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Nursing (Mental Health) BSc/BN/BNurs

Study of supporting people’s mental and emotional wellbeing - combining clinical training, psychology, and compassionate care to prepare for a career as a mental health nurse.

YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:

Non-judgmental

Empathetic listener

Resilient

Therapeutic presence

POPULAR CAREER FIELDS

Healthcare & Public Health

Government & Public Sector

Charity & NGO Sector

Research & Academia

Is this for you?

Nursing (Mental Health) BSc/BN/BNurs

Is this for you?

WHAT IS IT?

Study of supporting people’s mental and emotional wellbeing - combining clinical training, psychology, and compassionate care to prepare for a career as a mental health nurse.

CAREER OPTIONS

CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES

Internships
Internships
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
Works placements
Uni Open Days
Nurse with a patient with mental health patient.

FIND OUT MORE

About the Course

  • What Is a Mental Health Nursing Degree?

    Mental Health Nursing focuses on caring for people experiencing a range of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and eating disorders. You’ll learn how to build therapeutic relationships, assess needs, and provide both emotional and practical support to help people live fulfilling lives.


    Why Study Nursing (Mental Health)?

    If you are empathetic, a good listener, and interested in how the mind and emotions affect health, this degree could be for you. Mental Health Nursing is a vital and rewarding profession where you can make a difference every day.

  • Most Mental Health Nursing degrees cover:


    • Human anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience

    • Mental health theory and practice

    • Psychology and behavioural science

    • Assessment, diagnosis, and risk management

    • Pharmacology and medication management

    • Communication and counselling skills

    • Professional ethics and reflective practice


    Later in your course, you may focus on areas such as child and adolescent mental health, substance misuse, crisis intervention, or forensic mental health.


    Degree Type

    • BSc (Bachelor of Science) or BN (Bachelor of Nursing) - both lead to registration as a Mental Health Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

  • Therapeutic Communication – building trust, listening deeply, and supporting people in emotional distress.


    Mental Health Assessment – evaluating mood, behaviour, risk, and psychological wellbeing.


    Crisis Intervention – responding safely and effectively during acute mental health episodes.


    Care Planning – creating personalised, recovery-focused support plans with patients and teams.


    Multi-disciplinary Collaboration – working with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and community services.

  • A-levels or equivalent including at least one Science (Psychology, Biology, or Sociology strongly preferred). Some universities accept a broad range of subjects.


    • Explain your motivation to work in mental health and help others.

    • Mention any volunteering or work experience in care or community settings.

    • Show understanding of the challenges and rewards of nursing.

    • Highlight empathy, resilience, and communication skills.


    Universities may invite you to a values-based interview or assessment day.

    • The Courage to Care by Christie Watson – A compassionate look at nursing and mental health.

    • Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig – A personal story about depression and recovery.

    • A Mind That Found Itself by Clifford Beers – One of the first modern accounts of mental illness.

    • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – How trauma affects the mind and body.

    • Gain experience through volunteering in mental health charities or support groups.

    • Attend open days to explore placement opportunities and talk to current students.

    • Read about NHS mental health services and the NMC Code of Practice.

    • Stay informed about public health, wellbeing, and social care issues.

    • Mental Health Nursing - Mental health nurse, psychiatric nurse, registered mental health nurse, RMN

    • Community Mental Health - Community mental health nurse, CMHT nurse, community psychiatric nurse, CPN

    • Inpatient Psychiatry - Psychiatric nurse, acute mental health nurse, inpatient mental health nurse, ward nurse (mental health)

    • Crisis & Liaison - Crisis team nurse, liaison psychiatry nurse, crisis resolution nurse, home treatment team nurse

    • Forensic Mental Health - Forensic mental health nurse, secure services nurse, forensic psychiatric nurse, prison mental health nurse

    • Specialist Mental Health Nursing - Clinical nurse specialist (mental health), specialist mental health nurse, advanced practitioner

    • Substance Misuse - Substance misuse nurse, addiction nurse, dual diagnosis nurse, recovery worker

    • Ward Leadership - Ward manager (mental health), ward coordinator, senior mental health nurse, clinical team leader

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