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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).

You'll study both generic modules - alongside students from all fields of nursing - and modules that focus specifically on mental health nursing. You'll have the opportunity to learn first-hand from mental health service users and carers, through our strong partnerships with service user and carer-led organisations.

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

We have strong partnerships with service user and carer-led organisations. These include the Recovery College, the Sutton Carers Centre and the South West London Recovery College, where you will have the opportunity to learn first-hand from mental health service users.

Government Bursary

Nursing students on 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.

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Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
3 years full time B765 2020
2021
Location Kingston Hill
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Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Kingston is No. 1 for nursing and midwifery in London (Guardian university league table 2020).
  • It received more than 94 per cent for satisfaction for learning resources (National Student Survey 2018).
  • Half of your time will be on placements and in simulation suites, helping you develop practical skills. Our award-winning simulation suite has twice won the Student Nursing Times Teaching Innovation of the Year award.

What you will study

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. These are modules that will be delivered in 2019. Our 2020 curriculum is currently being revised in line with the new NMC standards.

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

Science for Nursing

30 credits

This module focuses on developing your knowledge of anatomy and physiology with its application to nursing, including basic pathophysiology. It will also encourage you to build on and develop your entry-level numeracy skills. You will also begin to develop your knowledge of pharmacological concepts.

Nursing in Context

30 credits

This module presents the core topics which underpin nursing as a person- and family-centred profession including: history, policy, values, evidence-based practice, caring, compassion, communication and relationships. It also focuses on the individual within society from a psychosocial, economic and political health perspective. The module will introduce the concept of how professionals from all fields of nursing can contribute through partnership, to meeting the needs of identified individuals, groups and communities.

Foundations of Mental Health Nursing

30 credits

This module will introduce you to the foundations of mental health practice. It will examine attitudes and qualities necessary for recovery-focused and socially inclusive practice. The module will also provide an historical and contemporary appreciation of service development and an introduction to the essential conceptual frameworks underpinning contemporary mental health practice. It will introduce you to the common issues and disorders within mental health care and basic assessment processes. There will be an emphasis on the need to develop respectful and collaborative therapeutic alliances with individuals, families and carers.

Nursing Practice Part 1

30 credits

This module prepares you for your practice learning opportunities in part one of the programme. The module focuses on the development of professional values and the delivery of safe, holistic compassionate care. It is a generic module where all fields of nursing are engaged with core essential skills as identified by the NMC Standards for Pre-Registration Nursing Education (NMC, 2010). The module is a bridge between theory and practice.

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

Person-centred Care

30 credits

This module further develops your understanding of the application of person-centred care, assessment, clinical reasoning and decision making, within the framework of the '6Cs' and evidence-based practice. This module explores the actions a nurse takes to ensure that each person receives appropriate person-centred care, treatment and support. This module examines both acute care and long-term conditions across the life span and related to all nursing fields. It introduces you to the concept of clinical judgement in relation to the individual, family or community responses to actual or potential health needs / life processes and care delivery as an expression of person-centred nursing practice.

The Care Process in Mental Health Nursing

30 credits

This module focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver safe and competent practice in regards to implementing and evaluating a range of evidence-based care interventions within a variety of mental health settings. The module will give you the opportunity to develop and practise your knowledge and skills on a wide variety of key evidence-based interventions that are designed to meet the holistic needs of service users and carers. You 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 in Mental Health

30 credits

This module focuses upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to work collaboratively with mental health service users. Content will centre on health promotion and physical health, including medication issues. The concept of shared decision making will underpin all interaction and intervention.

Nursing Practice Part 2

30 credits

This module will be delivered in part two of the programme. The module prepares you for your Practice Learning Opportunity (PLO). It focuses on professional values, the delivery of safe compassionate care in partnership with the client. It is a generic module where all fields of nursing are engaged with essential skills as identified by the Standards for Pre-Registration Nursing Education (NMC, 2010). The module is a bridge between theory and practice.

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

Transition to Professional Practice in Mental Health Nursing

30 credits

This capstone module will enable you to reflect upon your personal and professional growth. It will draw on evidence of learning and development compiled throughout the programme. It will foster the development and application of leadership, management and team working concepts required for clinical practice. This module will enable you to reflect on the skills necessary to facilitate the transition to a Registered Mental Health Nurse.

Developing Evidence-based Practice

30 credits

This module is designed to enable you to further develop and consolidate your skills and knowledge regarding searching for, appraising, evaluating and applying evidence-based practice to ensure a life-long focus on best care at all times for your particular patient/client group. The module will also enable you to systematically organise and make analytical and objective judgements on the reviewed evidence in their field-specific areas of practice.

Complexities of Mental Health Nursing

30 credits

This module will enable you to develop assessment and intervention skills with a range of client groups with complex needs. It will critically examine contemporary and future policy and practice provision, including specialist services and the complexity of multi-agency working in this area of health and social care.

Nursing Practice Part 3

30 credits

This module prepares you for your practice learning opportunities (PLO) and final sign-off placement. The module focuses on professional values, the delivery of safe compassionate care and the assessment and management of patients with complex health care needs. The module aims to develop your clinical competence and confidence prior to registration. It is a generic module where all fields of nursing are engaged with essential skills as identified by the Standards for Pre-Registration Nursing Education (NMC, 2010). The module is a bridge between theory and practice.

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.

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Entry requirements

Typical offer 2020

The typical requirement for entry for this course is 112 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

Entry requirements 2021

UCAS tariff points: 112

Five GSCEs at grade C/4 including English and Mathematics. Enhanced DBS check and Occupational Health Clearance. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

Additional requirements

  • 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 eg 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.
  • All suitable applicants are required to attend an interview and selection day. This includes multiple mini interviews (MMIs), which are a series of short value-based questions, tasks or scenarios. Each MMI station assesses some of the NHS key values and attributes required for the course and the nursing profession. During the day, you will also have an informal assessment of your current digital literacy skills, which provides us with a baseline to develop your digital skills during the course.
  • 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.

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.

Nursing and Midwifery interview tips

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 2012 and 2016 for their work in simulated learning.

Guided independent study

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 preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. 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, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and who will 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: 374 hours
  • Scheduled teaching: 166 hours
  • Guided independent study: 734 hours
Year 2
  • Placement learning: 612 hours
  • Scheduled teaching: 156 hours
  • Guided independent study: 744 hours
Year 3
  • Placement learning: 855 hours
  • Scheduled teaching: 158 hours
  • Guided independent study: 742 hours
  • Year 1 - 42% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity (including placement learning)
  • Year 2 - 50% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity (including placement learning)
  • Year 3 - 58% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity (including placement learning)

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

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 on 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 teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. 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

2020/21 fees for this course

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK and EU students) £9,250*
International £15,000

* 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/EU 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.

2019/20 fees for this course

 Fee category  Amount
Home (UK and EU students) £9,250*
International £14,600
Islands (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) To be confirmed by the Island Authorities

* 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/EU 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.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which 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, 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, security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Text books

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, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

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.

Printing

In the majority of cases coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel

Travel costs are not included so you will need to budget how you will travel to university, and to placements. You may be able to claim reimbursement of some of your expenses for travel to practice placements each day for costs incurred over and above your usual daily travel costs to attend university. Visit here for more details.

Funding

Government Student 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 Health Careers and The Funding Clinic. 

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has confirmed that EU students applying for places at universities in England in the 2020/21 academic year will be eligible for student loans and grants throughout their degree programmes.

The decision means they will be eligible for the same funding and support available to current EU students and the University will continue to charge at the 'home' fee rate.

These rights will continue for the full duration of their courses, even if the UK exits the European Union during that period.

Facilities

You will be taught by the Simulated Learning and Clinical Skills team, 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 behaviors 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).

Undergraduate study
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