Nursing (Mental Health) BSc

Are you passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of others?

We need people who are caring, courageous, compassionate and motivated to engage proactively with those experiencing mental health issues. This includes the ability to embrace the whole family, maximising and promoting their well-being and making a positive difference to their lives.

Ranked 2nd in Yorkshire and the Humber for nursing and midwifery, we'll provide you with the outstanding education you need to grow and develop as a nurse.

Accreditation

Students who successfully complete this programme will be able to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

This programme meets the NMC (2018) Future Nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses and ensures the guiding principles of pre-registration education for nurses of “fitness for purpose” and “fitness for practice” are satisfied. It consists of no less than 4,600 hours of study (2,300 hours in the practice setting and 2,300 hours theoretical study), which results in 360 credits across three levels:

Part 1: 120 credits at level 1 leading to progression point one of the programme.
Part 2: 120 credits at level 2 leading to progression point two of the programme.
Part 3: 120 credits at level 3 enabling registration with the NMC.

This is an integrated programme that incorporates 4 key strands into each of the modules; applied practice, professional practice, biopsychosocial-spiritual dimensions of health; and evidence-based practice. This enables you to view patients holistically recognising a range of issues that impact their health and well-being. Each module builds on the preceding ones enabling you to expand your knowledge and understanding and consider ever increasing levels of complexity.

We’re proud to offer innovative and creative learning, delivered by some of the most imaginative and inspiring lecturers in mental health nursing.

Throughout your degree, we’ll help you develop the qualities that define a Leeds mental health nurse – a self-aware, dynamic problem solver, promoting psychological, physical, social and spiritual interventions for your patients.

Studying at Leeds means you’ll have access to outstanding clinical facilities, including our in-house community flat, to prepare you for your placements. The range of practice settings is diverse and stimulating including community mental health teams, continuing treatment and recovery units, assertive outreach, acute day services, in-patient facilities and other specialist units.

As a research intensive school, you’ll have access to our internationally-regarded mental health research before it’s in the wider domain, giving you a distinctive advantage in your professional life.

Year 1

The first year explores issues pertinent to self and extends to encompass the perspective of service users, carers and family members. It culminates by examining notions and approaches to partnership working. Taught content incorporates a number of general themes such as biology, sociology, psychology, spirituality, promoting health, communication and study/research skills. A core focus is on developing caring skills, self-awareness and reflective practice.

Year 2

In year 2 the skills of therapeutic engagement will be developed across the lifespan, with the emphasis on the lived experience of mental health service users, carers and family members. This will include utilising different perspectives, underpinned by research and the ethical/legal frameworks for mental health practice.

Year 3

In year 3 you'll focus on developing intervention strategies and approaches for more complex mental health needs, including pharmacology and risk management. A 10,000-word research dissertation will develop your ability to use, summarise and communicate research evidence and apply it to your professional practice. Towards the end of the course, there’ll be an opportunity for a period of consolidation and preparation for the developing leadership role and commencement of registered nursing practice.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Nursing (Mental Health) BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our courses are designed to allow you as much choice as possible in the way that you study and methods of training are highly participative, with a combination of tutor-led input and support, learning through group work and discussion, and individual exercises and practice.

We work closely with health and social care organisations, to make sure that we provide education and training which fully meets the changing needs of health and social care and develops the appropriate knowledge and skills enabling you to play key roles in the workplace.

Teaching is via lectures, seminars, tutorials, online learning and mentorship in clinical practice.

Our Kevin Kendrick clinical skills suite recreates a hospital ward, with beds, patient manikins, ancillary equipment and washing areas. You’ll have the opportunity to use these facilities to practise clinical procedures.

We also have our own fully equipped IT suite, where you can access our virtual learning environment.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, including our professoriat.

Clinical placements

In each year you’ll undertake 50% theory and 50% practice. You’ll demonstrate the application of theory to practice within an environment of clinical specialisms. You’ll gain experience of working in a variety of mental health settings within the Leeds area.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment methods, including essays, exams, presentations, project work, practical skills examinations and multiple-choice questions.

You’ll need to demonstrate the knowledge and application of standard concepts, information and techniques, as well as your emerging abilities, skills and competencies.

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB preferably including a science subject (biology, human biology, chemistry, maths, physics or social sciences, such as psychology).

Not general studies or critical thinking.

GCSE: 5 GCSEs grade C or above / 4 or 5 (if taken after 2016) including Maths, English Language or English Literature and 2 science subjects

Other course specific tests:

You will need to show evidence of study in the last 5 years.

You are required to provide an academic reference, which also includes a statement which attests to (your) character and good standing.

All Foundation degree modules must be listed on your UCAS form or else your application will be rejected.

• Access to HE Diploma

  45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at distinction and include 12 credits from biology or health-related subjects + 5 GCSE’s A* to C grade in Maths, English, a Science plus two others. The remaining level 3 credits must be at merit level or above. For Access to Higher Education Diplomas completed before September 2014, applicants are required to have 45 credits at level 3 at distinction and include 12 credits from biology or health-related subjects. We strongly advise you to contact the School to discuss the suitability of your chosen Access course. All Access modules must be listed on your UCAS form or else your application will be rejected.

• BTEC

  BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF): Distinction/Distinction/Distinction in: Health and Social Care (Health Sciences); Health and Social Care (Health Studies).

  All BTEC modules must be listed on your UCAS form or else your application will be rejected.

• International Baccalaureate

  34 points overall (15 at higher level) including 3 higher level subjects at minimum of grade 5.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  (Leaving Certificate): BBBBBB including B in English, maths and biology.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BB at Advanced Higher and BBBBB at Higher, preferably including a science.

  
  For non-AH applicants: BBBBBB at Higher, preferably including a science.

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  Overall pass.

• Other Qualifications

  CACHE

  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Health & Social Care

  • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Certificate in Health & Social Care

  • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care

  6 science modules if undertaking Level 3 Extended Diploma (3 A-level equivalent). Applicants will be considered who take the Level 3 Award (1 A-level equivalent) or the Certificate (2 A-level certificate) but one of their other qualifications would need to be the equivalent of an A level in the Physical Sciences (Biology, chemistry or Physics).

  Students will need to have completed 2 mandatory modules and 3 from option group 1 and 1 from option group 2. Grade A (overall) is accepted.

  All CACHE modules must be listed on your UCAS form or else your application will be rejected

  HSC CM6 Infection prevention and control in health and social care	Mandatory
  HSC DM3.1 Anatomy and physiology for health and social care	Mandatory
  HSC CM 02 Biochemistry for health	Option Group 1
  HSC CM 07 Genetics in health and social care	Option Group 1
  HSC CM 011 Microbiology for health	Option Group 1
  HSC CM 013 Physiology of coordination	Option Group 1
  HSC CM 015 Science of nutrition	Option Group 1
  HSC DM 09 Pharmacology	Option Group 2
  HSC DM 010 Physiology of ageing	Option Group 2

  Other Qualifications:

  Interdisciplinary Science Foundation Programme (CFGO): Successful completion of the year with an overall score of at least 60%

  Interdisciplinary Foundation Programme (PHE): Successful completion of the year with an overall score of at least 60%

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

A level: BCC

GCSE: All subjects at Grade 4 (C) including English, Maths and Science.

Access to Leeds: Pass.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 7.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

For a guide on how to apply for a place and what to expect, please read our Applicant journey page.

The School of Healthcare does not normally participate in the UCAS Extra scheme for entry onto the Nursing (Mental Health) BSc degree course. You must tell us in your UCAS application if you want to defer entry and if you have any prior criminal convictions.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Selection

We shortlist applicants against agreed criteria, using the information you submit on your UCAS form only. You must meet the academic entry requirement for the programme. Your academic background and personal statement help us to assess your interest in the academic subject and are an important part of the process. The reference you provide on the UCAS form must also support your application, this should be an academic reference, which also includes a statement which attests to (your) character and good standing.

Interviews

If your UCAS application meets our shortlisting criteria, you will be invited to undertake a virtual interview. This may take place via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Blackboard Collaborate.

Recruitment events take place between December and April.

You’ll be allocated to one of the events; if the date is not suitable you need to contact the student education support officer and request an alternative date (admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk). Non-attendance at an event without explanation will result in your application being automatically rejected.

International admissions process

All applicants for nursing programmes must meet the entry requirements, are required to be interviewed. Interviews may be conducted face-to-face or remotely via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Blackboard Collaborate and will be arranged with the applicant for a specific date and time.

Following applicant shortlisting by the School of Healthcare Admissions Team, applicants will be invited to undertake an interview subject to relevant entry criteria attainment as identified below.

Information pertaining to the International English Language Testing System qualification “IELTS” is available above.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.

Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

All applicants need to ensure cognisance of the financial implications before applying to the School of Healthcare and that there may be a requirement to provide a financial guarantee of funding for three years. The status of a student as being a home or overseas student is based upon residential status and not nationality. Where a prospective student is an overseas citizen living within the UK they should contact the Admissions Team at the School of Healthcare, admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk regardless of their residential status, to verify their fees status.

The course length is 3 years. Students will have to pay for Occupational Health clearance and immunisations (cost will vary dependent on individual needs of student and course requirements as well as any additional Occupational Health appointments and treatment needed during the programme. Other additional costs associated with the programme, which require consideration include visas and travel to and from placement. Applicants for all Undergraduate programmes at the School of Healthcare require a Criminal Record check, which will be undertaken as part of the visa application.

Additional cost information

<p><h4>All students</h4><p>You will be provided with 3 sets of uniforms. Additional uniforms, if required, can be purchased at a cost of £25 per uniform (subject to change).</p><h4>Additional costs for all students</h4><ul><li><p>Students may wish to purchase recommended text books and digital devices/laptops.</p></li><li><p>Students will need to purchase black shoes for placement.</p></li><li><p>Students will be required to pay for printing of assessment work and photocopying of articles if needed.</p></li><li><p>Students will have to pay for travel costs to and from placement.</p></li><li><p>If a study abroad module is chosen, there will be additional costs for travel, visas and accommodation whilst abroad.</p></li></ul><h4>Additional costs for home students</h4><ul><li><p>Signing up to the DBS update service (currently £13 per year).</p></li></ul><h4>Additional costs for international students</h4><ul><li>After accepting a place on the programme international students will have to pay for occupational health clearance and immunisations (cost will vary dependent on individual needs of student), as well as a police check in their country of origin.</li></ul></p>

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

NHS funding

Students in nursing, midwifery and allied health professions access (other than those subject to transitional arrangements) are able to access student loans to cover the cost of their tuition fees and means tested support for living costs. You can find more information about this funding by visiting the NHS Business Services Authority website.

NHS Learning Support Fund

The Government has confirmed the details of the Learning Support Fund, which includes a non-repayable, non-means-tested grant of £5,000 per year, a Specialist subject payment: of £1,000 for all nursing and midwifery degrees) and Parental Support of £2,000 for a student who has parental responsibility for a child under the age of 15 years or under 17 years if they are registered with special educational needs. There will also be reimbursement of any additional expenses practice placements travel expenses and an Exceptional Support Fund: a grant of up to £3,000 per academic year for students who find themselves in unforeseen financial hardship. More details can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority website.

How to apply

Details of how to access these funding streams can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority website.

This course will give you the foundation for a career in mental health nursing. Mental health nursing has a structured career pathway with a multitude of opportunities such as, research, management, clinical specialisms and teaching. You’ll be in an excellent position to pursue the many mental health employment opportunities, in the NHS, social services, voluntary sector and private sector. This may include specialised areas of primary care, dementia care, acute/ forensic services, crisis/home treatment teams, eating disorders and addiction services.

For advice on nursing as a career choice read NHS careers.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

For some students able to meet specific criteria, there is an opportunity to study on one of 4 optional international modules in the third year of the programme.

Horizion study abroad year: think outside the box

There’s also the option to undertake a year out of the programme (year 3) and study in another country as part of the Horizon programme. The Horizon study abroad year is a unique University of Leeds programme that allows you to develop key employability skills, such as linguistic and intercultural competencies at selected partner institutions in Morocco, Israel, South Korea, Japan and China. The year abroad does not count towards any of the NMC requirements for registration. The fourth year of your programme would be equivalent to the third year of the three-year programme. Visit Horizon year abroad to find out more.

Clinical placements

In each year you’ll undertake 50% theory and 50% practice. You’ll demonstrate the application of theory to practice within an environment of clinical specialisms. You’ll gain experience of working in a variety of mental health settings within the Leeds area.