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.

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.

Apply for this course in Clearing
Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
3 years full time B765 2020 (Clearing)
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% 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

Introduction to Life Sciences NG4103

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 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 Professional Practice NP4100

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 NG5105

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 NP5100

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 NP6100

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

If you would like to join us through Clearing 2020, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 (or +44 020 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK) and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable hotliners who will be able to provide information on available courses and will guide you through your options.

Please note the entry requirements listed below are for 2021 entry only.

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

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.

Additional requirements

  • 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 in 2012 and 2016 for its 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 including skills: 669 hours
  • Scheduled teaching: 170 hours
  • Guided independent study: 650 hours
Year 2
  • Placement learning including skills: 901 hours
  • Scheduled teaching: 160 hours
  • Guided independent study: 610 hours
Year 3
  • Placement learning including skills: 796 hours
  • Scheduled teaching: 160 hours
  • Guided independent study: 620 hours

 

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

2021/22 fees for this course

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
International £15,450

* 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.

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.

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.

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, 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

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

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).