Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc Nursing (Mental Health) Program

The BSc Nursing (Mental Health) is a three-year degree program designed to prepare students to support individuals with a wide range of mental health needs. This program combines university teaching with practical experience in clinical settings, providing students with the knowledge and confidence necessary to become registered mental health nurses.

Overview of the Program

• The program is based at the University of Essex's Colchester Campus.
• It is a full-time program with a duration of three years.
• The program starts in October 2026.
• The program is recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the purpose of registration as a qualified nurse (mental health).

Why Choose This Program

• Mental health nursing is a complex and demanding area, with nurses working alongside GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, and others to care for patients with mental illnesses.
• As a mental health nurse, students will focus on the therapeutic relationship with individuals with mental ill health and their families, providing support and treatment to meet their physical, psychological, social, mental, and spiritual care needs.
• The program offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced staff and practice partners, as well as members of the Service User Reference Group, who bring real insight into the impact of mental ill health.

Who Should Apply

• This program is suitable for individuals who want to support others with patience, empathy, and understanding.
• Applicants should be able to listen carefully and communicate clearly with individuals and families.
• The program is ideal for those who feel comfortable working with people during challenging or emotional moments and are able to build trust and form therapeutic relationships.

What You Will Learn

• During the program, students will learn how to support individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health needs in a safe, compassionate, and person-centered way.
• Students will develop the confidence to build therapeutic relationships, understand an individual's experiences, and work with them to plan and deliver the right care.
• The program covers various topics, including:
  • Assessing a person's mental health needs and working closely with them to plan their care.
  • Communicating calmly and clearly during challenging or emotional moments.
  • Building trust with individuals and families and supporting them through their recovery.
  • Working as part of a team that includes psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other professionals.
  • Promoting dignity, choice, and wellbeing in every aspect of care.
  • Understanding the social, emotional, and psychological factors that affect mental health.

Placement Opportunities

• Half of the program is spent working in clinical settings, such as wards, health centers, or clients' homes.
• Students will work alongside nurses, practicing and perfecting their skills.
• Placements are based in NHS, private, and voluntary settings throughout Essex.
• Students will work shift patterns equivalent to approximately a 37.5-hour week, including early shifts, late shifts, night shifts, weekend, and bank holiday working.

Careers and Employers

• Mental health nursing can lead to many rewarding roles in a wide range of health and social care settings.
• Qualified nurses are needed in:
  • Acute hospital wards.
  • Community nursing teams.
  • GP surgeries.
  • Specialist services.
  • Care homes.
  • Private healthcare organizations.
  • Voluntary and charity sector services.
• Graduates from this program go on to work with various employers, including NHS Trusts, community health and social care providers, private hospitals, and voluntary organizations.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• GCSEs: Mathematics and English Language C/4. Acceptable alternatives are listed on the university's website.
• A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
• BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
• Other UCAS tariff qualifications and combined qualifications: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels or equivalent.
• IB: 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.
• QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points.
• T-levels: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points.

International and EU Entry Requirements

• The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.
• For more information, please contact the university's admissions team.

English Language Requirements

• English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and 7.0 in all other components, or specified score in another equivalent test that the university accepts.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: ｣9,535 per year.
• International fee: ｣24,360 per year.
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
• There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the program.

Structure

• The program consists of three terms per year, with a 50:50 split between theory and practice.
• Students will undertake clinical practice by working with nurses in various settings.
• The program includes modules such as:
  • Fundamentals of Behavioural Sciences.
  • Fundamentals of Lifesciences.
  • Person-Centred Care 1, 2, and 3.
  • Relationship-Based Practice.
  • The Therapeutic Practitioner.
  • Service Improvement Project.
  • Supervising Learning in Clinical Practice.
  • The Autonomous Practitioner - Mental Health Nursing.

Teaching and Assessment

• Nursing students undertake 50% of the program on placement in clinical practice and 50% undertaking campus-based study.
• On a typical week when on campus, nursing students will undertake 37.5 hours of study, usually made up of 30 hours of on-campus teaching and 7.5 hours of self-directed study.
• Assessment methods include presentations, coursework, and assessments of practical settings, as well as two written exams, one in year one and the other in year two.