Bournemouth University

What you'll study

The MSc Mental Health Nursing combines theory, clinical skills and supervised practice to develop competent, reflective mental health practitioners. Core topics cover assessment and formulation, pharmacology in mental health, therapeutic interventions, safeguarding and mental health law, recovery-orientated practice, and risk assessment and management.

Typical modules and components include:

• Foundations of Mental Health Nursing – principles of mental health care, therapeutic relationships and communication skills.
• Clinical Assessment and Formulation – psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and care planning across the lifespan.
• Pharmacology and Physical Health – medicines management, monitoring physical health in mental illness and side-effect management.
• Psychosocial and Psychological Interventions – evidence-informed therapeutic approaches commonly used in mental health settings.
• Mental Health Law, Ethics and Safeguarding – legal frameworks, consent, capacity and safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• Risk Assessment and Crisis Intervention – identifying and managing risk, crisis management and de-escalation techniques.
• Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice – research design, critical appraisal and translating evidence into practice.
• Practice Placements – supervised clinical placements across community and inpatient services, enabling consolidation of skills and achievement of professional competencies required for registration.

The programme typically blends campus-based teaching, simulation and skills labs with substantial practice-based learning. Students complete a research or practice-based dissertation/project to develop independent scholarship and service improvement skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent, such as a degree in health, social sciences, psychology or a related discipline. Applicants without a degree but with substantial relevant clinical experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Academic qualification – an undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant subject is typically required.
• Health and fitness for practice – satisfactory occupational health screening and immunisation checks are required to undertake clinical placements.
• Criminal background checks – an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or equivalent criminal record check is required.
• English language – applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency to meet professional registration requirements.
• References and interview – academic and/or professional references plus a successful interview are normally part of selection; evidence of motivation and interpersonal skills is important.

Career prospects

Graduates who successfully complete the MSc Mental Health Nursing programme are eligible to apply for professional registration as a mental health nurse with the relevant regulatory body. Career paths include roles in:

• Community mental health teams and crisis resolution teams
• Inpatient psychiatric wards and secure services
• Primary care and liaison psychiatry services
• Specialist services such as forensic, substance misuse, child and adolescent or older adult mental health
• Clinical leadership, education, research and service development roles

With experience, graduates may progress to roles such as advanced practitioner, nurse consultant, clinical academic or managerial posts within health and social care organisations, third-sector services, or policy and commissioning bodies.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers the MSc Mental Health Nursing within a Faculty experienced in health and social care education, emphasising professional practice and service partnerships. The programme integrates simulated learning in well-equipped clinical skills suites with supervised placements across local NHS and community services to ensure students gain real-world experience.

Students benefit from small-group teaching, interprofessional learning opportunities, and academic staff active in applied research and education in mental health. The curriculum focuses on recovery-orientated, person-centred care and prepares students to meet the competencies expected by professional regulators. Strong links with practice partners support employability and provide a range of placement experiences across different care settings.