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MSc - Nursing/Registered Nurse: Mental Health Nursing

Do you want to make a positive difference in the lives of others? If you share our commitment to delivering compassionate care and have a 2:2 or above in any undergraduate degree, our Master’s in Mental Health Nursing is the perfect choice for you to become a mental health nurse in just two years.

Join our supportive community of nursing students and tutors, and study a dynamic course that emphasises hands-on training to prepare you for a fulfilling career in nursing.

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Accredited by:

Nursing & Midwife Council

Nursing/Registered Nurse: Mental Health Nursing cover image

Course Overview

A significant proportion of the population will experience difficulties with their mental health during their lifetime. This course will prepare you to support them in their recovery. You will gain practical and cognitive skills and will leave the course as a competent and confident practitioner.

To gain vital real-world experience, you will spend 50% of your time on this mental health nursing course in practical placements such as complex care and dementia, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), Crisis Teams and Forensic Mental Health.

As well as this, you'll build confidence and gain a competitive edge by developing your practical skills in simulated 'real life' settings, using our dedicated facilities. These include simulated home spaces, and our brand-new immersive simulation room.

What's more, if you study our MSc in Mental Health Nursing, you might be eligible to receive an NHS grant of at least £5,000 per year of study, which does not need to be repaid. See the Fees and Funding tab below for more information.

You will graduate with a highly sought-after postgraduate degree in nursing, eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and qualified to enter an NHS role with a Band 5 salary (£28,407-£34,580 per year for 2024-2025).

On this course you will...

Have access to first-rate placement opportunities through our excellent partner links, developed over our long history of working with the industry.
Be part of an intimate cohort, benefiting from close tuition from the nursing team who will be on hand to provide personalised support throughout your studies.
Have access to a range of technology to enhance your learning. These include clinicalskills.net, OCULUS (a virtual reality headset for simulated activities), and Pharmacology and Prescribing Resources.
Start making a meaningful difference from the moment you begin your course placement, and long into your career as a compassionate and person-centred mental health nurse.

Apply

Download our Prospectus

Key Details

Recruiting toUK / RoI / Settled in UK
EU / EEA / International
Course LocationCarlisle - Fusehill Street
Institute Institute of Health
UCAS CodeN501
Mode of DeliveryBlended Learning
Course DurationFull-time: 2 Years
Course Start PointSeptember
AwardMSc
More informationProgramme Specification
Prospectus
Open DaysCarlisle - Fusehill Street
All

Minimum entry requirements

2:2

Honours degree

Tuition fees

£9,535

UK | Year

Price is for 2025/6 year, subsequent year fee is subject to inflation.

£16,900

International | Year

Tuition Fees Policy

What our students say

I would like to go home after work and be able to sit at home knowing that I have made a difference to someone’s life whether that be small or large. I am a strong believer that you never stop learning, for me, the MSc is the next step on my journey.

Chloe McKeating, MSc Nursing
You are welcomed onto the course with smiles and kindness and nothing is ever too much trouble for the lecturers. The course is amazing, the skills you are taught to be able to go on placement, the equipment which is available for you to be able to learn the skills and the resource in the university to help you enhance your learning skills is something you wouldn’t get at other universities.

Louise Caven, MSc Nursing

Course Structure

What you will learn

As well as learning on placement, you still study a range of modules that teach you how to facilitate the recovery of service users in various settings. These include those who are acutely ill, in rehabilitation services, and experiencing long-term conditions across the lifespan. You will also have opportunities to learn about partnership approaches to caring for service users, carers and families.

On this course, you won't just learn theoretical concepts – our expert tutors deliver a dynamic curriculum, balancing theory with practical applications throughout each module, so you'll be applying your learning to real-world and simulated 'real-world' scenarios at every step.

This hands-on approach will actively engage you in your learning, build your confidence, and better equip you for your career in mental health nursing.

Year one

Concepts, Theories and Practice in Professional Nursing
You'll critically evaluate the legal, ethical and professional concepts that inform the complexities of decision-making in health and social care practice.
Pathophysiology and Nursing Assessment Across the Lifespan
The aim of this module is to apply in-depth knowledge of pathophysiology and clinical reasoning skills in the assessment and management of patients with core clinical conditions.
Advancing Mental Health Across the Healthcare Spectrum
You'll develop a deeper understanding of the nature and impact of mental illness across the healthcare spectrum.
Public Health and Nursing in Communities
You'll critically appraise and evaluate the public health and social care agendas and their impact on individuals, groups and communities.
Part 1 Practice Assessment (Year 1)
This module will prepare you for your placements in part 1 of the programme, in terms of the health and safety of you, others, and the people in your care.
Part 2 Practice Assessment (Year 1)
This module will prepare you for your placements in part 2 of the programme, in terms of the health and safety of you, others, and the people in your care.

Year two

Pharmacology for Contemporary Nursing Practice
On this module, you'll demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge, understanding and application of the principles of pharmacology and medicine therapeutics in the management of care.
Contemporary Approaches to Mental Health Care
You'll critically analyse a range of contemporary therapeutic interventions employed within mental health nursing practice.
Transforming Care in Nursing
This module will consolidate your knowledge and ability to synthesise the evidence base, and lead, change and improve an aspect of service quality within your scope of professional practice.
Part 3 Practice Assessment (Year 2)
This module will prepare you for your placements in part 3 of the programme in terms of the health and safety of you, others, and the people in your care.

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

We use a range of teaching methods to match the learning outcomes and to ensure that you will experience methods best suited to your learning style.

How you will be assessed

Types and methods of assessment will include group seminars and presentations; essays; portfolio of evidence (achievement of clinical competences and written evidence); viva, examination; OSCE/practical skills assessments; map of patient/client experience; reflective essay; community health profile; reflective incident recording; poster presentation; dissertation.

NMC Standards for Proficiency in Clinical Practice

There is a longitudinal practice module each year taking place over 2 to 3 placements per year. All placements are summative and must normally be passed to progress on the programme, and to enable registration with the NMC. A failed placement will be allowed one further attempt to recoup the fail. Failure of a second attempt at practice assessment will normally mean discontinuation from the programme. Qualified practice assessors assess students’ acquisition of skills and achievement of the NMC proficiencies in clinical practice. Practice assessors alongside academic assessors will confirm students are proficient to progress to NMC registration.

Students’ professionalism, attitudes, good health and character are vital aspects of this assessment. University Link Lecturers and Placement Education Facilitators support both students and assessors in the placements. Most of the theoretical work is linked to practice in some way and assessors will explore students’ underpinning knowledge, and how their personal and professional characteristics impact on their performance.

Our learning and teaching strategy is based on the philosophy that nurses occupy a privileged position within society. Patients, clients and members of the public have the right to expect the highest standards of professional behaviour. Training to be a nurse, whilst working and studying for this highly valued qualification is a challenging and stimulating process, on both personal and professional levels. The programme is designed to ensure that theory and practice are clearly linked throughout in order to enhance patient care. This includes the requirement for students to demonstrate the appropriate professional attitudes, values and character throughout their written work, their time on placement, and conduct on the programme.

Service user and carer involvement is viewed as an integral part of the programme and we are actively continuing to develop their involvement in curriculum development and delivery. Practice assessors involve service users, seeking their opinions when assessing students on placement contributing to the overall decision regarding the achievement of proficiencies.

Overview

Applicants need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, achieved in one sitting which must include English Language and Mathematics (Functional skills level 2 Mathematics and English also accepted).

Applicants must have a minimum 2:2 in an undergraduate degree. Please see below for examples of current students who had the correct requirements for entry.

Applicants for this course must have a minimum of 500 hours of verified care experience working with patients and clients. This may be in a paid or voluntary care setting.

All applicants will be subject to a face to face interview (In-person or online) and must successfully complete a portfolio of evidence prior to commencing the course.

International applicants require an IELTS certificate that confirms a minimum score of 7 in writing alongside a minimum of 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking, so long as the minimum overall score of 7.0. Alternatively, an OET examination certificate that confirms the achievement of at least a B grade in the writing, reading, listening and speaking sections.

Selection criteria

All places are offered subject to successful interview as well as Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (DBS formerly CRB), medical fitness to practice and proof of qualifications.

If you're unsure if you meet our entry requirements, please get in touch with us at UoCAdmissions@cumbria.ac.uk or call 01228 588 588.

Personal statement

Your personal statement is expected to demonstrate an insight into your chosen field of nursing, including an understanding of care environments and current issues in contemporary nursing or health care, and should include an understanding of the NHS core values.

You should describe the concept of a professional attitude, effective communication skills, good time-management skills, and an awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses. An awareness of the NMC code and the vision for the training of the future nurse and how this can support the delivery of high-quality person-centred care should be included. You should convey your ability to work both independently and as part of a team and demonstrate motivation and a commitment to preparing to study as a nurse, demonstrating an ability to solve problems and to think creatively in conveying a capacity for leadership and how this is important in the nursing profession.

International Applicants

International Applicants (EEA and Non-EEA) coming to study in the UK, who do not have “settled” status or “leave to remain” will need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study.

Information about how to apply for a visa can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

Additionally, all applicants must meet Fitness to Practice and Health requirements as well as a Disclosure and Barring Service Check. In addition, students who have resided outside the UK will be required to provide evidence of a satisfactory overseas police check. Instructions on how to complete these will be provided upon application.

Case studies

Example 1:

B's and C's in GCSE's

Studied a BSc Psychology degree

Worked in a crisis house as a mental health recovery worker for 12 months.

Example 2:

Worked in multiple care settings- including community work, care homes and nursing homes.

Gained experience in nursing care, complex care and neurological care.

Studied BA Working with Children and Families.

Fitness to practice and health requirements

All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening. Further information will be provided following the offer of a place.

Please note that Professional Bodies such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) have certain requirements regarding health and character status of applicants and their ability to meet the required core professional competencies and to practice safely without direct supervision. Please read the NMC and HCPC information to find out more. Please ask us for advice and/or support as early as possible in the application process if you have any questions about this requirement.

For more information about core competencies and medical fitness to train please click here. There are fitness standards provided here for most programmes of study: health professions, social work and teaching.

In some instances, an applicant may be invited to attend a professional practice panel to discuss any recommended reasonable adjustments, and whether or not core professional competencies are achievable.

In order to be admitted and continue on the course, students must be deemed as medically fit for both practice and theory by the Occupational Health Department. If you have any concerns about a health condition/issue and its impact on your ability to undertake the course please contact the Occupational Health Department as early as possible in the application process.

Industrial Diagnostics Company (IDC)
Phone: 01530 239 190
Email: occupationalhealth@industrial-diagnostics.com

Disclosure and Barring Service check

If you are offered a place we require you to comply with an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background clearance check. Details on the policy can be found here.

Values-Based Recruitment

* Since 1 April 2015, all Higher Education Institutions delivering NHS training programmes are required to assess students for their values using the core requirements set out in the Values-Based Recruitment (VBR) framework. This assessment will take place as part of our recruitment process.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

£9,535 - UK
£16,900 - International

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

You may also be eligible for additional funding through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

If you're eligible, you can get access to:

A Training Grant of £5,000 per academic year
Parental Support of £2,000, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs
Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses
Exceptional Support Fund (Students experiencing financial hardship)

For more information on the Learning Support Fund please visit the Learning Support Fund Page.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..

Student Finance

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

The University library holds copies of core texts (including some as e-books accessible online). You may want to purchase your own books and therefore would need to spend approximately £100-£200 a year on textbooks. However, journals will enable you to source the most up to date research and evidence for practice – these are available online via our library. A good all-around text to support you through both years of the programme is: Peate, Ian and Wild, Karen (2018) "Nursing Practice - Knowledge and Care". Wiley-Blackwell ISBN-10 : 1119237475.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30-£40 per year for these items.

Clothing and Equipment

A good pair of black sensible shoes & black socks– you will be doing a lot of standing and walking in placement so make sure your feet are comfortable – go for comfort over fashion for your uniform shoes. Approx. cost £35-90. You will need to purchase a blue / black thigh-length waterproof coat to cover your uniform when you are required to wear it. (Cost variable). A Stethoscope – we recommend the “Pro Dual Head EMT Stethoscope”. If you buy a fob watch (nurses’ watch) please make sure it is one with an easy to keep clean silicone cover. Cost approx. £10.

Other

For half of the programme, you will be engaged in practice-based placements. Our placement circuit is across a wide geographical area and you may be required to travel for up to 90 minutes by public transport or car. Costs will vary depending on whether you use public transport with or without a discount, or your own transport, such as a car. You will have to fund any costs incurred by travelling to and from placement and any car parking charges. You are also expected to fund travel costs to and from the University of Cumbria. Membership of a union is strongly recommended. During the programme there may be opportunities to be involved in optional extra-curricular learning opportunities which may incur additional costs.

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Location
Carlisle - Fusehill Street Campus
The Fusehill Street campus has been the setting of life-saving treatments since World War I. Now, it's home to world changers, life-savers, crime fighters, and entrepreneurs with access to high-quality facilities and innovative thinking.
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MSc - Nursing/Registered Nurse: Mental Health Nursing