexibility and a career with excellent employment prospects. Mental Health nursing is a challenging career, but the rewards are priceless.

As a Herts nurse, you’ll have 24-hour access to our Learning Resource Centre. We’ll provide you with placements to apply your theoretical learning. You’ll work with people from all backgrounds and in a range of community, specialist and hospital mental health teams. We have excellent links with a wide range of mental health care providers. Our local mental health NHS Trust partners are in Hertfordshire, North London and Milton Keynes and are rated ‘outstanding’ and ‘excellent’ by CQC. You will also be able to spend placement time within a vibrant voluntary and independent sector. You will develop your leadership and management skills alongside your therapeutic engagement skills to deliver the best possible outcome for service users.  

We are proud to offer you innovative and creative learning. You’ll be taught by some of the most imaginative and inspiring lecturers in Mental Health Nursing. A diverse, academic team with a strong research clinical focus. All our teaching is research informed and delivered using recognised teaching and learning approaches. We will help you draw out your imagination, build your confidence and exceed your own goals.

You’ll now also be able to take advantage of a new financial bonus to nursing. You may be eligible for at least £5,000 in government grants and a possible extra £1,000 especially for aspiring mental health nurses. And it doesn’t stop there. You might receive another £1,000 for childcare, where applicable. These grants won’t even need to be paid back. Consider it a thank you from the government. A thank you for choosing to empower others to live their lives to the fullest.

What's the course about?

50% of your time will be spent at university and the other 50% will be spent working. You’ll engage in lectures, seminars, workshops, and small grouped learning. Whilst out on placement, you’ll support real people in real patient settings. This could be in hospitals, rehab units and even in their homes. You’ll build relationships with their families and friends. Together, you’ll provide a holistic and inclusive approach to nursing, we will be with you every step of the way helping you build on the latest knowledge and skills with experts in the mental health field.  

In your first year, we will introduce you to the profession, right from the basics. Learn the philosophy behind mental wellbeing. Explore all aspects of psychological mental illnesses. What role does society play in defining mental health? What are the stigmas and notions of exclusion people face? You’ll learn to balance theoretical perspectives. You’ll practically apply your readings. You’ll gain a solid foundation for year two.  

In your second year, you will now be able to assess a patient. You’ll be able to apply ethically safe interventions. This could be cognitive behavioural therapy. Or through active participation of family members. Learn the physical effects of medicines on the brain. Use your compassionate and caring nature to bring people closer to recovery.  

In your final year you’ll?find that you have grown to love certain topics.?In this year,?you?can?delve deeper in?these areas.?This could be?socio-political issues that impact effective nursing practises. Or, how spiritual, psychosocial, cultural, and emotional aspects can?affect?how patients receive care.?It’s entirely up to you.

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6.?These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study.?Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.??