Mental Health Nursing BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Professionally Accredited Programmes
A nurse comforting an older woman sat on a sofa with her head in her hands.

This degree combines theory and practical learning to lead you towards professional registration and a rewarding career as a mental health nurse.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 years full-time

Course code

HU07

Start date

September 2025


Course overview

Mental health nurses work with a diverse range of people across a variety of settings including community and primary care, charities, in-patient, forensic and specialised services.

Proficient in treating physical health needs, mental health nurses focus on establishing therapeutic relationships with individuals and their support networks. They aim to ensure that individuals are actively involved in decision-making processes related to their own care.

This course aims to equip you with the skills to respond to individuals in distress or crisis, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and advocate for the holistic health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations.

  • Successful completion of this course makes you eligible to apply for professional registration as a mental health nurse with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) (please see Accreditation section for more information).
  • Learn to collaborate and thrive as a mental health nurse across and within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate safe, evidenced-based care delivery.
  • Study one academic module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.
  • All eligible learners on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the government of £5,000 per year. You can apply for additional payments if you incur childcare costs6.
  • Your learning on placement will take place in diverse practice-based learning environments where you will apply your theoretical knowledge to the real world2,5.

Why you should study this course

If you are compassionate, enthusiastic and committed, we can support you in developing the skills to deliver professional, evidence-informed care that truly impacts people’s lives.

  • Our approach supports you to develop a strong sense of professional identity and accountability from day one.
  • Develop your confidence and skills in preparation to lead, influence and supervise others.
  • Delivered by a team that includes highly skilled, knowledgeable, nursing and allied health professionals.
  • Develop your digital fluency, curiosity, critical and reflective thinking.
  • Access to success coaches, placement supervisors and specialist support for mathematics and academic writing4.

Studying nursing at CU Scarborough

Gain the skills and experience to transform lives, communities and the future of healthcare delivery. We aim to empower you to become a stand-out healthcare professional, capable, competent and confident in your field and role within the wider healthcare team.

While continuously developing your sense of professional identity as a mental health nurse from day one, you'll learn in an environment that puts inclusivity, diversity and dignity at its heart.

1st

Coventry University ranked 1st for Mental Health Nursing

Guardian University Guide 2024

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Nursing and Midwifery Council

Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)

The course is currently accredited by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)1. Following changes that have been made to improve the course, we will apply for re-accreditation for entrants of 2025-26. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

This is a normal part of the process of continuous improvement of our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.


Every CU Scarborough nursing graduate secures local work

Each and every nursing student who graduated from CU Scarborough in 2022 found work in local NHS services within one year of graduating.

Find out more about this achievement
Two nursing students working on a mannequin

What you'll study

All modules are compulsory.

Modules

All modules are compulsory.

Modules

All modules are compulsory.

Modules

These modules are currently under review and any changes will be updated by summer 2024. Please refer back to this page before applying.

The course is set up so that there are practice placements. These placements, as well as the teaching content, has allowed me to learn and develop skills to implement in practice.

Liam Cowton, final year Mental Health Nursing student, 2023
Students in the mock nursing ward working on a manikin in a hospital bed.

How you'll learn

We understand that everyone learns differently, so this course will consist of structured teaching sessions which can include:

  • on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • group work
  • self-directed learning
  • mandatory placements in clinical practice2,5.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 10-12 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Practice-based learning:

Practice-based learning forms an essential and significant part of your learning experience. Practice hours will differ between placements and different health and care courses. You will have access to University staff, but should expect to spend the majority of your contact time with practice collaborators undertaking placement activity. Overall, the hours you undertake in practice-based learning will need to satisfy the eligibility requirements set by the professional body regulating profession, the NMC. No less than 2300 practice-based hours gained from a combination of placement and simulated learning will need to be completed over the course of your degree.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

  • coursework
  • practice placement2,5
  • formal examinations
  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
  • presentations
  • assessed discussions
  • numeracy exams.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

We are very proud of the nursing programme at CU Scarborough. We are continuously exploring new approaches to teaching that is responsive to our students and links to real world practice. The course team have a wide range of experience across all fields of nursing and are extremely passionate about using this to prepare the future workforce.

Smaller cohort sizes mean that we get to know our students in their journey to become a registered nurse. We have close links with our practice partners who students will learn in practice with, and many go on to secure jobs in these areas too.

Claire Barwick, CU Scarborough Nursing Curriculum Lead, 2024
Nursing students around a mock hospital bed with a tutor and an acting student playing the role of a patient.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 104
A level BCC excludes General Studies
GCSE 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English, Mathematics and Science
BTEC DMM in a Health, Sport or Science subject
Access Diploma The Access to HE Diploma in a Science or Health subject to include 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Health units. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above
IB Diploma 27 points with 14 at Higher

Additional information

Caring experience, either paid or voluntary is essential. You will be required to attend a selection event (this may be online or in person), which also provides detailed information about the course. Skills in digital and technological literacy are considered vital and there is opportunity to develop these throughout the course.

In line with the National Health Service Constitution we use a values-based recruitment approach in seeking candidates with the appropriate values to support effective team working in delivering excellent patient care.

Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section5.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Additional information

Caring experience, either paid or voluntary is essential. You will also be required to attend a selection event online, which provides detailed information about the course. Skills in digital and technological literacy are considered vital and there is opportunity to develop these throughout the course.

Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section5.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 7.0 overall (with no component part lower than 6.5)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£9,250 per year
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - as UK per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£19,850 per year
Not available

A non-repayable grant of £5,000 and extra payments worth up to £3,000 may be available to eligible students for each year of study. Read more about this in the NHS Learning Support Fund information booklet.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The university will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The university will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the university reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

Our campus building is designed with your needs in mind4. As nursing students, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • make use of our simulation facilities - from basic life support manikins to high-tech simulation manikins, which emulate patient responses and test resuscitation skills
  • use equipment found in the real world of practice, such as medical devices
  • assist with all elements of care, including medication administration.
  • This is designed to help you to build your confidence before you go on placement.

    Mock hospital ward

    Gain experience using simulation across a range of care settings. The aim is to:

    • build your confidence and knowledge
    • prepare you for how to act in real-world situations
    • enable you to practice and develop your clinical and interpersonal skills in a safe but realistic environment.

    Realistic scenarios

    We may use actors to enhance your experience. This gives you the opportunity to replicate real-life situations. For instance, breaking bad news, demonstrating emotional resilience, and dealing with conflict and aggression.

    Other facilities on campus

    Our purpose built campus building is arranged around an open central atrium and also includes:

    • indoor social spaces, including a café
    • a library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
    • open-access computers
    • a prayer room
    • student support and careers advice teams
    • free on-site student parking
    • public bus stops close to the campus
    • free WiFi.

    The campus itself is located next to Scarborough’s Sports Village, a complex that includes an Olympic Legacy swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, all-weather pitches, and the Scarborough Athletic Club Football ground.

    The campus is just a 10-minute walk from the stunning Yorkshire seafront. North Bay is Scarborough’s Blue Flag beach, meaning it is one of the best in Europe for cleanliness, both on the sand and in the water, for facilities, and safety.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.


Careers and opportunities

During your degree you will undertake several placements in a range of service settings2,5. You will work with and alongside qualified mental health nurses, and therefore potential local and regional employers.

After successfully graduating from this course, you can apply for registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) (additional costs apply), which enables you to practise immediately if successful1.

CU Scarborough is committed to preparing you for your future career and aims to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. We offer a range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

Graduates have found employment as qualified Mental Health Nurses in the NHS, and private and charitable sector mental health services across the UK.

As your career progresses, a number of options may be open to you as a specialist practitioner, advanced nurse practitioner, consultant nurse or manager. You could specialise as a primary mental health worker and work with children and adolescents, for example.

Recent graduates have gone on to work in such settings as child and adolescent mental health services, specialist forensic mental health units, and early intervention services.


How to apply

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