BSc Nursing (Mental Health) - Nursing (Mental Health) Degree

Program Overview

This nursing program adopts a developmental approach with a 50:50 split between theory and clinical practice, emphasizing user-centered care planning and holistic health. Students undertake assessments through presentations, coursework, and practical evaluations, and benefit from support from the NHS and independent health sector for placement opportunities. The program is offered at both the Colchester and Southend campuses, with placements corresponding to the chosen campus.

Program Outline

Outline:

• The program consists of three terms per year.
• The structure adopts a developmental approach to mastering nursing skills and developing knowledge and understanding.
• It has a 50:50 split between theory and practice, meaning that for 50% of the program, students undertake clinical practice by working with nurses in a variety of settings.
• Service user-centred care planning emphasizes the holistic nature of health and illness.
• Students are given the opportunity to rehearse practical skills in a controlled environment further preparing them for working in the practice environment.
• Students undertake a significant part of their program in placement areas in partnership with the NHS and the independent health and social care sector across Essex.
• Attendance at all parts of this program is compulsory (as are the modules studied) and must be evidenced in order to register as a nurse.

Assessment:

• Students will be assessed through presentations, coursework, and assessments of practical settings.
• Students will also undertake two written exams, one in year one and the other in year two.

Teaching:

• 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, this is usually made up of 30 hours of on-campus teaching and 7.5 hours of self-directed study.
• On placement in clinical practice, nursing students will work a shift pattern equivalent to approximately 37.5 hours per week, including early shifts, late shifts, night shifts, weekend and bank holiday working.
• Nursing students are required to gain experience of the range of hours that nurses work and will be expected to follow the shift patterns worked in a range of clinical departments.
• Lectures inform students of the most important topics, with classes allowing them to consolidate their learning through discussion.
• The university works closely in partnership with the NHS and the independent health sector to provide placement opportunities.
• Modules have their own accompanying web pages on Moodle where students can download relevant readings, power-points, podcasts, and YouTube clips, and contribute to online discussions.

Other:

• The cost of required uniform will be fully covered by the school.
• Students can choose to study this course at either the Colchester campus or the Southend campus - and their placements will correspond to the campus they choose.
• Colchester students will have placements in north Essex, while Southend students will have placements in south Essex.
• If students apply to multiple campuses, they will only have one interview and their chances of being offered a place will be the same as if they had only applied to one campus.
• If students wish to change campus at any point during the admissions process, they should contact their Admissions Adviser who will do their best to accommodate their preference.
• Changing campus is subject to availability.

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee £9,250 per year International fee £22,100 per year