Keele University

What you'll study

The programme combines theoretical learning, clinical skills development and substantial practice placements to prepare you for contemporary mental health practice. Core themes include mental health assessment and formulation, therapeutic interventions across the lifespan, psychopharmacology, risk assessment and management, safeguarding, and recovery-focused care.

• Professional and clinical skills: communication, clinical decision-making, physical health assessment, and simulation-based skills development.
• Psychopathology and interventions: understanding common mental health conditions, evidence-based psychological and pharmacological treatments, and therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioural and family-based interventions.
• Research and evidence-based practice: research methods, critical appraisal of evidence and a research project or dissertation to develop skills in evaluation and service improvement.
• Legal, ethical and professional frameworks: mental health law, ethics, confidentiality, consent and professional responsibilities in nursing practice.
• Practice placements: a series of supervised clinical placements across inpatient and community settings with partner NHS Trusts and other providers, enabling direct experience of multidisciplinary teams and a variety of service user groups.

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, simulation and practical labs, small-group tutorials and assessed clinical practice. Assessment methods include written assignments, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), practice assessments, reflective portfolios and the dissertation or research project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognised institution, often at lower second-class honours (2:2) or above; candidates with alternative qualifications plus relevant experience may also be considered. Prior study in health or social sciences is advantageous but not essential.

• Academic requirements: an honours degree (exact classifications considered at offer stage), with eligibility criteria confirmed at application.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirements.
• Health and safety checks: satisfactory occupational health clearance, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and any required immunisations are required before starting clinical placements.
• References and experience: academic or professional references are required; relevant voluntary or paid experience in health, social care or related settings is desirable and can strengthen an application.

Selection may include interview and assessment of suitability for nursing practice, including values-based questions and scenarios relating to professionalism and interpersonal skills.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify to practise as mental health nurses and are prepared for registration with the relevant professional regulator. Typical first roles include staff nurse positions in NHS inpatient mental health wards, community mental health teams, crisis and home treatment teams, liaison psychiatry, and specialist services such as older adult, child and adolescent, or forensic mental health.

• Further career progression can lead to roles in advanced clinical practice, specialist nursing, management, commissioning and policy, education, or research.
• Many graduates continue professional development through postgraduate clinical or academic routes (e.g. advanced practice or specialist practitioner qualifications, master's or doctoral study).
• Opportunities exist across the public, private and third sectors, including charity and voluntary organisations focused on mental health promotion and service delivery.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers interprofessional learning on a campus that brings health-related disciplines together, supporting collaborative practice and communication with allied professions. The programme benefits from established partnerships with local NHS Trusts and community providers, ensuring a wide range of clinical placement opportunities and exposure to diverse patient groups.

• Teaching and facilities: small-group teaching, clinical skills labs and simulated practice support hands-on learning in a safe environment.
• Student support: dedicated pastoral and academic support, practice learning co-ordinators, and resources for personal and professional development.
• Research-informed curriculum: teaching informed by staff research and evidence-based practice to prepare you for contemporary challenges in mental health services.

Overall, the Keele programme aims to develop reflective, compassionate and competent mental health practitioners equipped to meet the needs of individuals and communities across a range of settings.