Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This honours degree integrates nursing science, psychological and social perspectives on mental health, and professional practice. Teaching covers core topics such as therapeutic communication, assessment and formulation, psychopharmacology, person-centred care, risk assessment and management, safeguarding, mental health law and ethics, and recovery-oriented practice.

Study typically combines campus-based learning with simulated clinical skills sessions and multiple supervised practice placements in a variety of settings, including inpatient units, community mental health teams, crisis services, forensic services and voluntary organisations. Research methods, evidence-based practice and quality improvement are embedded across the programme, with a final-year project or practice-focused assignment that develops skills in appraisal and application of evidence to practice.

The programme follows professional standards for pre-registration nursing education and places emphasis on reflective practice, interprofessional working and cultural competence. Assessment methods include written assignments, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), case presentations, reflective portfolios and workplace assessments during placements.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent (for example A-levels, BTEC or an international equivalent). Typical offers require passes in relevant subjects; a background in health or social care, psychology or biological science is advantageous but not always mandatory. Candidates must meet the university's English language requirements.

Prospective students are expected to demonstrate appropriate values and behaviours for nursing. Selection includes an application, references and usually an interview or selection day. Before commencing placements you will need satisfactory occupational health clearance, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and up-to-date immunisations as required by placement providers.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the relevant nursing regulator as a mental health nurse and can enter clinical practice in NHS trusts, independent healthcare providers and the voluntary sector. Common early-career roles include acute mental health ward nurse, community mental health nurse, crisis resolution/home treatment team member, and roles in learning disability or forensic services.

With experience, mental health nurses can progress to specialist practitioner roles (for example in addictions, child and adolescent mental health, psychosis services), team leadership, advanced clinical practice, nurse prescribing, education, service management or policy and research. The degree also provides a route to postgraduate study such as MSc/PGDip programmes in advanced practice, mental health, psychotherapy and related fields.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers practice-focused nursing education with strong clinical partnerships across local NHS trusts and community providers, ensuring diverse placement opportunities. The university provides dedicated clinical skills facilities and simulation resources to develop hands-on competence in a supported learning environment.

Teaching is delivered by staff with clinical and research experience in mental health nursing and allied disciplines, and the programme emphasises recovery-oriented, person-centred care and interprofessional learning. Small-group teaching, practice mentors and structured placement support help students consolidate skills and prepare for professional registration and practice.