Mental Health Nursing BSc (Hons)

Why choose this course?

Mental health nursing is a highly rewarding career where you can make a real difference. One in four people experience mental health problems in any given year, and this course prepares you to work in collaboration with service users, their relatives and carers towards recovery. This course leads to registration as a mental health nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Your studies include core elements for all fields of nursing and modules specific to mental health. You'll learn first-hand from mental health service users and carers, through our strong partnerships with service user and carer-led organisations including the Recovery College, the Sutton Carers Centre and the South West London Recovery College,

You'll have the opportunity to apply your learning in a wide range of placements. Our placement providers include South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust, Surrey and Borders Partnership Trust, South London and Maudsley (SLAM) NHS Foundation Trust, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust and independent hospitals, including the Priory Group.

At the end of your second year you'll have the opportunity to take an elective placement, nationally or internationally.

NHS Training Grant 

Nursing students on pre-registration courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back, subject to eligibility criteria. For more information please visit the NHS Business Service Authority.

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Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
3 years full time B765 2023
Location Kingston Hill
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Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Kingston is No.1 in London and No.6 overall in the UK for nursing and midwifery (Guardian league tables 2022).
  • You'll have the opportunity to learn with and from people with lived experience of mental health challenges at the Recovery College.
  • 50 per cent of the course will be on placement or in our award-winning simulation suites (Student Nursing Times Awards 2019), developing practical and therapeutic skills.

What you will study

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

You will study both generic modules – alongside students from all fields of nursing – and modules that focus on mental health nursing.

Core modules

Introduction to Life Sciences

30 credits

This module is designed to help students develop their knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology in relation to nursing, which is an essential element of nursing proficiency.

Pathophysiology will be explored in relation to common conditions and students will also begin to develop their knowledge of pharmacological concepts in preparation for therapeutic interventions explored in year 2.

The main features of the module are to enable students to apply scientific principles to nursing care. It will also support students to identify and understand current nursing practices underpinned by scientific theory.

Introduction to Mental Health Nursing NG4104

30 credits

This module is a core requirement for all students across all fields of the BSc Nursing programme. As an introductory module it will enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles of public health and health promotion. Students will explore the global, social-political-economic and psycho-social forces on the population's health and well-being. In addition the student will explore the evolution of public health, the determinants of health and health inequalities.

Introduction to Public Health and Health Promotion

30 credits

This module is a core requirement for all students across all fields of the BSc Nursing programme. As an introductory module it will enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles of public health and health promotion. Students will explore the global, social-political-economic and psycho-social forces on the population's health and well-being. In addition the student will explore the evolution of public health, the determinants of health and health inequalities.

Introduction to Professional Practice

30 credits

This module will prepare students for placements and their learning in practice and the assessment process during year one of the programme. It will introduce a range of nursing procedures to enable students to provide skilled, evidence based, person centred compassionate care to people at any stage of life who may have a range of physical, mental, cognitive or behavioural health conditions.

You will develop your understanding of the application of person-centred care, assessment, clinical reasoning and decision-making. You will examine holistic care across the life span and focus on acute and long term care within this field of practice.

Core modules

Therapeutic Interventions in Nursing: Bio-Psycho-Social Approaches

30 credits

This module explores a range of therapeutic approaches in nursing. The module examines evidence-based treatment methods, current practice and nursing interventions. Students will learn about pharmacology and bio-psycho-social and alternative treatments. Field specific seminars will enable further application of module content to the students' field.

The focus of this module is to enable students to apply evidence-based principles to administering and applying therapeutic care and develop an understanding and awareness of safe and effective treatment approaches. Students will learn about partnership working with healthcare professionals, patients, service users and carers for administering treatment, as well as enabling students to identify contemporary nursing practices underpinned by therapeutic procedures.

Assessment and Care Process in Mental Health Nursing NM5107

30 credits

This module focuses on knowledge and skills necessary to deliver safe and competent practice and recovery focused care. It will focus on assessment and implementing and evaluating a range of evidence-based care interventions within a variety of mental health settings. Students will have the opportunity to develop, practise and reflect upon their knowledge and skills of key evidence-based interventions designed to meet the holistic needs of service users and carers. Students will be able to explore the importance of measuring outcomes in care and evaluating the clinical effectiveness of their own performances through reflective practice.

Collaborative Working for Health and Wellbeing in Mental Health Nursing NM5108

30 credits

The module focuses upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to work collaboratively with mental health service users, in relation to mental and physical health and well-being. The concept of shared decision making and collaborative working will underpin all psychosocial approaches and interventions to improve both physical and mental health. Students will explore the individual, social and service factors contributing to poorer physical health outcomes and inequalities experienced by people with serious and complex mental health needs.

Developing Professional Practice

30 credits

This module will further develop the skills taught and practised in the introduction to professional practice in year one. Students will be able to assess, plan and rationalise the nursing care they provide for people in health and social care and community settings. The emphasis will be on holistic person-centred care covering physical, psychological, social and cultural care. It will look at evidence based person centred care being delivered inter- and intra-disciplinary.

You will be prepared for the transition to professional practice and employability. You will develop skills in management, leadership, team working and teaching and supporting learners. You will learn how to critically appraise evidence to support future practice and explore complexities of nursing and service provision across health and social care organisations.

You will prepare for the transition to professional practice develop skills in management, leadership, team working and teaching and supporting learners. You will develop the critical thinking skills required to make informed decisions in clinical practice.

Core modules

Safe and Effective Quality Care in Mental Health Nursing NM6110

30 credits

This module will provide the mental health nursing student with the theoretical knowledge and skills required for their future role as a qualified mental health nurse when contributing to risk monitoring, quality care provision and optimised service improvements. The student will learn to manage and prioritise clinical actions, participate in clinical audit activities for quality and service improvements and learn to avoid compromising quality care using evidence-based knowledge and experience from practice. Regulations essential for maintaining safety at work and in different care environments will be covered. Students will learn about collaborative multi professional working, whilst collectively developing effective improvement strategies. Some sessions will be shared across fields as they are core for all fields.

Leadership in Mental Health Nursing NM6112

30 credits

Navigating the transition from student to a professional practitioner who is skilled at leading teams is critically important to the delivery of safe, effective and high quality health care. This module is designed to prepare the mental health student for professional nursing practice by expanding their knowledge and skills to enable them to be an accountable and compassionate leader within the health and social care system. It focuses on leadership, team working, and performance management and enables mental health nursing students to reflect on their transition to registered practice and build the evidence base for a career development portfolio. Some sessions will be shared across fields as they are core for all fields.

Co-ordinating the Care of People With Complex Mental Health Care Needs NM6111

30 credits

This module will provide the student with the underpinning knowledge and skills required for their future leadership role in providing, leading and coordinating care that is compassionate, evidence based and group/person-centred across a range of organisations and settings.

Experts from practice will be involved in the learning and teaching, supporting students through a range of complex case studies and current socio economical and workforce challenges. The student will build on their knowledge of partnership and collaborative working and examine the cultural, political, psychosocial and technological influences on nursing care, resource management and finances. It acknowledges that mental health nursing should take into consideration the individual's wishes, their culture and the services available within the current political landscape. It expands the students' consideration of the care environment and service provision, to provide enhanced co-ordinated care delivery.

 

Advancing Professional Practice

30 credits

This module advances the skills taught and practiced in years one and two in order to prepare students for their transition to registered nurse. The module focuses on the assessment and management of patients with complex health care needs, working in partnership with other health care professionals. Students will integrate their clinical and communication skills with evidence based knowledge to become clinically proficient and confident nurses. It is a generic module where all fields of nursing learn with and from each other.

The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.

What our students say

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2023

UCAS tariff points: 112-128

GCSE at grade 4 or above (or grade C or above for GCSEs taken before 2017) in English Language and Mathematics (Science also preferred) or equivalent qualification, e.g. Functional/Key skills Level 2 in numeracy and literacy; Level 2 Applied Science.

GCSE Science grade 4 or above (formerly A*-C) is not required from Access students undertaking a science or health-based access course.

Enhanced DBS check and Occupational Health Clearance. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

The typical requirement for entry for this course is 112-128 UCAS points, Health and Science subjects preferred:

  • A-levels BBC (General Studies not accepted)
  • BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit
  • Access to HE course to value of 112 UCAS points normally achieved with 21 Distinctions and 18 Merits

Typical offer 2022

UCAS tariff points: 112-128

GCSE at grade 4 or above (or grade C or above for GCSEs taken before 2017) in English Language and Mathematics (Science also preferred) or equivalent qualification, e.g. Functional/Key skills Level 2 in numeracy and literacy; Level 2 Applied Science.

GCSE Science grade 4 or above (formerly A*-C) is not required from Access students undertaking a science or health-based access course.

Enhanced DBS check and Occupational Health Clearance. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

The typical requirement for entry for this course is 112-128 UCAS points, Health and Science subjects preferred:

  • A-levels BBC (General Studies not accepted)
  • BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit
  • Access to HE course to value of 112 UCAS points normally achieved with 21 Distinctions and 18 Merits

Additional requirements

  • All suitable applicants are required to attend an online interview. This includes a series of short value-based questions, tasks or scenarios. 
  • Admission is subject to occupational health screening and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check including checks against the Adult and Child Workforce Barring lists if you are offered and accept a place on the course.

Covid-19 vaccination requirement

UPDATE 3 March 2022:

The Covid vaccine mandate for NHS staff in England that was due to come into effect on 1st April has been revoked by the Government. [https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2022-03-01/hcws654] This means it is unlikely that vaccination will be a requirement to access placements on your course.

However, we are aware that some placement providers may still require their staff and students to be fully vaccinated for some clinical areas. It therefore remains our position to strongly recommend everyone eligible to be fully vaccinated for health and care courses.

You can book your vaccinations here.

You can read information about Coronavirus vaccines here.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council, General Pharmaceutical Council and Social Work England strongly encourage everyone eligible to be fully vaccinated as quickly as possible to keep yourselves and your community safe.

We will continue to update this page if there are any further changes.

Alternative routes

We welcome a wide range of qualifications and qualification combinations to the value of 112 UCAS points. We assess each application individually, taking in to account any experience and skills you may have in your chosen field.

Typical other routes include:

  • Foundation degree in related programmes 60%
  • International Baccalaureate 26 points
  • FETAC Level 5 Merit in all modules

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be considered e.g. applicants with a relevant Foundation Degree (e.g. Nursing Associate, Healthcare Practice). A maximum of 50% of the programme can be RPL'd (more than 50% can be RPL'd if an applicant is currently registered with the NMC as a registered nurse).

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. Non-native speakers who do not have the equivalent of GCSE English at grade 4 (formerly grade C) (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2 Literacy) require an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with 7.0 in all elements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Changes from 1 August 2022

This course is currently offered through a partnership with St George's, University of London, the Faculty of Health Social Care and Education. For students enrolling from 2022, the course will be delivered through a structure which is the sole responsibility of Kingston University. There will be no impact on the teaching or the award of the degree. Read here for further information about the changes.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods include lectures, clinical skills sessions, seminars, tutorials, workshops, guided study and independent project work. Kingston University has well-equipped simulation suites where you can use clinical equipment and practise on mannequins and teaching models. In addition, simulated events in mental health nursing use experienced role-players working with lecturers and teachers – the mental health nursing team won the Student Nursing Times Teaching Innovation of the Year award in 2012 and 2016 for its work in simulated learning.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking coursework assignments and preparing and giving presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, support you throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University. 

Your workload

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Placement learning including skills: 669 hours
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 170 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 650 hours
Year 2
  • Placement learning including skills: 901 hours
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 160 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 610 hours
Year 3
  • Placement learning including skills: 796 hours
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 160 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 620 hours

 

  • Year 1 - 56% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity (including placement learning)
  • Year 2 - 63% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity (including placement learning)
  • Year 3 - 61% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity (including placement learning).

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods include; essays, exams, presentations and reports and clinical skills assessed in our simulation suites and by practice supervisors/assessors in practice placements.

The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Coursework: 50%
  • Exams: 25%
  • Practical exam: 25%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 50%
  • Exams: 25%
  • Practical exam: 25%
Year 3
  • Coursework: 75%
  • Exams: 0%
  • Practical exam: 25%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback to you on your assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Course fees and funding

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'Overseas' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
International Year 1 (2023/24): £16,200
Year 2 (2024/25): £16,500
Year 3 (2025/26): £16,800

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

2022/23 fees for this course

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
International Year 1 (2022/23): £15,900
Year 2 (2023/24): £16,200
Year 3 (2024/25): £16,500

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Funding

NHS Training Grant 

Nursing students on pre-registration courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back, subject to eligibility criteria. For more information please visit the NHS Business Service Authority.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies for 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting in 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees; this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

Placement expenses for travel and accommodation may be reimbursed by NHS Bursaries where, for example, the requirement exceeds that of attending university; or requires additional accommodation to that of the usual term time location. These expenses may need to be covered initially by the student before any applicable reimbursement is received. Please note: EU and international students may not be eligible for support for travel and accommodation.

Uniform and equipment

We provide you with a uniform. You will need to purchase appropriate shoes (£20-£60) and a fob watch (£5-£20) for practice. If you want additional uniform items, they are available for purchase.

Elective clinical placements

Subject to eligibility and approval by the Faculty, students are able to arrange their own elective clinical placements either in the UK or overseas. Students are required to make the necessary arrangements for any electives, including costs such as travel, accommodation, visas and additional vaccinations.

DBS check

The University pays for the processing of the application which is £51 but students are expected to pay a small fee (approximately £7) to the Post Office to get their ID documents verified and £13 per year for subscribing to the Update Service. This subscription allows universities and potential employers to view any changes to students' DBS.

Occupational health

You will need to fill out an Occupational Health Form. In some cases, we will require extra information and may ask you to get your GP to complete a routine screening form. All GPs have their own policies on charging fees for completion of these reports. The minimum fee recommended by the BMA is £30. Some GPs will not charge you for completion of the form but some GP surgeries are unable to make exceptions and will charge you the standard rate for their practice (in some cases this can be £50 or more). Neither the Faculty nor Occupational Health will be able to reimburse students for fees charged by their GP.

The majority of the required vaccinations should be free from your GP or via the NHS. Our Occupational Health Service will see you in the first two weeks of the course to ensure you have obtained the necessary vaccinations and will undertake any vaccinations/screening tests you have missed. Neither the Faculty nor Occupational Health will be able to reimburse students for any fees charged by their GP or other vaccination providers for vaccinations incurring a cost. If you are being charged for a vaccination we would suggest that you wait until you start the course where you will be able to obtain the vaccination at no cost to yourself.

Membership and professional fees

Professional body membership fees whilst on course are approximately £10. Nursing and Midwifery Council registration fees, once qualified, are currently £120 for the year.

Facilities

You will be taught by the Simulated Learning and Clinical Skills Team, learning clinical skills fundamental to deliver high-quality care to patients in all fields of nursing within clinical, community and practice health settings.

You will take part in award-winning innovative simulations with role players and full body manikins that provide unprecedented opportunities to acquire, develop and maintain the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours needed for safe and effective patient care.

Facilities

Links with business and industry

We have 10 practice partners for mental health nursing from the NHS and private sector including:

  • South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust
  • Central and North West London Foundation NHS Trust
  • Huntercombe Hospital
  • The Priory Group
  • Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
  • Huntercombe Hospital
  • Hexagon Housing Association
  • Royal Hospital for Neurodisability (Putney)
  • Cygnet Healthcare Woking

Extra practice learning opportunities

Students have opportunities to undertake a national or international elective at the end of year two. In the UK, students have worked at a wide range of settings including Broadmoor Hospital.

Mental health students have also travelled to:

  • Ireland
  • India
  • Zimbabwe
  • Zambia
  • Gibraltar
  • Hong Kong
  • Texas
  • Philippines

After you graduate

Type of jobs

  • Staff nurse - mental health
  • Forensic staff nurse
  • Staff nurse child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)
  • Research nurse
  • Psychiatric liaison nurse
  • Deputy ward manager

Accreditation

This degree confers both an academic award and a professional qualification in nursing. On completion of the programme, students are recommended to the Nursing and Midwifery Council for professional registration.  

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).