BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing

Program Overview

This three-year BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing Degree focuses solely on mental health nursing, emphasizing values-based and person-centered care. With a 50% placement and 50% classroom structure, students gain practical experience in various mental health settings. The program is ranked top in Scotland for student satisfaction and prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in mental health.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Focus: Mental health nursing solely.
• Ranking: Ranked TOP in Scotland for overall student satisfaction (Mental Health Nursing, NSS 2023).
• Duration: 3 years (full-time)
• Award: BSc (Hons)
• Philosophy: Values-based and relational nursing practice.
• Emphasis: Delivery of research-informed, person-centred care in a mental health setting.
• Unique Feature: Graduation with an honours degree after only three years.

Outline:

• Course Structure: 50% placement & 50% in the classroom.
• Modules:
• Year 1:
• Placement and PD1 - MHN111
• Foundational Health Studies - MHN112
• Introduction to Mental Health Across the Lifespan - MHN113
• Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology - MHN115
• Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing - MHN116
• Year 2:
• Placement and Professional Development 3 - MHN221
• Mental Health Across the Lifespan - MHN222
• Understanding Interventions - MHN223
• Pharmacology and Prescribing - MHN225
• Public Health - MHN226
• Placement and Professional Development 5 - MHN231
• Interventions - Evidence and Actions - MHN232
• Working with Complex Mental Health Needs - MHN233
• Year 3:
• Placement and Professional Development 6 - MHN334
• Transparency, Candour and Effective Communication in Mental Health Nursing - MHN335
• Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Working - MHN336
• Placement and Professional Development 7 - MHN341
• Community Working in Health and Social Care - MHN342
• Person-Centred and Relationship-Centred Care - MHN343
• Placement and Professional Development 8 - MHN344
• Leadership and Supervision - MHN345
• Future Nurse - MHN346
• Learning Methods: Seminars, workshops, practical classes, tutorials, independent study, online learning, clinical practice placements with NHS Tayside or NHS Fife.
• Clinical Skills Development: Simulated learning in clinical skills laboratory.
Interpersonal skills and psychological intervention training in therapy suite.

Assessment:

• Types: Reports, reflective portfolios, essays, presentations (oral and posters), appraisal of research, exams, class tests, case studies, placement reports.
• Focus: Breadth of knowledge and skills.

Teaching:

• Faculty: Enthusiastic and committed team of teachers, researchers, and practitioners with extensive experience.
• Methods:
• Seminar
• Workshop
• Practical Class
• Tutorial
• Independent Study
• Online Learning
• Clinical Practice Placements
• Additional Features:
• Simulated Learning
• Clinical Skills Laboratory
• Therapy Suite

Careers:

• Opportunities:
• Community mental health
• Acute mental health
• Older adult services
• Children/young people’s services
• Forensic mental health
• Addiction services
• Third sector organisations
• Further studies (Masters, PhD)
• Growth: Growing need for mental health professionals worldwide.

Other:

• Summer Break: Shorter than a standard university degree.
• Uniforms and Health Checks: Additional costs for English/Irish/Welsh and Overseas students.
• Interview: Required for all applicants.
• Health Screening and Criminal Records Checks: Required for all successful applicants.
• Annual Declaration of Good Health and Good Character: Required for all enrolled students.
• Program Focus: Latest research and understanding of mental health.
• Theoretical Knowledge: Underpins skillsets within the practice environment.