Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Nursing - Mental Health

The Nursing (Mental Health) degree at Derby provides students with the opportunity to enter a rewarding and impactful career in mental health nursing. The programme is approved according to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) Future Nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the NMC, enabling them to work with a wide range of individuals facing acute, long-term, and complex mental health conditions.

The course is designed to equip students with the practical and theoretical knowledge required for safe and effective nursing practice. Students will gain essential hands-on experience through a series of placements across various healthcare and community settings, enabling them to apply the skills they learn in the classroom to real-world situations. These placements are supported by highly experienced staff who provide guidance and mentorship throughout the programme.

Students will learn in some of the best university facilities, including clinical skills suites at the Derby campus (Kedleston Road) and Chesterfield site. The programme is delivered by a dedicated and enthusiastic team of research-active academic staff who are committed to supporting students in achieving their goals. The course also offers the opportunity to access the NHS Learning Support Fund, which could provide financial support for training, childcare costs, and travel to placements.

The 3-year full-time course offers a comprehensive and holistic learning experience, helping students to develop emotional resilience and the qualities required to become transformational Registered Nurses. Students will engage with a range of modules designed to develop a deep understanding of mental health nursing, focusing on the principles of nursing practice across all fields and throughout the lifespan. Modules provide the foundation for students to develop compassionate professionalism, ensuring they are trusted in the care they provide. The learning approach combines classroom-based teaching, skills labs, online learning, and web-based training, which equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in their future careers.

Registered Nursing Associates may also be eligible to enter the programme at the 18-month point, offering a tailored pathway for those already working in the nursing profession. This course not only prepares students for a fulfilling career in mental health nursing but also ensures they are well-equipped to provide high-quality care in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.