Mental Health Nursing BN Hons | University of Chester

Make a unique contribution to the health and wellbeing of those experiencing, or at risk of developing mental health problems on this pre-registration nursing course.

Mental health nursing is a specialist professional course that enables you to make a unique contribution to the health and wellbeing of people of all ages who experience, or may be at risk of developing, mental health issues. However, as a nurse for the future, the Nursing and Midwifery Council expect you to provide care for people from all fields of nursing, so we will enhance your knowledge and skills in relation to caring for adults (including older people), children and those with learning disabilities.

This is a dynamic, interactive professional course which places the needs of service patients and their families, and Mental Health Nursing practice, at its centre. The Programme Team are committed to supporting students to realise their potential to become compassionate, competent and autonomous Mental Health Nurses, who are able to meet current and future healthcare demands.

The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students studying nursing. Further details can be found on the NHS Learning Support Fund page on our website.

Nursing and midwifery courses require clinical placements and strict safeguarding, so students must be at least 18 at the course start to meet professional standards and fully take part in all required activities.

Accreditations

Winner at the Student Nursing Times Award 2023

Why You'll Love It

Practical teaching in state-of-the-art skills facilities

students in nursing simulation suite that can be used to enhance your learning during your nursing degree

Delivered by experienced registered nurses

Excellent links with practice learning providers

Nursing at the University of Chester

What You'll Study

The Professional Studies Foundation Year route is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you will need to be successful at university and whilst on a professional and vocational course.

You will study a range of topics relating to your profession and the environment in which you will eventually work. Areas of focus include person-centred care, mental health, children’s development, communication in a professional setting, social inequality, and how to apply psychology in the real world.

Teaching and learning is tailored and designed with specific modules that relate to the profession you are preparing to join. You will also be introduced to the professional codes and standards that you must uphold such as, the Nursing and Midwifery Code, Social Work England, College of Policing, and national Safeguarding guidance.

Term 1: Exploring Professional Practice
Term 2: The Human Body, Health and Disease
Term 3: Psychology, Wellbeing and Society

Modules

This module is designed to enable you to explore your future career and provide an environment where you can begin to focus on the professional values, skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your field.

We will explore the history of your chosen profession, the changing nature of the role, and the social and political context surrounding this. You will have the opportunity to consider the professional codes, values and expectations that relate to your career as well as the various roles you can undertake within your field.

You will also reflect on your own skill set and consider your personal and professional development needs.

Indicative content:

How to be a professional practice student: representing your profession
Investigate the historic and socio-political context of your chosen profession (Nursing, Midwifery, Education or Social Work)
The importance of professional values and codes of practice/conduct
The nature and scope of inter-professional working
Core roles and responsibilities within your career and inter-professional working
Theories of professional practice
Equal opportunities, inclusion, diversity and professional practice
Interpersonal communication skills; development of self-awareness and of own communication skills.
Using models of reflection.
Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults
Personal and professional development knowledge and skills
Your profession and the public
Learning to use and navigate a range of digital spaces specific to your subject
Understanding academic conduct and conventions for communicating information

The module will explore how perceptions, personal circumstances and technology can shape our health. You will investigate areas such as technology, health promotion and inequality and how these can impact individual health experiences and outcomes, as well as considering models of health that inform belief systems.

You will also examine the role of biological concepts in the way our bodies’ function. The relationship between diseases and physiological processes within the context of organ systems will be examined.

Indicative content:

Defining health in relation to the individual, society and social change
The importance of the biomedical, social and biopsychosocial models of health
Investigate factors that influence health outcomes
The role and importance of health promotion in society
Individual health behaviour theories and applications
The future of health and healthcare
The structure of a generalised human cell and organelles
Cellular transport processes including diffusion and osmosis
Specialised cells and tissues in the human body
The role of hormones and enzymes
Human body systems
Homeostasis
The role of genetics in human health and disease
Micro-organisms as a cause of infectious disease
The biological basis of routine investigations
Advancing digital and academic skills introduced during Term 1
Developing research and information literacy in relation to your subject
Creating an academic poster on a chosen research paper

This module will explore how psychology and related disciplines can be applied to real world contexts. We will explore the history of psychology and related disciplines. You will explore key perspectives that include; social psychology, biological psychology, humanism and developmental psychology.

You will also investigate the following; mental health, bereavement support, and improving patient outcomes with Psychology. You will consider how this knowledge can support and inform your professional practice. You will also examine notions of wellbeing , stress and resilience to prepare you for professional practice.

Indicative content:

The role of social structures and socialisation in society
The role and historical context of Psychology and related disciplines
The social Psychology of human interaction and behaviour
Development psychology from childhood and through the lifespan
Brain structure and functions
Neurodiversity and brain differences - what makes us unique.
An introduction to mental health
Humanism and its importance in professional practice
Cognitive Psychology and its importance in professional practice
Stress, resilience and stress management
What is wellbeing and how this can be applied to professional practice
Supporting patient outcomes with Psychology
Leadership and motivation in nursing practice

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Modules

This module is designed to develop an understanding of basic human anatomy and physiology, show how these are linked to the biological basis of pharmacology, and subsequently applied in practice.

This module aims to introduce the concept of holistic person-centred care of service users across the lifespan with an understanding of human development. Understanding the importance of effective communication with service user, family, MDT across healthcare settings.

This module aims to introduce evidence-based practice, and the impact on the provision of high-quality care. The module will explore the impact of socio-economic and environmental factors on health and well-being across the lifespan.

This module is designed to prepare a student to become an effective nurse for the 21st century integrating learning-to-learn and reflection leading to persona and professional development.

This module provides students with practice learning opportunities which provides a range of experiences across fields. The module will introduce cross field and field specific skills for nursing. The learner will develop an understanding of, and be able to demonstrate, the skills required for practice.

Modules

This module develops an understanding of Interprofessional practice, evidence-based service improvement and innovation. 

This module provides students with practice learning opportunities which provide a range of experiences across fields. The module will build on cross field and field specific skills for nursing. Students will actively participate in and work towards increasing confidence and competence is able to provide care.

This module aims to explore health promotion and prevention of ill health in your chosen field of practice. The aim is to demonstrate understanding of enhanced communication to empower and enable service users, and work effectively across the MDT / range of settings.

This module will focus on field specific nursing conditions with increasing complexity and service users with co-morbidities. The module will explore identification and management of risk and factors which influence this.

This module provides students with practice learning opportunities which provide a range of experiences across fields. The module will continue to build on cross field and field specific skills for nursing. Students will actively participate in and work towards increasing confidence and competence providing care with minimal guidance.

Modules

This module critically explores the complexities of human anatomy and physiology and pharmacology in preparation for registration and prescribing ready.

This module is designed to support transition to registration, through developing students’ leadership and teaching potential in preparation for twenty first century nursing.  

This module is designed to support transition to registration, through developing students’ appreciation of the steps involved in developing a proposal for service improvement in order to enhance the delivery of care for the 21st century.

To provide students with practice learning opportunities which provide a range of experiences across fields. The module will build on cross field and field specific skills for nursing. The learner will actively participate in and work towards increasing confidence and competence is able to provide care with minimal guidance.

This module aims to consolidate previous learning in the Nursing programme related to numeracy and enable students to achieve the required level of numeracy competency for entry on to the nursing register as required by Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2018) Standards for pre-registration nursing programmes. Part 3 of Realising professionalism: Standards for education and training section 4.6.

How You'll Learn

How we teach at the University of Chester

You will develop your knowledge and skills of nursing care through lectures, seminars, tutorials, e-learning, practice-based workshops, practice clinical skills within our state-of-the-art simulation suites along with self and guided independent study.

You will be assessed through a variety of methods including written essays, a written exam, oral assessment such as presentations and practical assessment within clinical practice placements.

If studied, the Foundation Year, as with the following years of study, will be taught in three 10-week blocks across an academic year. Each block will comprise 40 credits of leaning that include a breadth of topics and practice skills. You will have on average 12-14 hours of contact time per week during the Foundation Year. There may be variations to this where subject practical or specialist space teaching is included.

This course comprises 50% teaching within university and 50% within clinical practice placements. You will be allocated a range of practice placements to facilitate a wide experience of healthcare across both hospital and community care settings.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Successful graduates are registered with Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Mental Health Nurse.

Once registered, graduates have an opportunity to work in both the private and public sector including hospital or community-based roles along with research and teaching.

In addition to working within the UK, registered graduates can explore working abroad.

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Beyond The Classroom

On this course, you’ll spend time out on placement where you’ll apply what you have learnt to real scenarios in healthcare settings, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future nursing career.

Entry Requirements

104UCAS points

UCAS	104 UCAS points
GCE A Level	Typical offer - BCC
BTEC	BTEC National Extended Diploma: DMM BTEC Diploma: DD
T Level	T Level (Health): Merit
Irish / Scottish Highers	Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 Scottish Highers: BBBB
International Baccalaureate	26 points
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at Level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit or Distinction
OCR	OCR Extended Diploma: DMM
Extra Information / General Entry Requirements	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. FETAC Level 5 (Major Award) with all eight subjects at Merit. Applicants must also have GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths or recognised Level 2 equivalent. Please note that applicants must also have evidence of recent study within the last five years.
Safeguarding / Suitability	All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks with regards to their suitability to practice. A couple of months prior to admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact upon your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults. You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body – there will be a charge for this. Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service. For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit our DBS web pages.

104UCAS points

UCAS	104 UCAS points
GCE A Level	Typical offer - BCC
BTEC	BTEC National Extended Diploma: DMM; BTEC Diploma: DD
T Level	T Level Health - Merit
Irish / Scottish Highers	Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 Scottish Highers: BBBB
International Baccalaureate	26 points
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at Level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit or Distinction
OCR	OCR Extended Diploma: DMM
Extra Information / General Entry Requirements	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. FETAC Level 5 (Major Award) with all eight subjects at Merit. Applicants must also have GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths or recognised Level 2 equivalent. Please note that applicants must also have evidence of recent study within the last five years.
Safeguarding / Suitability	All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks about their suitability to practice. A couple of months before admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact on your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults. You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body – there will be a charge for this. Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service. For details about the cost of the DBS and further information please visit our DBS web pages.

If you have an international qualification, please visit the relevant Country Page for more information

English Language Requirements

Please note, that applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate they can meet the following English language criteria for this programme:

IELTS 6.0 overall (with no less than 5.5 in each band)
OET with 4 C grades
Degree completed in the UK with a 2:2

72UCAS points

UCAS	72 UCAS points
GCE A Level	72 UCAS points from GCE A Levels to include D in one subject
BTEC	BTEC National Extended Diploma: MMP BTEC Diploma: DM
T Level	T Level Health – Pass (D or E on the core)
Irish / Scottish Highers	Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 Scottish Highers: CCDD
International Baccalaureate	24 points
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall
OCR	OCR Extended Diploma: MMP
Extra Information / General Entry Requirements	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. Applicants must also have GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths or recognised Level 2 equivalent. Please note that applicants must also have evidence of recent study within the last five years.
Safeguarding /Suitability	All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks with regards to their suitability to practice. A couple of months prior to admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact upon your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults. You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body – there will be a charge for this. Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service. For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit our DBS web pages.

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Fees for the 2026/27 academic year are subject to Parliamentary approval and have not yet been confirmed.

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Please note! International students are not eligible for government funding to support travel costs for work placements, so these extra costs should be factored into financial plans.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Course specific additional costs

A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) and occupational health clearance are required prior to admission onto the course.

For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit: www.chester.ac.uk/dbs

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Medical staff and students walking down a corridor.

Mental Health Nursing BN (Hons)

Book your Open Day

Book your Open Day

Book your Open Day

Book your Open Day

UCAS Code

UCAS Points

Start Date(s)

Duration

Location

Home Fees

International Fees

Course Leader

UCAS Code

UCAS Points

Start Date(s)

Duration

Location

Home Fees

International Fees

UCAS Code

UCAS Points

Start Date(s)

Duration

Location

Home Fees

International Fees

Course Leader

UCAS Code

UCAS Points

Start Date(s)

Duration

Location

Home Fees

International Fees

Accreditations

Why You'll Love It

Practical teaching in state-of-the-art skills facilities

Delivered by experienced registered nurses

Excellent links with practice learning providers

Nursing at the University of Chester

What You'll Study

Modules

Exploring Professional Practice (40 Credits) Core

The Human Body, Health and Disease (40 Credits) Core

Psychology, Wellbeing and Society (40 Credits) Core

Modules

Applied Anatomy, Physiology and Integrated Pharmacology (20 Credits) - Core

Introduction to Person-Centred Care (20 Credits) – Core

Person-Centred Care (20 Credits) – Core

21st Century Nurse (20 Credits) – Core

Practice Learning 1 (40 Credits) – Core

Modules

Interprofessional Research & Innovation (20 Credits) Core

Practice Learning 2a Adult Nurse (20 Credits) Core

Field Nursing 1 Mental Health (20 Credits) Core

Field Nursing 2 Mental Health (20 Credits) Core

Practice Learning 2b Adult Nurse (20 Credits) Core

Year abroad study exchange (120 Credits) Optional

Modules

Prescribing Ready (20 Credits) Core

Advancing Leadership and Supervision (20 Credits) Core

Extended Project (40 Credits) Core

Practice Learning 3 Mental Health Nurse (40 Credits) Core

Numeracy Competency for Registration Core

How You'll Learn

How we teach at the University of Chester

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Careers Service

What Our Students Think

LatestNews

Results

Beyond The Classroom

Entry Requirements

English Language Requirements

Fees and Funding

Clinical Skills and Simulation Facilities Tour

Who You'll Learn From

Related Courses