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Nursing - Mental Health with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

  • UCAS Code: B76F
  • Level: Foundation
  • Starting: September 2021, January 2022
  • Study mode: Full Time (1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree)
  • Location: City South
How to apply
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Studying with us in 2021/22

It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.

The Foundation Year option gives you extra time and support to help you build your knowledge, skills and confidence before starting a full degree. It is designed to prepare you for a range of nursing courses, not one particular BSc degree, so you will study a broad range of subjects to prepare you to continue on to successful BSc level study. You'll develop a range of practical and analytical skills that will prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in nursing.

 Please note: entry requirements for degree course

Upon completion of your Foundation Year, if your chosen course is regulated by a professional body such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment and spaces available on the course. 

Tailor your Nursing Degree

When you successfully complete your Foundation Year, you may be able to progress onto a range of Undergraduate courses at the School of Nursing and Midwifery. These include:

  • BSc (Hons) Nursing - Adult
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing - Learning Disability
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing - Mental Health

Why choose a foundation year course?

By studying a foundation year in Health Sciences, your first year will be spent learning a wide range of broad subject areas which then open up opportunities for you to specialise further in your next year –  which would be the first year of a full degree programme. 

You will study very broad subjects in your foundation year, which is designed to prepare you for a range of courses and not just one particular BSc degree. 

So although you are studying a BSc in a specific course – BSc Nursing - Mental Health– the foundation year sets you up for a number of other possible degrees starting the following year. It may be that you don’t end up doing a degree in precisely the same subject as your foundation year.

This flexibility is one of the great things about the foundation year category - Health Sciences, allowing you to find out more about your interests and talents before focusing on a three year degree. The foundation year also helps us at BCU to make sure we help to match you to the degree that fits you best.

What's covered in the course?

Our aim is to develop you into a graduate nurse who is able to work flexibly across a range of settings and meet the health needs of the whole person throughout their lifespan. We will work with you on your development to help you become a skilled, knowledgeable, emotionally intelligent nurse, able to lead and co-ordinate compassionate, evidence-based, person- and family-centred care while working as an integral member of interdisciplinary teams. 

The university-based elements of the first two years of your course are integrated, with all fields of nursing working together. In your final year, the theory you learn will be specific to mental health nursing. You will study five modules each year. In year one, you will complete a year-long practice module which will prepare and support you to develop your confidence and competence in practice as you work towards independently leading and co-ordinating care.  

In your first year, you will gain theoretical and practice knowledge to develop a range of key skills. This will include: exploring the evidence that underpins person- and family-centred care; professional values; self-leadership; and the role of the registered nurse. Second year modules will further enhance your first-year learning and explore evidence-based complex care incorporating a wide range of research, skills, team leadership and principles of co-ordinating care. During your third year you will continue build on your previous learning and develop proficiency in mental health nursing. The modules you study will develop you as a leader who uses research-informed critical thinking to co-ordinate care, supervise other health professionals and gain confidence in the safe management of medication. You will also have access to personal tuition throughout the course which will enrich your learning experiences and will enable to reflect meaningfully on your practice and the development of your individual field identity. 

Your practice placements will be specific to your field, mental health nursing, throughout the three years. To help you become a more rounded nurse, you will also have opportunities to learn across the four fields of nursing. Your placement learning experiences may be within community, hospital or home environment settings and at a location anywhere within the West Midlands and potentially into neighbouring counties. While on placement you will be supported, supervised and assessed by practice and academic staff to develop your knowledge and skills.  

We are committed to providing excellent, innovative, learning, teaching and assessment experiences through the use of technology, which we use to enhance your learning, through lectures, seminars, skills simulation and virtual learning. Engaging with practice partners and service users is also integral to our approach.

Our BSc (Hons) Nursing course has been designed to comply with the new Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards (2018) meaning that successful completion of this course makes you eligible to apply and be entered onto the NMC register in one of the four fields of nursing: Adult, Child, Learning Disabilities or Mental Health. 

Why Choose Us?

  • Students are satisfied with this course! We scored 94 per cent for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2017.
  • Benefit from living and studying in the UK’s second largest city. Birmingham is one of the UK’s most diverse cities and as a Nursing student you’ll gain experience in a wide range of cultural and social contexts, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures
  • Excellent employability rate - 98% of our graduates are in work within 6 months (Unistats 2016*)
  • Study in our brand new £41 million City South Campus with access to cutting edge facilities, to maximise your learning potential
  • Learn from experienced mental health practitioners, who will be there to support and guide you every step of the way
  • Experience quality work placements. Gain valuable experience that will benefit you wherever in the world you choose to make your career, through our built-in placement opportunities
  • Strong links with some of the largest NHS Trusts in the country, including Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust and Forward Thinking Birmingham. These partnerships provide unique experiences that students at other universities don’t get access to and the opportunity to build a network of invaluable contacts
  • Commended for achieving ‘good practice’ in a recent BSc course review for placement support, through our close links with NHS trusts
  • We have an international reputation for pioneering approaches to teaching, through the creation of cutting-edge simulated learning experiences
  • You’ll study in a friendly, co-operative environment where you’ll be supported to achieve your goals – you can take advantage of our well-established range of pastoral and study support teams to deliver this. Many of our students develop strong bonds with staff and other students during their time here
  • We provide outstanding support to our students and have received a Quality Mark from the British Dyslexia Association for our successful efforts
This course is not open to International students
Midwifery and social work

Discover the School of Nursing and Midwifery

Visit our School site for more student work and extra information.

Visit the School website

Where our students go

Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:

  • Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation and Trust

And in jobs such as:

  • Community Psychiatric Nurse

National Student Survey 2017

Entry Requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

Essential Requirements

88 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level
Level 2 Qualifications
UK Qualification Requirements 2021/22
GCSE
  • Three subjects at grade C/4 or above
  • Must include Mathematics, English language and Health and Social Care or Science subject
  • Level 2 equivalent qualifications (e.g. Functional Skills) are accepted
  • Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
  • Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application 
BTEC Level 2 Diploma
  • Pass
  • Health and Social Care, Sport or Science subject
  • Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
  • Must be considered alongside GCSE or equivalent in Mathematics and English Language
  • Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate
  • Pass
  • Health and Social Care, Sport or Science subject
  • Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
  • Must be considered alongside GCSE or equivalent in Mathematics and English Language
  • Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
Functional Skills/ Essential Skills level 2
  • Pass
  • Mathematics and English Language
  • Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
  • Must be considered alongside GCSE or equivalent in Health and Social Care or Science subject
  • Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
Key Skills level 2
  • Pass
  • Application of Number and Communication
  • Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
  • Must be considered alongside GCSE or equivalent in Health and Social Care or Science subject
  • Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level)
  • See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details
Scottish Intermediate 2
  • Three subjects at grade C or above
  • Must include Mathematics, English language and Health and Social Care or Science subject
  • Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
  • Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
Scottish Credit Standard Grade
  • Three subjects at grade 2 or above
  • Must include Mathematics, English language and Health and Social Care or Science subject
  • Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
  • Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
Scottish National 5
  • Three subjects at grade C or above
  • Must include Mathematics, English language and Health and Social Care or Science subject
  • Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
  • Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
IELTS
  • Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no subtest below 6
  • If English is studied at GCSE Level but as a second language, IELTS must be completed to qualify for UK L2 requirement.
Level 3 (and above) Qualifications
UK Qualification Requirements 2021/22
A level and Advanced VCE
  • CCD / 88 UCAS points
  • Including Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or Science subject at A-level or Level 3 equivalent
  • Excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Extended Project
  • A maximum of three subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or Level 3 equivalents
Access to HE Diploma
  • Health or Science related pathway
  • Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at Level 3 with 18 credits at Merit or Distinction (of which 12 must be in a Science or Health related subject)
  • If applying with an Access course you only need GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C/4 or above or accepted equivalent. You are not required to hold three GCSEs in total and GCSE Science is not required
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)
  • MMM
  • Must be in either Health and Social Care or Science subject
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2002 – 2010)
  • 88 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • Either the BTEC level 3 National Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or a relevant Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present)
  • Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • 88 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • Either the BTEC level 3 National Foundation Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or a relevant Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Award (2002 - 2010)
  • 88 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Either the BTEC level 3 National Extended Certificate or one of the accompanying A-levels / level 3 equivalents must be in Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or a relevant Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
    (2016 - present)
  • BTEC Level 3 Certificate (QCF)
    (2010 - 2016)
  • 88 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Either the BTEC level 3 National Certificate or one of the accompanying A-levels / level 3 equivalents must be in Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or a relevant Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) (from September 2014)
  • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)
  • Grade C overall
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland)
  • Grade C overall
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce
  • Grade C overall
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)
  • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)
  • 88 UCAS points
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
  • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
  • Grade C overall
City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080)
  • 88 UCAS points#
  • Must be in Health and Social Care

International Baccalaureate Diploma
  • Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall with grade 4 or above in at least one Higher Level subject from Group 4 (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
  • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above, we will accept grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma
  • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above, we will accept Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB

Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)
  • Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 88 tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H1-H7 (or A-D/A1-D3))
  • Must include a Health, Psychology, Social Science or Science related subject at Higher level

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
  • MMM
  • Must be in Health and Social Care or Applied Science

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
  • 88 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • Either the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
    (2016 - present)
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
    (until-2016)
  • 88 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • Either the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
    (2016 – present)
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
    (until 2016)
  • 88 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Either the OCR level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate or one of the accompanying A-levels / level 3 equivalents must be in Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Open University courses
  • Considered on an individual basis
  • Must be in K101 - An Introduction to Health and Social Care

Scottish Advanced Higher
  • Achieve a minimum of 88 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers
  • Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades DDD
  • Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of DD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of DD in two Highers)
  • Must include a Health, Psychology, Social Science or Science subject at Higher level or above

T-Levels
  • 88 UCAS points (Pass [with C or above in the Core] overall)
  • Must be in either Healthcare Science or Science

Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
  • 88 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • One of the A-level / equivalent qualifications being taken must be in Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or Science subject (e.g Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component
  • 88 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • One of the A-level / equivalent qualifications being taken must be in Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or Science subject (e.g Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Other qualifications

f you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS.

Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.

Upon completion of your Foundation Year, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment.

Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for.
  • UK students
  • International students

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2021

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
  • £9,250 per year
  • Apply via UCAS

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Jan 2022

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
  • TBC
  • Apply via UCAS

Sorry, this course is not available to International students.

The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.

Guidance for UK/EU students

UCAS

UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS
 Register with UCAS
 Login to UCAS
 Complete your details
 Select your course
 Write a personal statement
 Get a reference
 Pay your application fee
 Send UCAS your application

Our advice for applying to a health care course

Applying for a course and preparing for an interview can be a daunting process, so we have created a series of films to help you through the process, including what to put in your personal statement.

More guidance

Additional costs

We offer a wide range of professionally accredited and vocational courses that require the purchase of, among other things, uniforms, equipment, subscriptions, professional body memberships and DBS checks, and may require you to pay to attend conferences or participate in placements.

The link below provides our estimate of the possible costs associated with key activities on specific courses. Please bear in mind that these are only estimates of costs based on past student experience and feedback. The actual costs to you could vary considerably (either greater or lower than these estimates) depending on your choices as you progress through the course. We set out where we can, based on experience, where these indicative costs are for activities that are optional or compulsory.

All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.

Find additional costs for your course

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Learning Support Fund

From 1 November 2017 you may be able to apply for elements of the learning support fund if:

  • you are studying a pre-registration healthcare course
  • are studying in England and
  • your course started on or after 1 August 2017

Visit NHS student services for more information

View fees for continuing students...

Foundation Year

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

20 credits

This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University. Through a range of class-based group and individual activities, discussions, debates, personal reflection and wider reading and research, you will have opportunities to consider academic conventions, which include: effective use of literature; sourcing and reviewing information; various forms of academic writing; developing reflective capacity. You will also receive guidance on study skills and strategies, which will enhance previously acquired skills.

These professional skills are transferable and will be valuable not only in the immediate context but throughout your continued education and employment. By engaging with this module, we have set out clearly what we expect of you at foundation and undergraduate level, and will equip you with the confidence, competence and capacity to utilise resources to be able to meet expectations in this environment.

An essential element of this module will be your ability to analyse and reflect on your own learning and the way in which you have applied your knowledge, skill and understanding to any academic context in which you have engaged to date. Communicating effectively through a variety of academic conventions is a key skill for any student and this will be a feature of this module.

Download the full module specification

20 credits

This module is designed to help you gain awareness and understanding of current challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity and how this impacts upon the Health, Education and Social Sciences sector, preparing you for your future education and journey into practice.

Introducing the Equality Act 2010 as the overarching legislation that focuses on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, the module is based on themes that are covered by this Act.  The nine protected characteristics, upon which a person can be discriminated, as laid down in the Equality Act, will be discussed throughout and you will be introduced to case studies relevant to your chosen pathways.

The module will give you the opportunity to discuss debate and reflect upon how challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity may present themselves. Using problem and inquiry based learning you will have the opportunity to explore and discuss ways of working which can help to minimise discrimination in your own practice.  The module will be made up of lead lectures, taught sessions, group work and individual study.

An essential element of this module will be your ability to analyse and reflect on your own experiences and perceptions, whilst gaining an awareness and appreciating the differences of others. 

Download the full module specification

20 credits

This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University, allowing you the opportunity to negotiate learning of a bespoke subject. Under the guidance of tutors, you will be able to direct your learning and identify relevant learning opportunities that you feel enable you to learning more about a specific field of study.

The subject area within this module is student-led, with guidance and facilitation from designated academic and practice support. You will identify an area of study that you would like to review and evaluate, and which relates to your foundation year pathway and indicate programme.

A significant proportion of the module is based around negotiation with academic facilitators to identify extended areas of study and opportunities that are possible to enhance your towards completion of the study.

The module is not reliant on traditional taught subject sessions, although you will be expected to attend classes where you will work in peer learning groups exploring and developing your negotiated study. This approach to studying is closely allied to learning within the workplace.

Download the full module specification

20 credits

This module will focus on enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the interpersonal skills and behaviours required to work in your chosen area. Through a range of class based and student focused activities you will explore the different concepts of effective interpersonal and professional behaviours essential to your own personal development and progression. By engaging in this module you will  reflect on your own and others  values, beliefs and behaviours identifying how this can impact on the way in which you will  be viewed by others. You will also address the importance of effective communication and how this can lead you to have a more professional approach in your chose area of work.

Download the full module specification

20 credits

An appreciation of the principles of Human Biology plays a central role in the understanding of the workings of the human body. This module is organised into three distinct phases from fundamental principles, to physiological processes, and then disruption of the interplay of such systems in human disorders. This understanding provides a solid foundation for the subsequent study in a range of disciplines from healthcare, allied healthcare, and other disciplines requiring an understanding of human biology. The topics covered will also be underpinned by practical activities. Pre- and post-session activities will help to develop your key transferable skills such as being able to reflect and ask probing questions as well as being able to think independently.  Development of these skills will ensure a growth in maturity and boost your confidence which will lead to unlocking your learning potential.

Download the full module specification

20 credits

Students embarking on health related studies and careers need to have a knowledge and understanding of the factors that contribute to creating good health.  Evidence shows that the majority of these factors lie outside of the healthcare and clinical remit and so it is important that students are aware of the wider social, economic, environmental and political drivers of states of health of the population, group or client group they may encounter.  As health services are reoriented towards prevention of ill-health and health improvement, all health science students need to consider the ways in which they may work in future, to both understand the social determinants of health and the principles and practice of health promotion in order to improve health, prevent ill-health and reduce health inequalities.

Download the full module specification

Year One

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

30 credits

The programme philosophy identifies that nurses need to respond to a rapidly changing health care environment. The change in the nature of nursing and the role of the nurse has led to a desire to clarify the contribution of nurses to patients’ experiences, health and well-being (Griffiths et al, 2008). In order to understand the nurse’s role it is imperative that student nurses following all four fields of practice develop a strong identity with the profession.

Download the full module specification

30 credits

The module will encompass the relevant principles of anatomy, physiology and microbiology to support the development of core nursing skills relevant to all fields of practice. The module is planned with due regard to the issues of care, compassion and communication, organisational aspects of care, infection prevention and control, nutrition and fluid maintenance, and medicines management. These essential nursing skills will be underpinned with a sound physiological basis, particularly with reference to patient observations. 

Download the full module specification

30 credits

Nurses will take a central role in the 21st century in delivering services for those who are sick and in promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals, in particular identifying any barriers that may impede recovery. Therefore:

  • The aim of the module is to develop compassionate, caring nurses who are capable of delivering value-based care that respects individuals’ dignity
  • Emphasis will be on promoting understanding of the delivery of services to improve health and wellbeing and to reduce health inequalities
  • Nursing will be explored within the context of current socioeconomic, health and demographic trends. Concepts of diversity and equality will be explicit throughout the module content
  • Students will gain an awareness of health promotion/education to tackle health inequalities and support behavioural changes in an individual

Download the full module specification

30 credits

The philosophy underpinning this module reflects the Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards (2010) and the Programme Philosophy.

This module acknowledges the dual nature of nursing, that of being a profession whilst being a caring vocation. Alongside the programme philosophy, the module aims to reflect both these facets of nursing so that compassionate and evidence based care is taught. It will demonstrate personalised care can be provided through the acknowledgement that all patients are individuals with idiosyncratic needs, who must be cared for in their social context.

Download the full module specification

Year Two

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

30 credits

The focus of this module is to expand the student’s knowledge of and ability to apply, nursing values and evidence based practice (PV-EBP). This will be achieved via teaching critical analysis, updating academic writing skills appropriate for level 5, database searching and presentation skills via presenting a group work prepared poster.

Download the full module specification

30 credits

This module develops students’ understanding and abilities so as to prepare them for working with older people and vulnerable people with complex needs. The module also enhances students’ knowledge and capabilities in recognising and managing the interaction between physical and mental health problems when planning holistic nursing care.

Download the full module specification

30 credits

This module aims to prepare students to develop their knowledge, skills and professional values to deliver high quality essential and complex care to all service users. It is concerned with human experiences as individuals, families, groups, and communities across the life span.

The module aims to develop students’ understanding of how peoples’ lifestyles, environments and the location of care delivery influence their health and wellbeing. The module will explore the principles of nursing in practice to design and deliver individualised care. The aim is to develop nurses with the ability to ensure the delivery of high quality care in changing environments, in a sensitive and person–centred manner.

Download the full module specification

30 credits

This module contributes to the students’ journey through promoting increasing levels of self-awareness through experiential ways of working and the exploration of models of understanding human experience motivations and behaviours. This module also enhances the students’ knowledge and skills in ways of engaging with people with mental health problems therapeutically and working safely and effectively within the mental health practice context.

Download the full module specification

Year Three

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

30 credits

This module will build upon the second year module “professional values and evidence based practice” and furthers students understanding of research-based evidence. In this module students continue to assess the relevance, quality and application of research-based evidence. Students are required to write a literature review, consider the research findings arising from the literature review, propose a nursing practice change based on this literature review findings and then consider issues relevant for changing nursing practice.

Download the full module specification

30 credits
  • Module pedagogy recognises students as individuals and as active participants in development of learning
  • Emphasis upon changing health care needs of service users including health promotion, management of long term conditions and end of life care across the life span
  • Encourages development and use of reflective, critical analytical and problem solving skills within an ethical nursing care framework. Using these skills to develop individualised care packages in collaboration with other professionals, practice of collaborative and group working skills is emphasised
  • Module emphasises practical application of theoretical knowledge in which nursing practice is developed alongside service users from diverse backgrounds

Download the full module specification

30 credits

A student centred approach to teaching in preparing students to work within an ever changing healthcare environment, helping students to ease their transition from student nurse into registered practitioner.

  • To enable the student to draw on reflective experiences and knowledge gained during the course in order to develop problem-solving skills
  • To foster the development of a critical approach to the management of the student's own role in the delivery of health care. The module will be delivered using a Problem Based Learning approach throughout

Download the full module specification

30 credits

Contemporary health and social care issues are a subject that are threaded throughout the programme. There have been many important changes in the NHS arising from the Health and Social Care Act for example commissioning of services and greater patient/service user choice. The government’s response to the Francis Report (“Patients First and Foremost” DoH 2013) and reports from other professional, statutory and regulatory bodies have identified issues that impact on nursing students and their future role as Registered Nurses. This module will help ensure that graduating nurses are politically aware of agendas for change in healthcare, and will encourage the leadership skills to promote core values such as care and compassion. Therefore to ensure there is a focus on an ever changing health and social care services this module will ensure that recent and future policy changes and their impact on patient/service user care are explicit in the programme to ensure students can contribute to the debate around nursing, health and social care.

Download the full module specification

You have the flexibility to transfer to a standard undergraduate programme from the School of Health Sciences or the School of Nursing and Midwifery upon successfully completing your Foundation Year subject to DBS, Occupational Therapy Assessments and space available on the degree programmes, including:

  • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
  • BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
  • BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing - Adult
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing - Learning Disability
  • BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice
  • BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy
  • BSc (Hons) Speech & Language Therapy

Course structure for BSc (Hons) Nursing - Mental Health

The course is delivered using a modular approach which divides the course into manageable elements of study and practice learning opportunities.

The first year prepares you for further study and facilitates the understanding of the principles which underpin nursing. This is supported by two placement learning experiences of about 10 weeks' duration each.

In year two there is an increasing field specific focus and comprises Core and Field Specific modules. Core modules help to contextualise nursing whilst Field Specific modules prepare you for the two placement experiences which follow each period of study.

In year three all the modules are Field Specific but there are opportunities for shared learning with the other fields of nursing and you will again complete two placement experiences.

You'll experience a mixture of teaching, self-directed study and practice-based clinical placements, spending half of your time each year on placement.

Upon successful completion you will graduate with a BSc (Hons) Nursing degree worth 360 credits and be eligible to apply for Registered Nurse status with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Additional support

If you're dyslexic, have a specific learning difference or a disability, we have a Disability Tutor who can help and support you. 

More on our disability tutor >>

We offer extra technical and learning support.

Trips and visits

You'll have the opportunity to take part in overseas trips and visits. For example, nursing students travelled to Pittsburgh University as part of an exchange programme, opening up opportunities to share academic, clinical and cultural experiences.

Find out more...

Course Specification

Health Sciences Foundation Year

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)

Further study

Nursing provides the opportunity for lifelong learning and the BSc (Hons) Nursing award forms the basis for progression onto further study.

Many opportunities exist for post-registration and postgraduate study. As a graduate, you may progress to a masters degree, eg Masters in Advanced Nursing Practice, PhD.

A comprehensive portfolio of post-registration courses called Continuing Professional Development is available. These courses allow for academic and/or clinical development.

Many of the courses are taught as part-time flexible modules to fit around your work and domestic commitments.

Employment opportunities

Once qualified and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council you can practice in the UK and many countries overseas. As a qualified nurse you could find yourself working within the NHS, the private sector, in the community, at GP surgeries, at schools, plus many more - the options are endless.

Placements

Placements take place across a range of settings. You may experience care in acute, critical care, long-term care and community settings which are related to your Field. During your second year there will also be the opportunity to undertake a placement learning experience elsewhere in the UK or abroad (subject to selection criteria).

A placement is your chance to be a part of the working world of health and social care as it really is: your first taste of your career. For most of our courses, it's a compulsory part of your training; it's that important.

Placements help you with your confidence, by putting theory from the classroom into practice. We make sure you get a quality experience and that you are fully supported by a workplace mentor on hand throughout your placement.

More about our placement opportunities...

OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty Student Ambassador

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.

It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.

Our facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.

We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across.

These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice. Much of our teaching is carried out within our state-of-the-art, £30m Seacole Building, which houses cutting-edge learning facilities.

Take a virtual tour of our skills suites at Seacole

In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that students learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. These include the only mock operating theatre in an English university and a cutting-edge radiography virtual clinical training facility, virtual ward and virtual case creator.

Home Environment Room

The Home Environment room is the perfect setting for teaching communications skills and allows us to simulate a community setting for our students. It is particularly useful for paramedics, mental health and learning disability nurses and also midwives.

Biomedical Laboratories

We have recently installed new laboratory facilities to help you explore understand the scientific principles underpinning many of our courses. The physiology laboratory is equipped to help you learn about the way the human body works by performing investigative experiments. The biomedical science laboratory is undergoing an upgrade over the summer and will allow you to learn about anatomy, cellular processes, immunology and enzymology in a hands-on way that links directly to day-to-day health care.

Skills Practice and Care Enhancement facility

The SPACE (Skills Practice And Care Enhancement) learning facility lets you further practice the skills taught in class, at your own pace and convenience.

It is fully stocked with the specialist items and equipment needed for procedures such as taking blood pressure, giving an injection, abdominal examination of a pregnant woman and caring for ill babies in an incubator.

Mary Seacole Library

The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The state-of-the art facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.

Computer Facilities

The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises 96 PCs, full colour printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs use the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:

  • Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
  • Ability to save files to USB, DVD and CD
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Research and statistical software
  • Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home

Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.

The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.

Mark Hetherington staff profile

Mark Hetherington

Course Leader HELS Foundation Year / Professional Navigator / Senior Lecturer

Mark joined the Professional Development Department (PDD) in 2018 as a Professional Navigator and as a Academic Skills tutor. During this time he has been involved in the development and running of the Faculty of Health Education and Life Sciences Foundation Year as both a course leader and module leader. At current there are two iterations of the Foundation Year catering for intakes in September and January. The Foundation Year allows students to progress onto a variety of HELS undergraduate courses.

Read Mark's full profile

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