COURSE CURRICULUM

The Mental Health Nursing degree at Abertay University is a comprehensive three-year honours program that blends academic learning with extensive clinical experience to prepare students for a career as a registered mental health nurse. In Year 1, students complete five core modules that introduce the fundamentals of mental health nursing. These include foundational health studies, an introduction to mental health across the lifespan, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, and a focus on the relationship between physical health and mental wellbeing. From the first term, students begin clinical placements through the Placement and Professional Development module, ensuring early exposure to real-world practice.Year 2 expands on this foundation with eight core modules. Students explore more advanced topics such as mental health across the lifespan, public health, pharmacology and prescribing, and interventions for mental health treatment. They complete two placement modules, gaining deeper experience in clinical environments. Modules also cover understanding and applying interventions and managing complex mental health needs, preparing students to handle a variety of situations with sensitivity and professionalism.In Year 3, students complete seven modules that focus on leadership, communication, and person-centred care. Key subjects include transparency, candour and effective communication, collaborative and interdisciplinary working, and team dynamics. The Placement and Professional Development 4 module continues hands-on training, allowing students to apply their advanced skills in practice. Other modules such as person-centred working, leadership, and the Future Nurse module ensure that graduates are ready for the responsibilities of modern mental health nursing.Throughout the program, students engage in values-based, relational learning that emphasises compassion, communication, and evidence-based practice. By graduation, students are well-prepared to provide high-quality, person-centred care in diverse mental health settings, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary for professional registration and effective nursing practice.