Mental Health Nursing with Foundation Year

Embrace the opportunity to be an ambassador for mental health. This course not only allows you to become a vital part of a compassionate healthcare team providing physical and mental health care, but also positions you at the forefront of mental health advocacy and development in society and healthcare systems. You’ll acquire the expertise to offer the highest standard of person-centric care, guiding individuals through their most challenging moments and significantly enhancing their quality of life.

Why study BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing at BNU?
NMC Registration
Our mental health nursing degree programme integrates academic study alongside practice-based learning. It is underpinned by a strong collaboration between the University, service users (experts by experience) and our NHS practice partners, in response to both Nursing & Midwifery Council policy and regulatory developments. Upon completing this degree, you will be qualified to register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council, beginning a distinguished career as a registered mental health nurse.

Facilities
We have developed a comprehensive suite of facilities specifically tailored to enhance the learning experience in the field of mental health nursing, and designed to help with creating real-life scenarios. Simulation plays a pivotal role in our nursing programs, particularly in the context of mental health. Across our campuses, we have meticulously constructed simulation labs that replicate working wards and other relevant settings. These facilities are not just about practicing technical skills; they are designed to immerse you in scenarios that closely mirror the complexities and nuances of mental health care. This helps ensure that when you embark on your placements, you are well prepared and confident in your abilities.

Placements
Throughout the course, you’ll allocate approximately half of your time to clinical practice and the remaining half to University-based learning. Our strong partnerships with various NHS Trusts and independent care providers in the region ensure that students have diverse and enriching clinical placements. You may also have the opportunity to placement in a number of private health care providers, prisons, nursing homes or GP surgeries.

Support
Whilst nursing is a rewarding career, we also understand studying mental health nursing at university can be challenging at times. You’ll have direct support both in the classroom and on placement from a personal tutor. On campus you can find further support at our Student Wellbeing Centre and Student Learning Achievement Centre.

To financially support your studies, the UK Government provide mental health nursing students with a payment of at least £5,000 a year which will not need to be paid back.

What will I study?
In the Foundation Year of this four-year course, you’ll build essential academic study skills. This year will help you gain confidence in your abilities. You’ll also identify your strengths and areas for development. Together, these will prepare you for progression to the undergraduate degree.

You'll learn how to work in diverse settings, from hospitals and community health centres to schools and private care environments, providing essential support to people of all ages and across all walks of life. This course offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. You'll explore the latest research and treatment approaches in mental health, while hands-on clinical placements will provide you with real-world experience under the guidance of experienced professionals. You’ll learn how to perform a range of mental health nursing skills with proficiency, predicated on contemporary knowledge and the understanding of best practice.

Foundation Year
Core
Core Academic Skills for Health and Social Care
Personal Development and Teamworking in Health and Social Care
Communication in Health and Social Care
Evidence within Health and Social Care
Enquiry Based Care
Introduction to Ethics in Health and Social Care

Year one
Core
Introduction to Professional Practice
Fundamental Skills for Nursing
Essential Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare
Pharmacology and Numeracy in Nursing
Understanding Health, Illness Disability and Diversity Across the Lifespan
Becoming a Mental Health Nurse
Beginning Practice

Year two
Core
Approaches to Research Methods, Appraisal and Application in Nursing
The Professional Context of Nursing
Understanding Mental Health Conditions
Assessing Needs and Planning Care for Mental Health Nursing
Developing Competence in Mental Health Nursing
Progressing in Practice

Optional
Socio-cultural Aspects of Health
Sexual Health
Infant Feeding
Elective Placement

Year three
Core
Medicines Management
Leading and Managing Care
Coordinating Complex Care in Mental Health Nursing
Advanced Nursing Practice Level 6
Preparing for Registration in Mental Health Nursing
Attaining Competence in Practice

We include assessments which reflect real life nursing practices and, across the three years, you will be assessed through a number of means, such as:

reflective assignments
presentations
exams
academic poster development
assignments
literature review
oral exams.

You are also required to complete the knowledge skills and behaviours included in the Practice Assessment Document in each year of practice.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Nursing and Midwifery Council