BSc (Hons) - Mental Health Nursing

How you will learn

A variety of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the programme supporting your move to becoming an independent and mature learner.

They are designed to:

• Be student-centred, flexible and modern whilst being challenging and stimulating
• Be fully supported by, and integrated with, technological approaches such as the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE) and electronic portfolio;
• Ensure the linkage of theory with practice
• Consider, value and incorporate service user and carer perspectives, involving service users and carers directly, as per the Institute strategy.
• Develop you to be independent and self-directed, communicating the ethos of lifelong and reflective learning
• Develop your abilities to learn effectively and progress academically including an in-depth evidence-based literature review (dissertation) as well as leadership and change

How you will be assessed

Modules use formative and summative assessment so that you progress through a module and build knowledge for practice coherently and logically. Formative assessments are designed so that feedback on the individual student’s performance is provided before 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.

Types and methods of assessment will include:

• Group seminars and presentations
• Essays
• Interpersonal skills analysis
• Portfolio of evidence (achievement of clinical competencies and written evidence)
• Examination (context-based scenarios)
• Map of patient/client experience
• Reflective essays
• Community health profile, learning statement and reflective incident recording
• Resource package
• Poster presentation
• Oral Defence and Justification
• Dissertation

NMC Standards for Proficiency in Clinical Practice

Our learning and teaching strategies are based on the philosophy that nurses occupy a privileged position within society.

There are two allocated placements each year, both of which are summative assessed. You will be given the opportunity to recoup failed placements; however, a second failure will result in disqualification for the programme. Your acquisitions of skills and achievements in NMC proficiencies in clinical practice will determine your registration as a NMC Registered nurse. Professionalism, attitude, values, and character will also determine success.

You will also experience a range of placement experiences which will strengthen and support your application for registration at the end of the course.

Tuition Fees

2024 - 2025

• £9,250 - UK
• £16,400 - 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)

Mental Health nursing is currently on the list of courses that will receive additional specialist funding of £1000 per year.*

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

For further funding information, please visit our undergraduate funding page.

*This page was last updated October 2021

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). However, you may wish to purchase copies, either new or second hand, for which we recommend (Note, these are reviewed each year). Some recommended books: Bottomly, J & Pryjmachuk, S (2017) Academic writing & referencing for your nursing degree. Chambers, M (2017) Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. The craft of Caring. Third edition. Evans, N & Hannigan B (2016) Therapeutic skills for mental health nurses. Norman, I. and Ryrie. I. (2013). 3rd ed. The Art and Science of Mental Health Nursing. Wright, K & McKeown, M (2018) Essentials of Mental Health Nursing. There are several nursing journals that you may wish to subscribe to, although you will need to personally fund the monthly/annual subscription. 'Mental Health Practice' published by the Royal College of Nursing 'Mental Health Today' published by Pavilion Publishing & Media Ltd are more specific to Mental Health.

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. Approx cost £35-90 You will need to purchase a blue/black thigh-length coat to cover your uniform when you are undertaking community placement (Cost variable) For some of your placements, you will be expected to wear smart, casual clothing that reflects a professional image. (Cost variable) 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. 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. In Year 2 of the programme, you have an opportunity to arrange a 2-week ‘Enrichment Experience’ either within the UK or abroad. Costs will vary depending on the location but you will be required to fund this experience. Membership of a union is strongly recommended (UNISON & Royal College of Nursing).