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.
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.
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 and healthcare 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 mental health nursing abilities.
One of our unique features is a simulated living room environment. This space is crucial for practising scenarios that resemble community home visits or counselling sessions, areas of paramount importance in mental health nursing. In this controlled setting, you can hone your skills in conducting sensitive conversations, managing diverse emotional states, and applying therapeutic techniques, all under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Additionally, we prioritise the integration of the latest technologies and therapeutic approaches in mental health care. This means you’ll have access to cutting-edge tools and resources that are currently shaping the future of mental health treatment and support.
Our campuses also offer an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment, fostering an atmosphere where students can learn, experiment, and grow without hesitation. By spending regular time in these simulation areas, you will not only refine your technical competencies but also develop the critical soft skills essential for effective mental health nursing, such as empathy, communication, and ethical decision-making.
BNU works closely with a range of practice partners across Buckinghamshire and London. You will be allocated to one or more of the following to experience hospital and community based care and specialist mental health care:
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust - Including in Uxbridge, Harrow and Northwick Park Hospital, Ealing, Milton Keynes
- West London NHS Trust - Including Hounslow and Broadmoor
You may also have the opportunity to placement in a number of private health care providers, prisons, nursing homes or GP surgeries. On placement you’ll be supported by trained assessors and supervisors to learn, build up your confidence and put your learnt skills to practice.
Whilst nursing is a rewarding career, we also understand studying mental health nursing at university can be challenging at times. Throughout your time on the course you’ll gain direct support both in the classroom and on placement, as we provide a personal tutor who will check in with you on a regular basis and practice visitors to support your learning in practice.
On campus you can find further support in the form of our Student Wellbeing Centre and our Student Learning Achievement Centre. Here we will be able to help you with a range of areas such as academic writing and building your CV.
To financially support your studies, the UK Government are continuing to provide mental health nursing students with a payment of at least £5,000 a year which will not need to be paid back. Find out more about the NHS Learning Support Fund and the eligibility criteria.
