Nursing (Mental Health) BSc

NHS funding is available for nursing students. Find out more here.

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 in the Top 10 for Nursing and Midwifery, we'll provide you with the outstanding education you need to grow and develop as a nurse.

Developed in partnership with service users and carers, some of our current students and practitioners, you’ll benefit from real world experiences.

Course highlights

This course will enable you to become a future-focused nurse who has the competence and confidence to think critically and deliver high-quality, compassionate, and evidence-informed care. You’ll develop resilience and become a role model for other professionals and the people and families you’ll provide care to.

The mental health teaching team work in close partnership with service-users and carers. Their real-world expertise provides engaging and thought-provoking learning for students who are facilitated in their appreciation and understanding of lived mental health experience. These ‘experts by experience’ also support course content development and programme recruitment.

Alongside required attendance we have a flexible and accessible approach to learning which enables you to access learning materials in a variety of ways. You’ll have access to all the innovative technologies available at Leeds, such as simulation and engaging online learning packages while still gaining essential practice experience on campus and in practice settings (Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, private and voluntary sector organisations).

Our clinical skills suite recreates a variety of healthcare settings including a community flat, intensive care unit and hospital ward and is complete with computerised patient manikins. Here you’ll be able to practice clinical skills such as measuring vital signs, managing medical emergencies and medications management.

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.

Our Mental Health Nursing course is designed to prepare you to become a high calibre, sought after graduate. Led by research and the latest evidence, as well as being taught by supportive and inspirational staff, this course has been designed to give you a stimulating student experience. It’ll provide you with innovative and inclusive teaching methods and a broad spectrum of learning opportunities. Enabling you to acquire and apply the theoretical knowledge and practical skills which you’ll need to care for service-users in today’s complex and ever-changing healthcare environment.

You’ll learn to recognise and understand inequalities in health and the effect that this has on access to services as well as ways to reduce these. This will include vulnerable and marginalised populations and explore the relationship between mental health and physical health and the impact of pre-existing conditions.

Your studies will be equally split 50:50 between university and a range of clinical placements and healthcare settings. Our Mental Health Nursing course is an integrated course that incorporates four key strands into each of the modules; applied practice, professional practice, the biopsychosocial-spiritual model; and evidence-based practice. This enables you to view patients holistically recognising a range of issues that impact their health and wellbeing. Each module builds on the preceding ones enabling you to expand your knowledge and understanding and consider ever increasing levels of complexity.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to provide complex care and promote optimal health and wellbeing for people and families, work effectively within a team, supervise others and be a leader of care.

Year 1: Fundamental care and caring

In year 1 you’ll be introduced to fundamental concepts required to be a healthcare professional and related to Mental Health Nursing. You’ll also consider who you are, your role as a nurse and ways in which you can enhance your own resilience. Throughout the year you’ll develop your skills in working with patients and their families and carers, as well as members of the nursing team, the multi-disciplinary team and wider agencies. By the end of year 1 you’ll be able to demonstrate, apply and reflect on the fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes required for holistic care and caring.

Year 2: Supporting and promoting optimal health and well-being across the lifespan

In year 2 there is a focus on working with individuals with long-term health conditions and people with co-morbidities. You’ll consider how health promotion and health education can be used to empower individuals and their families to maximise their level of health and wellbeing. Care delivery throughout the lifespan will be considered including supporting patients and their families who are living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and end of life care. You’ll also begin to develop your peer coaching skills. By the end of year 2 you’ll be able to apply your knowledge and skills to patients with increasingly complex conditions to enable optimal health and wellbeing.

Year 3: Leading and co-ordinating of care and caring

In year 3 you’ll apply your knowledge and understanding to service-users who have complex and critical care needs. You’ll be taught and practice a range of advanced skills. You’ll develop your leadership and team working skills to support your transition to the role of registered nurse and complete a final year project focussing on an area of patient care where there is scope for development. During the first placement in year 3 there is an opportunity to undertake a non-assessed placement abroad. By the end of year 3 you’ll be able to evaluate and determine priorities for care delivery.

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

Learning and teaching

Our courses are designed to use a range of learning and teaching methods including face-to-face activities and online digital technologies. Methods of teaching and learning 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 ensure that this course provides education which fully meets the changing health needs of the population.

Our experienced and knowledgeable lecturers will support you to develop specialised knowledge and skills which will enable you to play key roles in the workplace and communities. Our academics collaborate with practitioners to influence practice and engage in research, meaning you’ll have access to cutting-edge practice before it’s in the wider domain, giving you a distinctive advantage in your professional life.

Our clinical skills suite recreates a variety of healthcare settings including a community flat, intensive care unit and hospital ward and is complete with computerised patient manikins. Here you’ll be able to practice clinical skills such as measuring vital signs, managing medical emergencies and medications management. We utilise blended learning giving you the opportunity to engage in a variety of stimulating approaches to teaching and learning. For example, we use, simulated practice, small group tutorials, flipped classroom approaches - where you are introduced to content at home and then practice working through it at University or in a clinical setting, the use of social media and virtual reality technology, and other technologies that allow you to participate such as, discussion boards, voting and chat functions.

Our nursing lecturers support learning using a variety of innovative techniques and students take a proactive approach in this, to become reflective, questioning, confident and competent registered nurses.

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

In clinical practice you’ll be assessed by registered professionals who are responsible for your learning and development whilst on placement. Within the University, assessment takes many forms including individual and group assignments, written and oral exams, and practical assessments.

You’ll be supported to demonstrate knowledge and application of nursing concepts and techniques, and to develop abilities, skills, and competencies to provide person-centred care. We’ll help you to develop the skills to produce work that is both evaluative and creative and show you can conduct independent, in-depth enquiry within the discipline. You’ll be able to draw on a wide variety of evidence-based material such as academic journals, textbooks, policy, and national health-related guidelines and be able to evaluate and critique received opinion.

Some of our assessments are developed in partnership with service users and carers for example, using their real-world experiences to develop case studies. Assessments will enable you to meet the standards set out by the NMC and prepare you to be life-long learners managing future challenges.

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB including one of the following subjects: Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Physics, Psychology, Sociology.

Not general studies or critical thinking.

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at a Grade 4 / C, including English (English Language or English Literature), Mathematics, and a Science subject.

Other course specific tests:

In your application, you will need to show evidence of study in the last five years.

You are also required to provide an academic reference, which includes a statement which attests to your character and good standing, and suitability to enter the profession for which you have applied.

You can find out more about our application process on our Applicant Journey page.

Disclosure and barring screening

All successful applicants will also need to pass disclosure and barring screening.

The University has a policy statement on students with criminal records. For the vast majority of students who are resident in the UK the record will be checked via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

The DBS check can only include background checks on your time in the UK. A criminal record check from other countries in addition to the UK DBS check may be required. Abroad this may be referred to as a "Certificate of Good Conduct" (CoGC), but the name varies.

Any offer of a place to study Nursing (Mental Health) BSc is conditional upon a satisfactory confidential occupational health assessment, which will include a health questionnaire, and if necessary further telephone consultation and/or an appointment with an occupational health clinician. Screening for serious communicable disease, (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and a review of immunisation status and needs, which includes COVID-19, will also be arranged before beginning your studies.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Access to HE Diploma in either Health and Social Care, Nursing and Midwifery, or Science

  60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, with 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit. Must also include 12 science credits at Level 3.

  GCSEs: GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 / C.

• BTEC

  Extended Diploma: DDD in Health and Social Care or Applied Science.

  Diploma: DD in Health and Social Care or Applied Science, plus one A Level at Grade B, or BTEC / CTEC at Distinction.

  GCSEs: Five GCSEs at a Grade 4 / C, including English (English Language or English Literature), Mathematics and a Science subject.

• International Baccalaureate

  Applicants must obtain 34 points overall, including 3 subjects at higher level including at least one science related subject, each at grade 5 and above.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  Applicants must obtain 2 H2 and 4 H3 grades in the Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level), with H2 in a Science subject.

• 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

  Grade A in Health and Social Care Level 3 Extended Diploma.

  GCSEs: Five GCSEs at a Grade 4 / C, including English (English Language or English Literature), Mathematics and a Science subject.

  OCR Cambridge Technicals (CTEC)

  Extended Diploma: DDD in Health and Social Care or Applied Science.

  Diploma: DD in Health and Social Care or Applied Science, plus one A Level at Grade B, or BTEC / CTEC at Distinction.

  GCSEs: Five GCSEs at a Grade 4 / C, including English (English Language or English Literature), Mathematics and a Science subject.

  T Levels

  We do not accept T Level qualifications for this programme.

  Foundation courses

  We welcome applications from the University of Leeds Interdisciplinary Science Foundation Programme. Candidates from this programme must successfully complete the year with an overall score of at least 60%.

  We also welcome applications from the University of Leeds Interdisciplinary Foundation Programme. Candidates from this programme must successfully complete 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. 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 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.

Admissions policy

School of Healthcare Undergraduate School Policy 2023

Fees

UK: £9,250

International: £27,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee 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 government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £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 government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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><p>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.</p></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 Learning Support Fund

The Learning Support Fund includes a non-repayable grant of £5,000 per year plus additional financial support for students with parental responsibility (for a child under the age of 15 years or under 17 years if they are registered with special educational needs). There is also support for practice placements travel expenses and students who find themselves in unforeseen financial hardship. Find out more and check your eligibility here.

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’s an opportunity to undertake an international placement experience in year 3.

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.

These optional, self-funded, experiences could help you to build on your awareness of cultural competence and consider the global issues in healthcare.

Visit Horizon year abroad to find out more.

Clinical placements

Clinical placements are integral to the programme and are included within each year. These enable you to gain expertise in care across the lifespan and includes in-patient, community, and specialist mental health care. Your placements will be within a variety of organisations including Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and other local health and social care settings. 50% of the programme is undertaken in practice and you will undertake a range of clinical placements working with service-users both in hospital and in community settings. Placements are allocated within each of the three years of study. Your final practice placement will be a long placement to enable you to consolidate your knowledge, clinical skills competence and prepare you to transition to a qualified practitioner.