COURSE CURRICULUM

The Mental Health Nursing programme follows a comprehensive three-year curriculum designed to prepare students for professional registration and careers supporting individuals experiencing mental health conditions across a wide range of healthcare and community settings. During the first year, students establish strong foundations in nursing theory, patient care, and professional practice through modules including Foundation Nursing Practice, Health and Wellbeing, Foundation Nursing Care, Academic Skills for Health and Social Care, and Scientific Enquiry in Nursing. Students also begin developing specialist knowledge through the Care and Skills Provision for Mental Health Nursing module, which introduces the principles of mental health care, therapeutic communication, recovery-focused practice, and person-centred support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The My Professional Journey module supports students in developing professional values, self-awareness, resilience, and reflective practice as they begin their nursing careers. In the second year, students develop more advanced clinical skills and knowledge through modules including Developing Nursing Practice, Public Health and Inequalities for Nursing, Research Design and Data Analysis, and Interdisciplinary Team Working. Specialist modules such as Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making for Mental Health Nursing, Complex Care and Medicines Management in Mental Health Nursing, and Intermediate Theory and Practice in Mental Health Nursing Care enable students to develop expertise in mental health assessment, treatment planning, medicines management, and the care of individuals with complex and long-term mental health conditions. Professional development continues through the My Professional Journey modules as students gain greater responsibility and confidence in clinical practice environments. During the final year, students consolidate their knowledge and prepare for professional registration through modules including Consolidating Nursing Practice, Leading High Quality and Safe Care in Nursing, Medicines and Public Health, Contemporary Nursing and Innovation, and Mental Health Nursing Specialisms. Students also complete an Independent Project that strengthens research and evidence-based practice skills while exploring an area of personal or professional interest. Throughout the programme, extensive clinical placements provide valuable experience working with multidisciplinary teams and service users in real healthcare settings. Overall, the programme prepares graduates for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and successful careers as compassionate, skilled, and reflective mental health nurses.