Mental Health Nursing

Entry requirements

To apply for the MSc Mental Health Nursing an applicant would normally have achieved a 2.2 honours degree in a health / life or social science related subject, within the last 5 years, and be able to demonstrate undertaken 700 hours of healthcare related experience which can be mapped to the NMC progression point one core competencies.

In addition to the attainment of a suitable degree, the NMC require that all applicants must demonstrate evidence of communication and numeracy, and these must be demonstrated normally via GCSE at C or above in English or Welsh 1st language and Mathematics.

As this is a funded programme by the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) international students will not be able to apply for this programme of study.

The NMC also require that evidence of ‘Good Health and Good Character’ be obtained, and in addition to the supportive reference to the application, the School has adopted the All Wales Good Character reference. Good Character is further assessed by way of a Full/Enhanced DBS report, and these are risk assessed by the partnership in accordance with the School’s policy. Good Health is assessed by the local Health Board’s Health at Work Unit, and students are monitored throughout the programme and supported where required.

Selection processes:

1. Completion of application – direct application with personal statement and references.
2. Short listing from personal statement and reference against agreed criteria (to include numeracy and literacy at GCSE).
3. Character references taken and reviewed.
4. Formal interview with interactive group work activities and MMI.
5. Numeracy / medication calculation
6. Written essay on seen question – confidentiality and data protection.
7. Enhanced DBS disclosure check.
8. Occupational health review.

Selection events and processes will involve lecturers in Mental Health nursing, Health Board clinical staff, service user participants. Participants in the selection processes undergo training and support in diversity and equality as part of their professional development.

If successful at interview applicants will be invited to progress to part two and complete and submit their RPL/REPL portfolio. Admissions to the programme are made on a time frame to allow for the completion of the RP(E)L process, so early applications are encouraged.

Further details on this process can be obtained following interview.

Information on Dyslexua/Disability, Additional Requirements. Evidence of cheivement, Portfolio of evidence, and the assessment criteria for the portfolio can be found on the Mental Health Nursing webpage.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

This course is approved by the NMC. An MSc Adult Nursing is also available.

The MSc in Mental Health Nursing leads to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and offers graduates a funded route over two-years into mental health nursing whilst simultaneously obtaining a postgraduate qualification. This postgraduate qualification is aimed at graduates who wish to develop and apply the knowledge gained through their undergraduate degree and relevant life experiences to pursue a career in mental health nursing. The aim of this course is to prepare a registered nurse who is able to offer excellent and compassionate care, enhanced leadership, management and strong inter-professional and research skills that influence practice and initiate change.

Our exceptional teaching provision based upon contemporary research, (a key focus of the schools highly ranked research activity), is grounded in modern mental health practice. The Mental Health Nursing MSc will equip graduates to develop and thrive in rapidly changing environments, taking into account how early trauma and adversity, culture, socioeconomic influences, stigma and other factors can impact resilience, function, health status and mental health outcomes. The programme will equip students with engagement and assessment skills necessary for planning and delivery of compassionate high-quality care and manage complex practice across the lifespan.

Students will graduate from this programme as creative and skilled mental health nurses in a position to apply to part one of the NMC register. The successful graduate will have the necessary values, knowledge and skills to practice to the highest standards of safe, compassionate care in mental health services.

Information for international students

As this course is funded by NHS Wales we are unable to accept applications from overseas students.

Fees and funding

Tuition Fees Covered

If you are considered a home UK student for tuition fees who can commit to working in Wales for two years after graduating, you could get your tuition fees covered in full through the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme and claim for a £1,000 bursary contribution towards living costs. You can also apply for the means tested bursary that is dependent on household income and other funding that has eligibility criteria for child care support, dependents allowance and parental learner allowance. If you would prefer not to work in Wales following your graduation you can apply for the master’s student loan funding for your fees and a reduced maintenance grant.