About Bsc (hons) Mental Health Nursing (degree Apprenticeship) in University of Suffolk

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. 

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.

Entry requirements

• IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) where English is not the students' first language.