Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

Nursing (Mental Health)

Ready to make a difference? As a mental health nurse at 91porn, you'll build therapeutic relationships and gain valuable clinical and communication skills. Work in a number of settings, supporting people on their recovery journey.

Our typical offer

104 - 120 UCAS points

Secure your place this September

Already applied or yet to apply? Get guidance on the next steps you need to take to start a course in 2025.

Simulation and support

At 91porn, our cutting-edge simulation suites let you immerse yourself in healthcare environments, so you can confidently practise complex clinical scenarios in a safe and supportive setting.

Real experience where it matters

You will gain diverse practical experience by working with healthcare providers across coastal and rural communities in the South West, giving you first-hand knowledge of challenges in healthcare, working as a valued member of the team.

Shape future healthcare

You'll get the opportunity to study with students from other healthcare professions, giving you insight into how real teams come together to care for people. Play your part in shaping contemporary healthcare initiatives and latest research to shape the future of mental health.

About

Are you ready to make a unique and profound impact on the lives of people you care for? As a mental health nurse, you'll build and maintain therapeutic relationships across all aspects of people’s lives. At 91porn, you'll gain valuable clinical experience and communication skills needed to help people with their recovery. You'll develop the knowledge and ability to work confidently within community, primary and acute care settings, and help people take important steps to changing their lives.


Miss Sarah Howes
Miss Sarah Howes
Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing (Education)
Male College Student Meeting Talking With Campus Counselor Discussing Mental Health Issues. Advice and guidance.Getty 1218975578

This course is for you if...

you're committed to making a profound impact on individuals' mental health
Brain
you are good at building relationships with empathy
Hand with heart on palm
you're keen to develop clinical and communication skills for mental health care
Four heads linked together showing speech bubble in middle, depicting communication
you're a team player ready to shape positive change for people through healthcare
Badge with cross on, depicting health profession

Details

Year 1

Your first year introduces you to being an accountable professional, whilst developing the knowledge and skills required to become a confident, academic and independent learner. You will gain an understanding of human development, key body systems and their relationship to nursing care. A range of effective therapeutic interpersonal skills to promote engagement and helpful collaborative person-centred conversations will be nurtured within the theory and the two practice components during the year. You will be introduced to the importance of assessing, planning, providing and evaluating health and wellbeing in a broad range of contexts. You will learn and develop the values, knowledge and skills required for the successful achievement of the standards of proficiency required for the first NMC progression point. Modules will have field specific application.
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) - placements

Core modules

NRS410
Being an Accountable Professional 20 credits

This module will introduce students to the nursing profession, professional standards, the use of evidence and the role of social media in health care practice.

100% Coursework

NRS411
Communication and Therapeutic Relationships 20 credits

This module supports students to develop basic, person-centred communication skills enabling them to engage effectively with individuals and their families/carers utilising a range of collaborative interpersonal skills and adopting therapeutic and ethical frameworks that can be applied in health and social care.

100% Coursework

NRS414
Applied Human Biology Across the Lifespan 20 credits

This module will develop students' understanding of human development, key body systems and their relationship to nursing care.

100% Examinations

NRS416
Assessing and Planning Nursing Care 20 credits

This module introduces students to assessing health and wellbeing, it explores different models of understanding health, ill health and the interconnection between physical and mental health. It enables the student to work in partnership to plan and evaluate nursing care for a variety of health conditions and needs.

100% Coursework

HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1

NRS419
Providing and evaluating care

This module introduces the student to the values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice in a range of settings.

Year 2

In your second year you will be introduced to research methodology and methods in order to develop your knowledge of the application of research-based evidence to professional practice. You will study the pathophysiological processes involved in commonly encountered health conditions to support nursing interventions. Your knowledge and understanding of co-ordinating care for complex health needs will be developed, as well as in relation to public health, policies and legislation. You will become a knowledgeable practitioner with an understanding of pharmacology and safe practice in the management of medicines. The theory and two practice components of the year will develop your values, knowledge and skills required for the successful achievement of the standards of proficiency required for the second NMC progression point. Modules will have field specific application.
Medicine students in the Clinical Skills Resource Centre, taking blood from simulated arm and completing patient paperwork

Core modules

NRS501
Applied Pathophysiology 20 credits

Within this module, students will study the pathophysiological processes involved in commonly encountered health conditions.

100% Examinations

NRS502
Introduction to Evidence-Informed Decision Making 20 credits

The module introduces students to research methodology and methods in order to develop their knowledge of the application of research-based evidence to professional practice. The module is based upon the premise that knowledge and understanding of key research designs is an essential pre-requisite of evidence-informed decision making (EIDM).

100% Examinations

NRS503
Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health 20 credits

This module aims to develop the student's knowledge and skills in relation to public health, policies and legislation. Students will explore the social, economic, political and ecological challenges that are faced in public health at an international, national and local level. The student will develop an understanding of their professional role in relation to public health.

100% Coursework

NRS504
Pharmacology and Medicines Optimisation 20 credits

This module will develop students' knowledge of medications, pharmacology and working to support medication adherence.

100% Coursework

NRS507
Developing Nursing Practice 40 credits

This module develops the students' values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice in a range of settings.

50% Assessments

50% Examinations

HIPL500
Interprofessional Learning 2

Final year

Year three allows you to critically explore the concepts of management, leadership and working in teams. You will extend your knowledge around critical appraisal and the importance of research evidence to professional practice. Within four field specific modules you will develop knowledge and skills in a range of key therapeutic approaches for working with people with serious mental health problems or complex needs, and appropriate service approaches. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the ‘lived experience’ of those engaging with mental health and social care services and develop your competence in nursing clients with complex needs in a range of care settings. You will build on and develop the values, knowledge and skills required for the successful achievement of the final NMC progression point. Your final module will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to perform as a capable and autonomous practitioner, fit for registration in your field of nursing practice.
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) students in group work (full bleed for course page)

Core modules

MHN601
Lived Experience 20 credits

This module will develop students knowledge and understanding of the lived experience of those engaging with mental health and social care services; fundamentally the module will enable development of skills to enhance well-being using value based frameworks.

100% Coursework

MHN602
Psychosocial Interventions to meet Complex Mental Health Needs 20 credits

This module develops knowledge and skills in a range of key therapeutic approaches for working with people with serious mental health problems or complex needs, and appropriate service approaches.

100% Coursework

MHN603
Developing Competence in Mental Health Nursing Practice 40 credits

This module develops the students values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice and meeting the needs of clients with complex mental health problems.

50% Practicals

50% Examinations

NRS602
Developing Knowledge and Skills for Evidence-Informed Decision Making 20 credits

The module is designed to extend students' knowledge around critical appraisal and the importance of research evidence to professional practice. This will be achieved through students identifying and evaluating a body of research-based evidence relevant to clinical practice.

100% Coursework

NRS604
Nursing Leadership, Management and Team Working 20 credits

This module critically explores the concepts of management, leadership and working in teams. It examines the role of the nurse to act as a change agent in response to professional practice challenges.

HIPL600
Interprofessional Learning 3

 
 
 

Alternative pathways

As the largest provider of nursing courses in the South West, we pride ourselves on enable access to training whatever stage in your life you decide to pursue a career in nursing.
Our range of mental health nursing courses have been designed with your career and the future needs of the NHS in mind.
Discover our full range of nursing courses including child health, adult health and midwifery.
  • On successful completion of this course you are eligible to apply for registration with the NMC as a ‘Registered Nurse – Mental Health level 1

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc (Hons) Nursing programme specification standard route_6616

Experience

Hands-on learning

We are committed to shaping you into the best health professional you can be. We understand that future nurses must understand the 'why', 'when', and 'how' behind their actions to ensure patient safety and well-being. This requires blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills, which can be developed during placement practice and simulated practice.
Our Clinical Skills Simulation Ward provides a supportive environment for learning new skills without the pressure to get it right first time. You can practice at your own pace with guidance from lecturers, registered nurses, healthcare professionals, and peers. Interprofessional simulation sessions allow collaborative practice with other healthcare students, providing you with the opportunity to experience and learn from situations that may not occur very often, that you will want to become proficient in.
Explore our clinical facilities
Contemporary healthcare
 
 
 

Working in the clinical skills labs is incredibly useful and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the skills sessions. The lecturers seem genuinely invested in our learning, and this really comes across in the labs. Due to the nature of the simulation there is absolutely no pressure to get it right first time, and this helps take the stress out of learning.

Stuart
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) student

Nursing and midwifery facilities hero image. Nursing students clinical skills.Ìý
 
 
 

Work alongside other healthcare students

Teamwork is essential for success in health and social care and many other careers. Interprofessional learning is all about working and learning together with people from different areas of healthcare. It helps you build valuable skills for the future.
The 91porn Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre supports interprofessional learning, giving students chances to work with others across different healthcare fields including radiography, dietetics, dental surgery, psychology, and child nursing. By learning together, students become confident and ready to step into their careers from day one.

It is great to know how to ensure all of our professions can work effectively together. This benefits the service user and staff.

Healthcare systems always require improvement, it’s easier to know how to improve your area if you know how other areas work too.

Health students taking part in PIHC interprofessional learning activity
PIHC interprofessional learning session - 3 students kneeling on the floor looking at an exercise
Nursing students in clinical setting
Nursing students in clinical setting

Real-world experience

Placement experiences take place throughout your degree with 50% of your course spent in clinical practice. Our strong nursing community has built solid relationships with placement providers across the South West and we're able to allocate placements across a range of specialities in the community as well as hospitals.
Alongside your allocated placements we offer the opportunity to take a three week optional placement of your choice (which still counts towards the required 2,300 required placement hours). You could choose to gain some experience in a specialist area such as emergency care or a forensic setting, you could even choose to travel overseas; our students have taken placements in locations such as Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

My favourite part of the role is when you see clients’ lives improving. Placements can be challenging and emotionally draining, but when you see someone making steps in their recovery it’s so rewarding.

Ben
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) graduate

I don't want to glamourise my past, but I refuse to be ashamed. I can show others that there's hope, even when things feel dark. My scars are part of my journey; through them, I can offer hope to others. However, you must strike a balance between professionalism and empathy.

91porn student nurse Eleanor explains how dealing with her own mental health issues has given her a unique perspective to help patients.
Eleanor student mental health nurse Cornwall
 
 
 

Learn from experienced healthcare professionals

We pride ourselves on our cutting-edge, research informed curriculum which ensures that you are equipped with the latest evidence, as well as the research skills to support patients’ recovery.
Our staff are registered nurses engaged in active research, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience into the classroom, which you will apply in clinical practice.
Mrs Kay Lobo Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing


Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing

Admissions Tutor
Miss Sarah Howes Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing (Education)


Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing (Education)

Mrs Mary O'Toole Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing (Education)


Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing (Education)

Show all
 
 
 

Join our nursing society 'NurSoc'

We understand that nursing is a demanding course that makes it difficult to find time to have a life outside of it, especially whilst on placement. NurSoc is there to build a community for student nurses and provide opportunities to socialise and unwind outside of the course. We have a calendar of social events that’s scheduled around commitments to the course, and wellbeing activities designed to give you the break you need.
Nursing and Midwifery students at a Wellbeing Conference.
 
 
 

Life in 91porn

91porn's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Careers

The 91porn offers a wide range of placement areas that can help broaden your choice of jobs if you are unsure what area to work in, as mental health offers a wide variety of employments.

Laura
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) graduate

Laura Jackson, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) student at Plymouth
Studying nursing at the 91porn will enable you to commence a rewarding career within the health sector. With an ongoing demand for nurses across the UK, employment prospects for nursing graduates remain very good.
As the healthcare sector moves towards more integrated, home and community-based services, the range of opportunities available for newly qualified nurses has never been greater. Our nursing graduates work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, GP practices, hospices, specialist units and in community teams supporting patients in their own homes. In addition to the NHS, there is a large private healthcare sector. Further opportunities exist in prisons, the armed forces and overseas.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

Following an , the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the 91porn. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 

Free educational resources

To help, financially, with your transition into life as a student of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, the University provides the following:
  • we bear the cost for Occupational Health clearance and for Disclosure and Barring Service checks, which are a condition of any offer of a place on the programme. This potentially saves applicants in the region of £195–£245 (circa £45 for DBS checks, and £150–£200 for Occupational Health) although in some cases the costs can be much higher
  • we supply e-learning resources to all students on the programme
  • we supply three tunics and three pairs of trousers, for use in the clinical environment, worth circa £60
  • the ‘Medincle’ medical spellchecker software is provided free of charge
  • books from the Skills for Health Training Package are provided for each student.
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at 91porn, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

You may be eligible for a £5000 NHS training grant

The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students. It is supplementary financial support to the mainstream student loans system and is intended to support students whilst they train and gain professional registration. The is for at least £5,000.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Careers Hub

Apply

Secure your place this September

Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the 91porn.
Check what you need to do
Three students sitting on a wall at the Barbican eating fish and chips
 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
104 - 120 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE

5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English, and Science. Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics. Please note we do not accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English, or Key Skills in Maths or English, or Adult Literacy/Numeracy.

A levels

104 - 120 points to include a minimum of two A levels. Science, health, or social science profile is preferred but any subject considered. General Studies excluded.

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma

DMM-DDM – Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass an Access to HE Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit and/or Distinction, including 15 in Science or Social Science. GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 required only. Please make contact with our Admissions Team for further advice.

T level

Accepted pathway: Health. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.

International Baccalaureate

26–30 points overall. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered. English, Mathematics, and Science accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level = 4, standard level = 5

Degrees

Previous degrees are considered at a 2:2 or above. Science, health, or social science profile is preferred but any subject considered.

Extended entry requirements

  • In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is required. Ideally this should be one of the qualifications listed here, but the admissions team will assess on a case-by-case basis.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • We will require an academic reference and an employer reference as part of the application process.
  • Attend an interview.
  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C/4 or above you will have to achieve an IELTS (or equivalent qualification) at the grade of at least 7.0 (at least 6.5 in all elements sections). See our English language requirements .
  • Students must be 18 years old or over by 31 December in the first year of the programme.

Deferred entry

Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Sponsored students/direct entry year 2

We offer a direct route to continue with your studies to gain a degree in the adult health field of nursing. Please contact the admissions team in the first instance who will be able to advise whether you are eligible at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
 
 
 

Further information

Prospective nursing students are expected to attend an interview, and complete satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare and disclosure and barring processes, before the start of your course.

Enhancing your application

Meeting the academic minimum does not guarantee you a place, you need to make sure that you are strong across all sections of your application form. Read more about enhancing your application .

Interview days

Once your application has been received, we will consider your application to help us reach a decision. If successful at the initial screening stage, you will be invited to an interview. The majority of health courses interview applicants, as this is a requirement of many health regulatory bodies. This applies to all Universities and is vital to the progression of applications.
Interviews enable:
  • you to give the best account of your skills, experience and character.
  • us to decide whether you will thrive in the 91porn’s culture.
  • us to explain more about the University, programme and how we work with our students.
Find out more about interview days: pre-work tasks, what to expect on the day of the interview and what happens after.

Screening

All offers are subject to satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare and disclosure and barring processes, before the start of your course.

NHS constitution

University pre-registration programmes for health professionals are required to select their applicants using a ‘values based’ approach. As part of this process, your UCAS personal statement should include evidence of your personal commitment to NHS values laid out in the .
 
 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
B761
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(with placements)

Course type

Full-time

Study location
91porn

Other routes into this course

The following courses are available as routes into this programme.

FdSc Nursing Associate

Nursing Associates bridge the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses and are an integral part of the nursing family, supporting healthcare teams with their clinical and administrative duties.

 

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
104 - 120 UCAS points
 
 

BSearch entry requirements for your country

English language requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

Ready to apply?

As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
UCAS course code
B761
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(with placements)

Course type

Full-time

Study location
91porn

Other routes to this course

The offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to 91porn degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
Foundation courses
 
 
 

Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the 91porn.
Book your place
Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends
 
 
 
The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.