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.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in mental health
Want to help people
Are empathetic and patient
Enjoy working in healthcare
Want a meaningful career
Popular Career Fields
Healthcare & Public Health
Government & Public Sector
Charity & NGO Sector
Research & Academia
Your Personality Might Be:
Non-judgmental
Government & Public Sector
Resilient
Therapeutic presence
What is it?
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.
Course Summary
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.
What you'll study
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).
Skills You'll Gain
A Mental Health Nursing degree helps you build a balance of clinical, interpersonal, and reflective skills, which might include:
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.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
After graduation, you’ll be eligible to register as a Mental Health Nurse with the NMC.
Common work settings include:
NHS mental health trusts
Community and crisis services
Private healthcare and counselling centres
Prisons and secure units
Schools, universities, and charities
Work Experiences & Placements
All Mental Health Nursing degrees include clinical placements, where you’ll work with individuals, families, and healthcare teams. Settings may include:
NHS and private hospitals
Community mental health teams
Crisis and outreach services
Forensic or secure units
Charities and support organisations
Placements give you valuable, supervised experience working with people in diverse situations.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent including at least one Science (Psychology, Biology, or Sociology strongly preferred). Some universities accept a broad range of subjects.
Personal Statement Tips
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.
What to do Next
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.
Wider Reading
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.