Program Overview

Nursing (Mental Health) BSc (Hons)

Overview

The Nursing (Mental Health) BSc (Hons) program at the University of Derby is designed to prepare students for registration as mental health nurses, enabling them to work with a range of client groups with acute, diverse, and long-term conditions. The course is a holistic learning experience, enabling students to become emotionally resilient and transformational Registered Nurses of the future.

Why Study Nursing (Mental Health) at Derby?

• Our nursing programs are approved to the NMC's Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses
• Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in your chosen field of practice
• Gain essential practical experience on a range of placements in different healthcare and community settings
• Be taught in some of the best University facilities of their kind, including our clinical skills suites at our Derby campus (Kedleston Road) or Chesterfield site
• Learn from a highly experienced, enthusiastic, and research-active team who provide full support to help you achieve your ambitions
• You could be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund that could provide a grant for training, childcare costs, and traveling to placements
• Registered Nursing Associates may be eligible to enter the program at the 18-month point

Course Description

Mental health problems currently affect one in four of the UK population. If you're caring and compassionate, with exceptional communication skills and a real passion for helping people, this degree is for you. The course prepares you for registration as a mental health nurse, enabling you to work with a range of client groups with acute, diverse, and long-term conditions.

What You Will Study

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Core modules:

• Introduction to Nursing
• Health Sciences for Nursing Practice (Mental Health)
• Person-centered Nursing Care for Health & Wellbeing (Mental Health)

How You Will Learn

• So that you are fully prepared for your career, we ensure that your skills and knowledge match current working practices in health and social care.
• The practical abilities you develop on placement will be underpinned and extended by the knowledge you gain through lectures, tutorials, workshops, and activities in the University's own high-quality training facilities.
• We harness the latest technology in all aspects of the course.
• Modules are linked to the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), so that you have 24-hour access to relevant resources both on and off campus.
• We also capture 'live' lectures via Panopto which you can view at times that suit you via the VLE.

How You're Assessed

• Our assessment approaches include assignments, exams, online activities, problem-based learning, and viva voce (oral) examinations.
• You'll also produce a professional portfolio, which will support your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as well as your lifelong learning.

Who You'll Meet

• You will be taught by qualified health professionals with extensive experience of nursing and leadership roles.
• Our staff keep up to date with the latest developments in the sector by undertaking continuing professional development as part of their registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
• Some hold external examiner posts with other universities and some carry out clinical supervision for professionals working in their area of expertise.

Careers

• On successful completion of this degree, you'll be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and go into practice as a qualified mental health nurse, as long as you meet the NMC's requirements.
• With a national shortage of nurses nationwide, you will discover a wide range of career opportunities.
• Many of our students have secured jobs before completing their studies and are increasingly offered positions in the early stages of their third year of training.

Entry Requirements

• 2025 entry
• These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.
• Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26
• Full-time: £9,535 per year (UK), £16,900 per year (International)
• Part-time: N/A

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• Included in your fees:
  • Uniforms
  • Markers, name badges, and ID holders
  • DBS Check
  • Occupational Health check
  • Mandatory vaccinations
  • Mandatory training
• Mandatory costs not included in your fees:
  • Suitable footwear for skills sessions and placements (approx. £40)
  • Travel to and from university base (Please note if you are eligible for NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) you may be able to claim back for excess travel and temporary accommodation costs while you're on your placement.)
• Optional costs not included in your fees:
  • Textbooks to supplement anything available through the library (various prices depending on content)
  • Printing costs of course materials if a hard copy is desired (approx. 5p per sheet)
  • Students may opt to engage in international trips and activities that are not fully funded, though bursaries may be available
  • Optional outings and trips will also require self-funding
  • Professional NMC membership required to practice (more details can be found at www.nmc-uk.org)

How to Apply

• Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
• Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications.
• It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
• Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.