Curious about studying Mental Health Nursingat Bucks New University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Master of Science - MSc
Uxbridge Campus
Full Time
Oct 2026
2 Year
This MSc Mental Health Nursing degree not only allows you to become a vital part of a compassionate healthcare team providing physical and mental health care, but also positions you at the forefront of mental health advocacy and development in society and healthcare systems.
Why study MSc Mental Health Nursing at BNU?FacilitiesWe have developed a comprehensive suite of facilities specifically tailored to enhance the learning experience in the field of mental health nursing, and designed to help with creating real-life scenarios. Simulation plays a pivotal role in our nursing and healthcare programs, particularly in the context of mental health. Across our campuses, we have meticulously constructed simulation labs that replicate working wards and other relevant settings. These facilities are not just about practicing technical skills; they are designed to immerse you in scenarios that closely mirror the complexities and nuances of mental health care.One of our unique features is a simulated living room environment. This space is crucial for practising scenarios that resemble community home visits or counselling sessions, areas of paramount importance in mental health nursing. In this controlled setting, you can hone your skills in conducting sensitive conversations, managing diverse emotional states, and applying therapeutic techniques, all under the guidance of experienced professionals.
PlacementsThroughout the course, you’ll allocate approximately half of your time to clinical practice and the remaining half to University-based learning. Our strong partnerships with various NHS Trusts and independent care providers in the region ensure that students have diverse and enriching clinical placements.
What will I study?Our MSc in pre-registration Mental Health Nursing is designed for high achieving graduates, recognising that you’ll bring transferable academic skills, healthcare experience and valuable life experience to your studies.This fast-track two-year degree programme integrates postgraduate academic study alongside practice-based learning. It is underpinned by a strong collaboration between the University, service users (experts by experience) and our NHS practice partners, helping you to gain the knowledge and skills you need for your future career in mental health nursing. Choosing to study Mental Health Nursing is a decision to embark on a deeply rewarding and increasingly vital profession. This field is not just about understanding the complexities of mental health conditions, but it's also about fostering a deeper empathy, developing strong communication skills, and learning to offer holistic care that respects the dignity and individuality of each patient. As a Mental Health Nurse, you'll be equipped to meet the growing need for professionals who can navigate the intricate landscape of mental health care. You'll learn how to work in diverse settings, from hospitals and community health centres to schools and private care environments, providing essential support to people of all ages and across all walks of life. In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing mental healthcare and providing the best treatment options available.This course offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. You'll explore the latest research and treatment approaches in mental health, while hands-on clinical placements will provide you with real-world experience under the guidance of experienced professionals. This combination ensures that you graduate not only with knowledge but with the confidence and competence to make a real difference.As part of your MSc Mental Health nursing degree you will also complete authentic theory assessments which reflect real life nursing practices, such as presenting cases, medicines administration and report writing, preparing you for your future profession.
This module will equip you with the knowledge to understand physical aspects of health to support the delivery of nursing care. You’ll gain an understanding of the structure and function of body systems and how interactions between its systems maintain health. It will also prepare you to participate in an informed way with medicines administration.
This module introduces you to the importance of psychology and sociology to the understanding of the people in your care and their lives beyond health care. It will also introduce key topics in public health. You will then compile a report on the health of a population group you choose.
On this module, we’ll introduce you to the foundations of nursing theory and the essential skills needed to practise safely in a range of healthcare settings. You’ll be introduced to core concepts in nursing, the code and fundamental aspects of the mental health nurse’s role. Online tools will be used to support the ongoing development of digital literacy.
This module serves as an introduction to mental health nursing practice. You’ll attend clinical environments in a supernumerary capacity for allocated periods. You’ll participate in the care of patients under direct supervision of qualified experienced practitioners who are trained as supervisors in accordance with the NMC standards.
The aim of this module is to prepare you to meet the requirements of registered practice, focusing on applying aspects of health care law and ethics. It will help develop your confidence in raising concerns, reporting incidents, providing evidence to enquiries into complaints, meeting professional standards and safeguarding responsibilities.
We will help you build on your clinical knowledge and skills in mental health nursing. You’ll critically analyse the skills and theoretical underpinnings of practice learned to explore the care of people with bio-psychosocial health care needs in mental health care settings. You will be able to apply theory to practice with increasing confidence.
This module enables you to develop as a leader, manager and supervisor of care delivery and practise in complex situations. Communication skills are enhanced to manage relationships with people of all ages and with a range of mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural health challenges, whilst ensuring care is based on the best available evidence.
On this module, you’ll gain greater confidence in mental health nursing practice. You’ll attend clinical environments in a supernumerary capacity. You’ll participate in direct care of service users under increasingly indirect supervision by qualified mental health practitioners who are trained as supervisors in accordance with the NMC standards.
We’ll help you gain the skills to take on leadership roles to improve care. Strategies and the roles of key NHS organisations in overseeing and assuring the quality of care, critical review of patient safety and service improvement strategies are examined. The importance of listening to service users and learning from past mistakes is addressed.
This module provides you with a supportive and enabling framework for undertaking an independent research study. You will develop the ability to select, design and construct a proposal for in depth exploration of a topic, within a suitable methodological context.
This module helps enhance your therapeutic skills and clinical decision-making. You’ll attend clinical environments in a supernumerary capacity, delivering care for service users under indirect supervision by mental health practitioners who are trained as supervisors in accordance with the NMC Standards. You’ll also complete mandatory training.
We require you to have five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English language or literature, mathematics, and a science subject. Grades/points required
Not currently available, please Contact University for up to date information.
4.4
