BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: B701
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
Find out more

This course is up for periodic review
To ensure this course continues to be cutting-edge and enables you to be ready for the modern workplace, it is due to be reviewed by December 2024.

Our website will typically be updated within a month of the review confirming any enhancements, including:
- module titles (and whether they are core or optional)
- expected contact hours
- assessment methods
- staff teaching on the course

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS	A Level	BTEC
112-120	BBC-BBB	DMM-DDM in Health and Social Care or a health related subject.

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.

IB: 112-120 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at grade 4 or above (the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).

Access: 45 credits at level 3, which must equate to a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.

All offers will be subject to the applicant's demonstration of the NHS constitution’s “Values and Behaviours”, satisfactory interviews, numeracy and literacy test, occupational health screening, two satisfactory references and the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks. You can view the full NHS Constitution for England on the Government website.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS overall score of 6.5 with scores of at least 6.5 in the listening, reading, writing and speaking sections.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS	A Level	BTEC	Course Access Tariff	IB Requirement
112 - 120	BBC - BBB	DMM - DDM in Health and Social Care or a health related subject.	45 credits at level 3, which must equate to a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points	112 - 120 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at grade 4 or above (the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations

Entitlement to apply to enter the professional register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse (Mental Health).

Why choose this course?

6th in the UK for Mental Health Nursing (Guardian University Guide, 2024)
Inclusive teaching delivered by service users and carers
Clinical placements rated as Good/Outstanding

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence and throughout adulthood. However, around one in four of the population will be affected by poor mental health. The overall number of people reporting mental health problems has increased in recent years. You have searched for this page because you have a passion for positive mental health. Studying this degree at Hertfordshire offers you the chance to make a difference to people’s lives. You want a high level of flexibility and a career with excellent employment prospects. Mental Health nursing is a challenging career, but the rewards are priceless.

As a Herts nurse, you’ll have 24-hour access to our Learning Resource Centre. We’ll provide you with placements to apply your theoretical learning. You’ll work with people from all backgrounds and in a range of community, specialist and hospital mental health teams. We have excellent links with a wide range of mental health care providers. Our local mental health NHS Trust partners are in Hertfordshire, North London and Milton Keynes and are rated ‘outstanding’ and ‘excellent’ by CQC. You will also be able to spend placement time within a vibrant voluntary and independent sector. You will develop your leadership and management skills alongside your therapeutic engagement skills to deliver the best possible outcome for service users.

We are proud to offer you innovative and creative learning. You’ll be taught by some of the most imaginative and inspiring lecturers in Mental Health Nursing. A diverse, academic team with a strong research clinical focus. All our teaching is research informed and delivered using recognised teaching and learning approaches. We will help you draw out your imagination, build your confidence and exceed your own goals.

You’ll now also be able to take advantage of a new financial bonus to nursing. You may be eligible for at least £5,000 in government grants and a possible extra £1,000 especially for aspiring mental health nurses. And it doesn’t stop there. You might receive another £1,000 for childcare, where applicable. These grants won’t even need to be paid back. Consider it a thank you from the government. A thank you for choosing to empower others to live their lives to the fullest.

What's the course about?

50% of your time will be spent at university and the other 50% will be spent working. You’ll engage in lectures, seminars, workshops, and small grouped learning. Whilst out on placement, you’ll support real people in real patient settings. This could be in hospitals, rehab units and even in their homes. You’ll build relationships with their families and friends. Together, you’ll provide a holistic and inclusive approach to nursing, we will be with you every step of the way helping you build on the latest knowledge and skills with experts in the mental health field.

In your first year, we will introduce you to the profession, right from the basics. Learn the philosophy behind mental wellbeing. Explore all aspects of psychological mental illnesses. What role does society play in defining mental health? What are the stigmas and notions of exclusion people face? You’ll learn to balance theoretical perspectives. You’ll practically apply your readings. You’ll gain a solid foundation for year two.

In your second year, you will now be able to assess a patient. You’ll be able to apply ethically safe interventions. This could be cognitive behavioural therapy. Or through active participation of family members. Learn the physical effects of medicines on the brain. Use your compassionate and caring nature to bring people closer to recovery.

In your final year you’ll find that you have grown to love certain topics. In this year, you can delve deeper in these areas. This could be socio-political issues that impact effective nursing practises. Or, how spiritual, psychosocial, cultural, and emotional aspects can affect how patients receive care. It’s entirely up to you.

Your main campus is College Lane  

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.   

Take a virtual tour

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6. These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study. Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.  

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
An Introduction to Interprofessional Education	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn in groups, facilitating an improved understanding of professional roles and encouraging collaborative learning and practice. Learning will take place in lectures, seminars and tutorials with activities are designed to consolidate learning and promote engagement with the topic.
Key Concepts, Theories and Debates for Mental Health Nursing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will examine a range of supporting theoretical and policy perspectives on the nature of mental health, mental illness and wellbeing. Students will explore how contributions from psychology, sociology and philosophy inform our understanding of the evolving, contested and constructed notions of mental health, mental illness, and mental wellbeing.
Communication and Relationship Management Skills for Nursing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will develop students' existing communication skills in line with the relevant nursing standards. It will enable students to develop their skills in searching and evaluating the literature, critical reading and writing skills aiding students to formulate and communicate scholarly arguments and ideas.
Therapeutic Communication for Mental Health	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will build upon their empathetic and therapeutic communication skills so that they can effectively engage with a range of service users, families, and carers in different therapeutic situations. Students will learn about counselling and therapeutic interactions that can be used to support service user engagement and recovery.
Foundations of Health and Wellbeing	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will examine bioscientific and professional concepts that underpin nursing practice. It will address how these inform nursing care and health and wellbeing. It will also consider wider social, political and economic issues and their impact on health and care delivery.
Mental Health Nursing Practice 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students will explore their personal and professional development as they begin their journey towards becoming a registered mental health nurse. Simulated learning will be facilitated using case scenarios to develop skills and knowledge at the level of a 1st year student nurse in mental health clinical practice, with a focus on critical reflection throughout.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Developing Health and Wellbeing	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the knowledge acquired in Fundamentals of Health and Wellbeing. While the focus on the professional aspects of nursing practice continues, ideas of health and wellbeing alongside the social and political context of health and wellbeing are further examined. The focus on bioscience shifts to the pharmacological aspects of health and wellbeing.
Essentials of Mental Health Nursing	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module encompasses key elements surrounding recovery-focused care, collaborative working, and evidence-based practice. Learners will develop understanding of person-centred, compassionate care, through research, analysis and critical reflection of theoretical constructs, models, and legislation. Whilst building upon key professional values and ethical principles, to apply these skills in practice.
Research and the Evidence Base for Mental Health Nursing	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on research and evidence as well as its potential impact on mental health nursing. Students will develop ability to access and systematically search the literature from a range of sources, recognising the multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder contribution to research. A key focus of this module is recognition of the centrality of users and carers in the research agenda and how their engagement is shaping the conduct and output generated by research.
Mental Health Nursing Practice 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
Patient risk assessment and care planning as well as reflection is practised through simulated learning in a realistic environment using authentic case scenarios to develop skills and knowledge required for practice. The module content is tailored to support knowledge and development of skills to practice safety at the level of 2nd year student nurse in clinical practice and which are reflected in the Part 2 PAD requirements.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Enhancing Health & Social Care through Inter-professional Education	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to give students further opportunities of working in multi-professional groups in order to improve understanding across professional boundaries and encourage collaborative learning and working that will bring benefit to patient/service-users. The justification for inclusion of inter-professional working within health care is addressed. The module requires students to bring specialist in-depth knowledge of their profession and professional codes of conduct to a group setting so that health and social care pathways are critically reviewed in the context of professional practice.
Imagination and Innovation in Evidence Based Nursing Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students on this module will be supported to create an evidence-based proposal to effect positive change in service delivery. It represents an exciting opportunity for students to engage in a negotiated work-based practice project proposal that will encourage them to focus upon a practice issue of personal and professional interest.
Medicines Management for Mental Health Nursing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will equip students to develop a critical understanding, awareness and skills related to medicines used within mental health care. Students' knowledge and competence in medication management will allow them to effectively apply this in their practice.
Leading and Managing Mental Health Nursing Care	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will enhance your leadership skills, critical thinking, and grasp of mental health dynamics. Leadership models and theoretical approaches will be examined. These deal with uncertainty, and complexity and impact of technology for effective collaboration and resilience building to promote better service user outcomes.
Mental Health Nursing Practice 3	30 Credits	Compulsory
Simulated learning, which reflect the proficiencies of the Practice Assessment Document Part 3, is included in this module which aims to build on previous, year 1 and 2 practice modules. Students will be supported to transfer skills learnt through simulation into practice, reflect on professional development, and achieve practice learning outcomes.
Final Numeracy Exam	0 Credits	Compulsory
Using both lecture based teaching and online resources this module intends to enable the student to develop knowledge of the formulae used for calculating medication dosages for both enteral and parenteral medicine administration.

Work placement

Practice placements are organised within neighbouring NHS Trusts in Hertfordshire and North London and in other settings including the private and voluntary sectors. There is the opportunity to learn with and from people in the community and in hospitals where mental health nursing is delivered. The placement experiences are wide and varied. An elective/alternative placement is offered at the end of the second year which gives you the opportunity to gain mental health experience elsewhere in the UK, abroad, or in specialised regional and national centres of excellence.
What if I need support?

You’ll get a personal tutor to guide you through your course, all the way to graduation. We will be with you every step of the way in practice areas too. With support from Academic Assessors, Practice Supervisors and Practice Education Facilitators.
You might also want or need extra support during your time with us. Rest assured, no matter what you study, we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions, and online tutorials. Both our LRCs (Learning Resource Centres) run drop-in study skills sessions. And the best thing is, it’s all free.

'The University pointed me towards Work the World after I expressed an interest in undertaking my nursing elective in a developing country. I really felt welcomed by the staff in Work the World, they made me feel as though I was part of the team from day one. It really reflected the culture and friendliness of Tanzanian people. In fact, every moment was fantastic. I thought I’d get homesick, but I didn’t at all. And now that I’m home, I am always dreaming of going back!'

Heather Wilcox

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Ramatu Nguru

Meet Ramutu Nguru who has excelled as a Registered Nutritionist since graduating in 2016. She currently works as a School Food Nutritionist for Herts Catering Limited (HCL).

Current job role	School Food Nutritionist
Year of graduation	2016
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Nutrition

Essential skills for the future

Ramatu graduated having studied Nutrition and has now entered her chosen career as a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) with the Association for Nutrition (AfN). She currently works as a School Food Nutritionist for Herts Catering Limited (HCL). Her course enabled Ramatu to achieve her career aspirations, providing invaluable experience which included work shadowing, volunteering and practical work placement opportunities alongside various registered nutritionists and dieticians.

Ramatu says, 'Many employers advertise for nutritionists who are already registered with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN). In order to register, you would need to be able to demonstrate that you meet the underpinning knowledge and professional skills required.' Studying a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition or related bioscience degree provides students with an abundance of practicable and transferable experience which will enable you to make crucial inroads into the profession.'

Experience is crucial

Experience is crucial and Ramatu attests that it is even more beneficial than good grades. She advises students to seek out as much opportunity as possible to gain professional experience and says, 'My priority is to continually develop professionally as a Registered Nutritionist as there is always room to improve my own practice and service delivery.' The University provides fantastic opportunities for students through work placements, study abroad schemes as well as the fantastic industry led practical elements embedded into the courses themselves.

Alumni Stories

Khan Asghar Iqbal

Meet Khan Asghar Iqbal who is saving lives everyday as a Newly Qualified Paramedic (NQP). He is currently working for the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust.

Current job role	Newly Qualified Paramedic
Year of graduation	2018
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science

A unique degree and experience

Khan says his ambition to work in London and move out of his hometown in Cardiff was a key factor in choosing to study at the University of Hertfordshire. However, his course also provided a unique combination of theoretical and practical study which Khan says, 'prepared me to put my knowledge into practice while out on placement each term. The course also gave me a glimpse of future opportunities for paramedics such as teaching, management and advanced practice.'

The vocational nature of the degree enabled him to transition smoothly into his chosen career providing him with the essential professional skills and hands on experience he required to excel as a paramedic. He says, 'The course gives you the knowledge to make lifesaving decisions but also gives you more advanced knowledge regarding complicated conditions and the various medicines that come with each patient.'

Khan speaks fondly of his time at the University and says, 'I truly miss everyone I became friends with on my degree. Some of the nights out in the Forum were the best I've ever had and they will be everlasting memories, with friends both on and off of my course. I really came out of my shell and comfort zone and it has made me into the confident and outgoing person I am today.'

Get your dream job

Khan says that being a paramedic is the 'best job in the World' and, although he has just started his career, he hopes to go onto postgraduate study and experience new cultures by travelling.

View our Alumni profiles

Ramatu Nguru Khan Asghar Iqbal

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)	Download
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Nursing	Download
BSc (Hons) Nursing	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
09/09/2024	30/09/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
09/09/2024	30/09/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
09/09/2024	30/09/2025	Apply online (Full Time)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Link
09/09/2025	30/09/2026	Apply online (Full Time)
09/09/2025	30/09/2026	Apply online (Full Time)
09/09/2025	30/09/2026	Apply online (Full Time)

Interview

Once you have applied via UCAS, you may be invited for an interview. This may be an online interview due to COVID 19 restrictions. During the interview, we are keen for you to show your positive values and attributes expected of our Mental Health Nursing students.
Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £17750 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £17750 for the 2024/2025 academic year
NHS Funding for UK/EU Students

Students studying on nursing, midwifery or allied health professional courses funded by Health Education England will have access to the same student loans support package and support for living costs as other students.

You could also benefit from the NHS learning support fund if you study an eligible nursing, midwifery, or allied health course. If eligible, the different kinds of support you could get include a training grant, parental support, money back for travel and temporary accommodation whilst on placement, and financial hardship (which you won’t need to pay back).

For more detailed information on the scholarships and/or bursaries available, please visit our fees and funding page and the NHS learning support fund website.

Accommodation

Due to the nature of your programme, your studies are likely to continue over the summer period, requiring an extended period of accommodation on campus. There are 2 accommodation options available to you:
- Option 1 - 42 week accommodation: if you opt for this accommodation contract but need to stay on campus for up to 50 weeks, this will mean that you will have to move accommodation and we cannot guarantee that this will be at the same cost, and may be higher.
- Option 2 - 50 week accommodation: if you opt for this accommodation contract, which is recommended, this will allow you to complete your studies over the summer period without having to move accommodation. If you choose this option you cannot change to a 42 week contract at a later stage.
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Scholarships
- Wilson Sports Scholarship
- The UH Trust Health Scholarship
Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Book a campus tour

Get info and updates

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: B701

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Ramutu Nguru who has excelled as a Registered Nutritionist since graduating in 2016. She currently works as a School Food Nutritionist for Herts Catering Limited (HCL).

Essential skills for the future

Experience is crucial

Alumni Stories

Meet Khan Asghar Iqbal who is saving lives everyday as a Newly Qualified Paramedic (NQP). He is currently working for the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust.

A unique degree and experience

Get your dream job

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

NHS Funding for UK/EU Students

Accommodation

Scholarships

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane  