MSc - Pre-Registration Nursing/Registered Nurse: Mental Health Nursing

How you will learn

A variety of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the programme. Special consideration has been given to the Learning, Teaching and Assessment strategies of the future MSc candidates. Whilst we acknowledge their previous undergraduate experiences, these must be balanced against an entirely new subject area. The strategies used are designed to match the learning outcomes and to provide every student with some experience of methods best suited to their own learning style, encouraging independent learning and acknowledging previous study. They are designed to:

• be student-centred, flexible and modern whilst being challenging and stimulating;
• support different learners’ needs at different stages of development;
• be fully supported by, and integrated with, technological approaches such as the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE) and the electronic portfolio, PebblePad;
• actively ensure the linkage of theory with practice;
• explicitly consider, value and incorporate service user and carer perspectives, involving service users and carers directly, as per the Institute strategy;
• impart academic rigour to the teaching and learning processes;
• Further develop the student as independent and self-directed, inculcating the ethos of lifelong and reflective learning;
• develop the student’s abilities to learn effectively and progress academically, performing academically at level 7 in terms of achieving the programme aims and outcomes through a variety of assessments, including an in-depth evidence-based dissertation as well as leadership, change management and service innovation.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching and learning methods will include discourse, discussion, debate, small group work, seminar presentations, reflection-on and in-practice, context-based learning (also referred to as problem-based learning), and flexible, distributed learning (FDL) using Blackboard. Each module will facilitate the further development of literacy and I.T. skills, as well as the development of other key lifelong learning skills, and both tutors and students will monitor and evaluate this development via a Personal and Professional Development Profile (PPDP) encouraging the use of Pebblepad.

How you will be assessed

A full range of assessment methods has been selected in order to enhance student learning and to help students to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved all the module learning outcomes, and, overall, the programme aims. Each module’s learning outcomes relate to the module assessment item(s). Students have an opportunity across the programme to self-reflect on their progression and their development.These self-reflections contribute to and are evidenced in assessments through a variety of means.

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

Modules use formative and summative assessment so that students' progress through a module in a structured and constructive way and build knowledge for practice in a coherent and logical way. Formative assessments are designed so that feedback on the individual student’s performance is provided prior to the submission of the final, summative assessment – though this does not contribute to the final module mark or the credit awarded. The wordage – or equivalent – for both formative and summative assessments is counted towards the whole module assessment wordage.

Development of NMC Standards for Proficiency and Annexe A and B through practice and simulation

This normally takes place within practice placement and/or a designated skills laboratory, facilitated by specifically trained staff, using specialist equipment. Simulation provides safe learning opportunities in basic as well as potentially complex situations and helps students acquire important skills before going into a placement environment. Simulation will also be facilitated using role play, workshops and a variety of digital media.

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.

Tuition Fees

2022 - 2023

• £9,250 - UK
• £16,000 - 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.

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 Cost - £35.66 (paperback)

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” - £5.57 on Amazon. 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 (UNISON & Royal College of Nursing £10 per year). During the programme there may be opportunities to be involved in optional extra-curricular learning opportunities which may incur additional costs.