Nursing (Mental Health) BSc

We’re proud to offer innovative and creative learning, delivered by some of the most imaginative and inspiring lecturers in mental health nursing. In fact, 90% of our students said our course is intellectually stimulating.

We need people who want to improve the mental health of people and make a positive difference to their lives, who are caring, courageous and compassionate. 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.

This is why 100% of our mental health students are in professional or managerial jobs six months after graduating.

Other information

Studying at Leeds means you’ll have 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 cutting-edge mental health research before it’s in the wider domain, giving you a distinctive advantage in your professional life.

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.

Year 1

The focus of 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. 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 develops your ability to use, summarise and communicate research evidence and apply it to your professional practice. Towards the end of the course, there will 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

Learning and teaching

School of Healthcare 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.

The School works closely with health and social care organisations, to make sure that it provides education and training which fully meets the changing needs of health and social care and develops the appropriate knowledge and skills enabling our students 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. Students have the opportunity to use these facilities to practise clinical procedures.

The School also has its own fully equipped IT suite, where students can access the School's virtual learning environment.

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, posters/ leaflets, 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.

You’ll need to produce work that is typically both evaluative and creative and show you can conduct independent, in-depth enquiry within the discipline. You need to be able to draw on a wide variety of material and be able to evaluate and criticise received opinion.

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 and Interview

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.

Recruitment events take place between December and April. These will take place remotely.

You will 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 entry requirements, are required to be interviewed and undertake a short entry test. Interviews may be conducted via SKYPE and will be arranged with the applicant for a specific date and time. For nursing the test is a numeracy test. Tests for Nursing will be taken remotely, but under observation, immediately following the interview.

Following applicant shortlisting by the School of Healthcare Admission Tutors, applicants will be invited to undertake an interview and entry test (subject to relevant entry criteria attainment as identified below):

The numeracy test for Nursing and Midwifery is set around the European metric system of measurement and calculation. Information pertaining to the International English Language Testing System qualification “IELTS” is available above.

Admissions policy

School of Healthcare Undergraduate School Policy 2021

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £24,500 (per year)

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 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 and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course.

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 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.

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.

International fees and additional costs

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>Home 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><p><strong>Additional costs for all students</strong></p><ul><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></ul><p><strong>Additional costs for Home students (optional)</strong></p><ul><li><p>Signing up to the DBS update service (currently £13 per year)</p></li><li><p>Purchase of recommended text books and digital devices/laptops</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>International students</h4><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. International students will also have to pay for travel costs to and from placement. Students will be required to pay for printing of assessment work and photocopying of articles if needed.</p><p>3 sets of uniforms will be provided; any additional uniforms are paid for by the student. Students may wish to purchase recommended text books and digital devices/laptops. If a study abroad module is chosen, there will be additional costs for travel, visas and accommodation whilst abroad.</p></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. Find out more.

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.

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 experiences of working in a variety of mental health settings within the Leeds area.