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BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship)

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RS2725 Open Day (5) (2)
Institution code: 
S82
Location: 
Ipswich

Duration: 

Four years full-time.

Typical Offer: 

2023- 24 and 2024-25 entry; 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level).

Introduction

This course will enable you to develop the knowledge, attitude and skills essential to register as a Mental Health Nurse. Nursing is a continually evolving profession, so a key part of this course is about developing the skills to adapt to new situations and to become a resilient practitioner. The course is divided into theoretical (50%) and practice components (50%). There will be a blended approach to learning including self -directed virtual learning online and face to face practice visits and taught sessions. The practice learning and assessments takes place in a range of clinical placements. 

The design of the course has been developed through the close, collaborative working relationship between the University of Suffolk, Service Partners and Service Users. The purpose of the programme is to support your development to meet the requirements for registration with the NMC as a Registered Mental Health Nurse. You will express appropriate values, possess the required knowledge and be able to demonstrate the necessary skills when called upon to do so, in accordance with the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship Standard. In addition, you will see learning as a lifelong requirement and be willing to take responsibility for professional leadership and management not only in clinical practice but also in whatever forum provides the opportunity.  

The curriculum has been designed to be able to respond in and of itself to changing needs, developments, priorities and expectations in health, healthcare practice and education. It will ensure graduates appreciate the expectation that they will provide the highest quality care in whatever environment acknowledging the opportunities and challenges presented by change. Nursing has not always appreciated the leadership function of the newly qualified nurse. This curriculum will ensure students develop the skills and motivation required to assume this responsibility. 

Students consistently tell us that they feel they are a very different person by the end of the course. You will have experiences that are difficult to find in any other profession and will be privileged to be invited into some of the most profound times in people’s lives. To do this well, you will need to be open to challenging your own and others’ assumptions and to consistently question the reasons behind your own and others’ practice. You will learn about and develop these skills in university, and you will put them into practice while on placement, eventually reaching the stage where you are ready to become an autonomous practitioner. 

Further information about the University's relationship with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is available in the PSRB register.

Course modules

Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record

Introduction to Professional Values for Mental Health Nurses
Early Intervention to Optimise Mental Health and Wellbeing
Creative Interventions in Mental Health to Support Person Centred Care
Fundamental Biosciences and Physical Health Care for Mental Health Nurses
Mental Health Nursing Practice: Part 1
Medication Management for Mental Health Nurses
Research for Mental Health Nurses
Service User Led Assessment, Care Planning and Recovery
Core Psychological Approaches and Counselling Skills for Mental Health Nurses
Mental Health Nursing Practice: Part 2
Leading and Managing Care in the Interprofessional Context
Politics and Contemporary Nursing Practice
Delivering Complex Care
Dissertation
Mental Health Nursing Practice: Part 3

Career opportunities

Mental Health Nursing students are very employable and gain a range of skills throughout their degree. Graduates can progress in to a variety of careers including those in community and hospital settings, education and research. There are numerous opportunities for continued professional development and progression to higher degree study.

Fees and finance

This Mental Health Nursing Degree Apprenticeship is offered only to students undertaking the course as part of their employment. Apprenticeship training will therefore be funded directly by employers or by employers in partnership with Government. Apprentices will not be required to pay any tuition or course fees, and will not be eligible for any Student Finance England maintenance support.

Please see our Apprenticeship pages for more information about apprenticeship funding.

Entry requirements

Staff

Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing

Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing

Facilities and Resources

The clinical skills laboratory and the use of sophisticated computerised technology enable students to practice clinical skills in a safe environment. 

The course delivers a blended approach to teaching and learning at the Ipswich Waterfront Campus. Other approaches to learning include; clinical skills teaching; use of a virtual learning environment; large group teaching; small group teaching, presentations and private study.