Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This advanced‑standing programme covers the core knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required for mental health nursing, delivered through academic modules, simulated practice and substantive clinical placements. The curriculum adopts a lifespan and recovery‑oriented approach and integrates biological, psychological and social perspectives.

• Foundations of Mental Health Nursing – professional values, communication skills, therapeutic relationships and assessment techniques.
• Psychopathology and Formulation – understanding common mental health conditions, risk assessment and formulation approaches.
• Pharmacology and Physical Health – psychopharmacology, monitoring physical health in mental health services and managing side‑effects.
• Therapeutic Interventions – evidence‑based talking therapies, psychosocial interventions, group work and crisis intervention.
• Legal, Ethical and Safeguarding Contexts – mental health law, consent, capacity, safeguarding and human rights in practice.
• Research, Evidence and Quality Improvement – applied research methods, using evidence to inform practice and service improvement projects.
• Complex and Specialist Practice – working with older adults, children and adolescents, forensic populations and community‑based services.
• Leadership, Management and Transition to Practice – supervision, multidisciplinary teamwork and preparation for registration and the first steps of a professional career.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, simulation suite sessions using clinical scenarios, practice assessments and supervised placements across hospital, community and third‑sector services. Students with prior credits or professional registration will follow an accelerated pathway, with credit recognition reducing the length of study while ensuring all professional proficiencies required for registration are met.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires evidence of prior relevant higher education credits or professional qualifications/experience that meet the programme's advanced‑standing criteria. Applicants should normally provide:

• Confirmed prior academic study in a relevant health or social care subject or a recognised nursing qualification with evidence of credit/level that can be mapped to the programme.
• Sufficient practical experience in health or social care settings where applicable, supported by references or an employer statement.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English language and mathematics at the standard required by professional regulators, where not already met through prior qualifications.
• Successful completion of selection processes, which may include an interview, occupational health screening, a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and professional references.

Specific entry conditions vary according to the nature of prior study or registration; prospective applicants are advised to consult the university admissions team for individual credit‑transfer advice and detailed evidence requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates who complete the programme are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as Registered Mental Health Nurses, subject to meeting all professional requirements. Career paths commonly include:

• Clinical roles in NHS inpatient and community mental health teams, crisis and liaison services, early intervention in psychosis teams and specialist services (old age, child and adolescent, forensic).
• Roles in the independent and third sector, including supported housing, charity mental health services and private hospitals.
• Opportunities in leadership, education, research and service development; many nurses progress to advanced clinical practitioner roles, nurse prescribing (with further study), ward or community management, or postgraduate study (MSc/PGDip).
• Interdisciplinary roles in public health, policy, advocacy and commissioning where mental health expertise is required.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers a practice‑focused curriculum informed by contemporary mental health practice and research. Students benefit from high‑quality simulation facilities that allow safe skills development, strong partnerships with local NHS and third‑sector providers for diverse placement opportunities, and supportive teaching teams with clinical expertise.

The university emphasises interprofessional learning, employability and reflective practice, helping graduates make a confident transition into professional registration and early career roles. Prospective advanced‑standing students receive tailored academic support to ensure prior learning is recognised while meeting all professional proficiencies required for mental health nursing.