School of Nursing and Midwifery

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)

UCAS tariff 104 - 120 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code B761
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(with placements)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Are you ready to make a unique and profound impact on the lives of people you care for? As a mental health nurse, you'll build and maintain therapeutic relationships across all aspects of people’s lives. At Plymouth, you'll gain valuable clinical experience and communication skills needed to help people with their recovery. You'll develop the knowledge and ability to work confidently within community, primary and acute care settings, and help people take important steps to changing their lives.

Simulation and support

At Plymouth, our cutting-edge simulation suites let you immerse yourself in healthcare environments, so you can confidently practise complex clinical scenarios in a safe and supportive setting.

Real experience where it matters

You will gain diverse practical experience by working with healthcare providers across coastal and rural communities in the South West, giving you first-hand knowledge of challenges in healthcare, working as a valued member of the team.

Shape future healthcare

You'll get the opportunity to study with students from other healthcare professions, giving you insight into how real teams come together to care for people. Play your part in shaping contemporary healthcare initiatives and latest research to shape the future of mental health.

This course is for you if...

  • you're committed to making a profound impact on individuals' mental health
  • you are good at building relationships with empathy
  • you're keen to develop clinical and communication skills for mental health care
  • you are a team player, keen to do your part in different settings
  • you're ready to shape positive change for people through healthcare.
Mental health nursing skills session. Nursing and midwifery facilities (flipped horizontal)

Careers with this subject
Mental health nurses support a person’s recovery to gain increased control over their conditions to establish trusting and effective relationships. They promote health and wellbeing through personalised treatment to improve the quality of their patient’s lives. They work in a multidisciplinary team, using evidence-based practice.
Mental health nursing is a broad discipline, you could work with people and children of all ages such as:
  • people who may be suicidal
  • people who may be isolated
  • people who may be vulnerable
  • people who may be homeless
  • people who may be from minority communities
  • veterans
  • people who may be encountering relationship difficulties
  • people with legal or financial problems
  • people who are in poverty
  • people with pre-existing medical conditions
  • people who are unhappy
  • people who may be experiencing family conflicts.

Key features

State-of-the-art simulation facilities

Access cutting-edge simulation suites that replicate real-world healthcare environments, enabling you to practice complex clinical scenarios in a safe and supportive setting.

Coastal and rural health placements

Gain diverse practical experience by working with healthcare providers across coastal and rural communities in the South West, offering unique insights into varied healthcare challenges.

Research opportunities with impact

Collaborate with leading researchers on projects addressing contemporary healthcare issues, giving you the chance to contribute to the development of innovative nursing practices.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Your first year introduces you to being an accountable professional, whilst developing the knowledge and skills required to become a confident, academic and independent learner. You will gain an understanding of human development, key body systems and their relationship to nursing care. A range of effective therapeutic interpersonal skills to promote engagement and helpful collaborative person-centred conversations will be nurtured within the theory and the two practice components during the year. You will be introduced to the importance of assessing, planning, providing and evaluating health and wellbeing in a broad range of contexts. You will learn and develop the values, knowledge and skills required for the successful achievement of the standards of proficiency required for the first NMC progression point. Modules will have field specific application.

    Core modules

    NRS410
    Being an Accountable Professional 20 credits

    This module will introduce students to the nursing profession, professional standards, the use of evidence and the role of social media in health care practice.

    100% Coursework

    NRS411
    Communication and Therapeutic Relationships 20 credits

    This module supports students to develop basic, person-centred communication skills enabling them to engage effectively with individuals and their families/carers utilising a range of collaborative interpersonal skills and adopting therapeutic and ethical frameworks that can be applied in health and social care.

    100% Coursework

    NRS414
    Applied Human Biology Across the Lifespan 20 credits

    This module will develop students' understanding of human development, key body systems and their relationship to nursing care.

    100% Examinations

    NRS416
    Assessing and Planning Nursing Care 20 credits

    This module introduces students to assessing health and wellbeing, it explores different models of understanding health, ill health and the interconnection between physical and mental health. It enables the student to work in partnership to plan and evaluate nursing care for a variety of health conditions and needs.

    100% Coursework

    NRS417
    Providing and Evaluating Care 40 credits

    This module introduces the student to the values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice in a range of settings.

    100% Assessments

    HIPL400
    Interprofessional Learning 1

  • Year 2

  • In your second year you will be introduced to research methodology and methods in order to develop your knowledge of the application of research-based evidence to professional practice. You will study the pathophysiological processes involved in commonly encountered health conditions to support nursing interventions. Your knowledge and understanding of co-ordinating care for complex health needs will be developed, as well as in relation to public health, policies and legislation. You will become a knowledgeable practitioner with an understanding of pharmacology and safe practice in the management of medicines. The theory and two practice components of the year will develop your values, knowledge and skills required for the successful achievement of the standards of proficiency required for the second NMC progression point. Modules will have field specific application.

    Core modules

    NRS501
    Applied Pathophysiology 20 credits

    Within this module, students will study the pathophysiological processes involved in commonly encountered health conditions.

    100% Examinations

    NRS502
    Introduction to Evidence-Informed Decision Making 20 credits

    The module introduces students to research methodology and methods in order to develop their knowledge of the application of research-based evidence to professional practice. The module is based upon the premise that knowledge and understanding of key research designs is an essential pre-requisite of evidence-informed decision making (EIDM).

    100% Examinations

    NRS503
    Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health 20 credits

    This module aims to develop the student's knowledge and skills in relation to public health, policies and legislation. Students will explore the social, economic, political and ecological challenges that are faced in public health at an international, national and local level. The student will develop an understanding of their professional role in relation to public health.

    100% Coursework

    NRS504
    Pharmacology and Medicines Optimisation 20 credits

    This module will develop students' knowledge of medications, pharmacology and working to support medication adherence.

    100% Coursework

    NRS507
    Developing Nursing Practice 40 credits

    This module develops the students' values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice in a range of settings.

    50% Assessments

    50% Examinations

    HIPL500
    Interprofessional Learning 2

  • Final year

  • Year three allows you to critically explore the concepts of management, leadership and working in teams. You will extend your knowledge around critical appraisal and the importance of research evidence to professional practice. Within four field specific modules you will develop knowledge and skills in a range of key therapeutic approaches for working with people with serious mental health problems or complex needs, and appropriate service approaches. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the ‘lived experience’ of those engaging with mental health and social care services and develop your competence in nursing clients with complex needs in a range of care settings. You will build on and develop the values, knowledge and skills required for the successful achievement of the final NMC progression point. Your final module will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to perform as a capable and autonomous practitioner, fit for registration in your field of nursing practice.

    Core modules

    MHN601
    Lived Experience 20 credits

    This module will develop students knowledge and understanding of the lived experience of those engaging with mental health and social care services; fundamentally the module will enable development of skills to enhance well-being using value based frameworks.

    100% Coursework

    MHN602
    Psychosocial Interventions to meet Complex Mental Health Needs 20 credits

    This module develops knowledge and skills in a range of key therapeutic approaches for working with people with serious mental health problems or complex needs, and appropriate service approaches.

    100% Coursework

    MHN603
    Developing Competence in Mental Health Nursing Practice 40 credits

    This module develops the students values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice and meeting the needs of clients with complex mental health problems.

    50% Practicals

    50% Examinations

    NRS602
    Developing Knowledge and Skills for Evidence-Informed Decision Making 20 credits

    The module is designed to extend students' knowledge around critical appraisal and the importance of research evidence to professional practice. This will be achieved through students identifying and evaluating a body of research-based evidence relevant to clinical practice.

    100% Coursework

    NRS604
    Nursing Leadership, Management and Team Working 20 credits

    This module critically explores the concepts of management, leadership and working in teams. It examines the role of the nurse to act as a change agent in response to professional practice challenges.

    HIPL600
    Interprofessional Learning 3

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc (Hons) Nursing programme specification standard route_6616

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

104 - 120

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSEs
5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English, and Science. Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics. Please note we do not accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English, or Key Skills in Maths or English, or Adult Literacy/Numeracy.
Plus one of the following:
A levels
104–120 Tariff points to include a minimum of two A levels. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered. General Studies excluded.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass an Access to HE Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit and/or Distinction, including 15 in Science or Social Science. GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 required only. Please make contact with our Admissions Team for further advice.
T level
Accepted pathway: Health. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM – Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.
International Baccalaureate
26–30 points overall. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered. English, Mathematics, and Science accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level = 4, standard level = 5
Degrees
Previous degrees are considered at a 2:2 or above. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. .
If you are unsure whether you meet this criteria, or you have qualifications not listed here, please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Extended entry requirements

  • In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is required. Ideally this should be one of the qualifications listed here, but the admissions team will assess on a case-by-case basis.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • We will require an academic reference and an employer reference as part of the application process.
  • Attend an interview
  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C/4 or above you will have to achieve an IELTS (or equivalent qualification) at the grade of at least 7.0 (at least 6.5 in all elements sections). English language requirements.
  • Students must be 18 years old or over by 31 December in the first year of the programme.

Deferred entry

Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Direct entry to year 2

If you have achieved certificated learning in addition to the entry criteria required for your programme of study, it may be possible to accredit this learning towards your chosen course. Full details on how to make an application are available on our open access MOODLE site (download details on how to access the site and submit your claim and supporting evidence) . Your application will then be assessed and you will receive confirmation by email on the status of your claim. Please contact the admissions team in the first instance who will be able to advise whether you are eligible at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Further information

Enhancing your application

Meeting the academic minimum does not guarantee you a place, you need to make sure that you are strong across all sections of your application form. Read more about enhancing your application

Interview days

Once your application has been received, we will consider your application to help us reach a decision. If successful at the initial screening stage, you will be invited to an interview. The majority of health courses interview applicants, as this is a requirement of many health regulatory bodies. This applies to all Universities and is vital to the progression of applications.
Interviews enable:
  • you to give the best account of your skills, experience and character.
  • us to decide whether you will thrive in the University of Plymouth’s culture.
  • us to explain more about the University, programme and how we work with our students.
Find out more about interview days: pre-work tasks, what to expect on the day of the interview and what happens after.

Screening

All offers are subject to satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare and disclosure and barring processes, before the start of your course.
Find out more about the screening

NHS constitution

University pre-registration programmes for health professionals are required to select their applicants using a ‘values based’ approach. As part of this process, your UCAS personal statement should include evidence of your personal commitment to NHS values laid out in the NHS constitution.

Fees, costs and funding
New student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

You may be eligible for a £5000 NHS training grant

The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students. It is supplementary financial support to the mainstream student loans system and is intended to support students whilst they train and gain professional registration. The training grant is for at least £5,000.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery and more details of any additional costs associated with our courses are listed on the following page: Additional costs for nursing and midwifery students .

Undergraduate Merit Scholarship for international students

Scholarship value: £2000 off your tuition fees in year one.
To recognise continued academic achievement, you may also receive:
  • 10% off the successive years tuition fee if an overall grade of 60% or above is maintained
  • 20% off the successive years tuition fee if an overall grade of 70% or above is maintained.
To be eligible you must:
  • achieve one grade above your academic offer.
  • meet our standard English Language requirements.
This scholarship will be offered automatically, providing you meet the eligibility criteria. A separate application will not be required.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website. The deadline for the receipt of international applications is 30 May 2025 for entry in September 2025.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office .

Deferred entry

Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
The School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Plymouth recognise that people may act out of character in times of trouble or distress. However, we will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour or language towards any of our staff during the admissions process. Hostile, aggressive, or otherwise inappropriate behaviour or language, whether expressed verbally or in writing, will be viewed seriously and may adversely affect the consideration of an application, appeal, or complaint. We reserve the right to reject an application from, or withdraw an offer to, an applicant who has behaved in an inappropriate manner.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
Foundation courses

 

Hands-on learning

We are committed to shaping you into the best health professional you can be. We understand that future nurses must understand the 'why', 'when', and 'how' behind their actions to ensure patient safety and well-being. This requires blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills, which can be developed during placement practice and simulated practice.
Our Clinical Skills Simulation Ward provides a supportive environment for learning new skills without the pressure to get it right first time. You can practice at your own pace with guidance from lecturers, registered nurses, healthcare professionals, and peers. Interprofessional simulation sessions allow collaborative practice with other healthcare students, providing you with the opportunity to experience and learn from situations that may not occur very often, that you will want to become proficient in.
Nursing and midwifery facilities hero image. Nursing students clinical skills. 
Nursing (Mental Health) students sat in a group discussing talking therapy
Nursing clinical skills laboratory

Working in the clinical skills labs is incredibly useful and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the skills sessions. The lecturers seem genuinely invested in our learning, and this really comes across in the labs. Due to the nature of the simulation there is absolutely no pressure to get it right first time, and this helps take the stress out of learning.

Stuart, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) student
 

Work alongside other healthcare students

Teamwork is essential for success in health and social care and many other careers. Interprofessional learning (IPL) is all about working and learning together with people from different areas of healthcare. It helps you build valuable skills for the future.
The Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre (PIHC) supports IPL in the Faculty of Health, giving students chances to work with others across different healthcare fields. This includes areas like radiography, dietetics, dental surgery, psychology, and child nursing. By learning together, students become confident and ready to step into their careers from day one.

It is great to know how to ensure all of our professions can work effectively together. This benefits the service user and staff.

Healthcare systems always require improvement, it’s easier to know how to improve your area if you know how other areas work too.

PIHC interprofessional learning session - 3 students kneeling on the floor looking at an exercise
An inter-professional prehospital to definitive treatment critical care simulation training event
Health students taking part in PIHC interprofessional learning activity
An inter-professional prehospital to definitive treatment critical care simulation training event.

Which nursing degree is right for you?

We deliver a range of undergraduate nursing courses, which have been designed with your career and the future needs of the NHS in mind.

BSc nursing courses

3 years, full-time, one specialisation
Our BSc (Hons) Nursing courses allow you to specialise in one of three areas; adult health, child health or mental health.

Foundation courses

4 years, full-time, an extra year before entering on to the full BSc course
Our integrated foundation courses prepare you for the undergraduate degree in nursing. If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level, these courses are for you.

MNurs Integrated masters programmes

4 years, full-time, two specialisations
Our integrated masters programmes are undergraduate programmes that contain an extra year of study at postgraduate level. Our four-year dual field course offers the opportunity for students to be registered in two of the three fields of nursing.
 

Real-world experience

Learning in a real clinical environment will ensure you will gain experience in a variety of settings, within both hospitals and the community.
You will be fully supported to develop a range of clinical and personal skills to prepare you to work with people and their families with a focus on your specialist field of practice.

My favourite part of the role is when you see clients’ lives improving. Placements can be challenging and emotionally draining, but when you see someone making steps in their recovery it’s so rewarding.

Ben, BSc (Hons) Nursing Mental Health) graduate
 

Learn from experienced healthcare professionals

We pride ourselves on our cutting-edge, research informed curriculum which ensures that you are equipped with the latest evidence, as well as the research skills to support patients’ recovery.
Our staff are registered nurses engaged in active research, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience into the classroom, which you will apply in clinical practice.

J Fully accredited

On successful completion of this course you are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a ‘Registered Nurse – Mental Health level 1.
Once you have successfully completed your course you will be eligible to apply to register with the NMC as a Registered Nurse. We have close to a 100% employment rate for students who successfully register, and each of our courses offer you a broad, varied career pathway with a wide variety of opportunities for career development and further study.

NHS Training Grant

Nursing students on pre-registration courses receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back, subject to eligibility criteria. For more information please visit the NHS Student Services.