Mental Health Nursing

The BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing at Queen's University Belfast offers students a comprehensive education and training to become competent and compassionate mental health nurses. This programme is designed to equip graduates with the essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to deliver high-quality mental health care across diverse settings. Throughout the course, students engage in a blend of theoretical learning and practical experience, allowing them to develop clinical skills, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of mental health conditions and their treatments.

The curriculum covers key topics such as mental health assessment, therapeutic communication, recovery-focused care, medication management, and understanding the social determinants of mental health. Students have the opportunity to study modules related to psychology, sociology, law, and ethics to provide a well-rounded perspective on mental health nursing. The programme emphasizes person-centred care, ensuring that students learn to respect and support individuals' rights, dignity, and preferences.

Practical training is a core component of this degree, with placements arranged in various mental health care settings, including hospitals, community clinics, and voluntary organizations. These placements provide students with real-world experience under the supervision of experienced practitioners, fostering confidence and professional competence. The programme also encourages interprofessional collaboration, preparing students to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team.

Queen's University Belfast's Mental Health Nursing degree adheres to national and international standards for nursing education, ensuring graduates are eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The university’s strong links with healthcare providers and mental health services facilitate valuable networking opportunities and enhance employment prospects upon graduation.

Graduates of this programme are equipped to pursue careers in a variety of mental health settings, including acute inpatient services, community mental health teams, addiction services, and research. With an emphasis on evidence-based practice and continuous professional development, the course prepares students to adapt to an evolving mental health landscape and to make meaningful contributions to the well-being of individuals and communities.

Overall, the BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing at Queen’s University Belfast offers a rigorous and rewarding pathway for those committed to making a positive impact in mental health care, combining academic excellence, practical skills, and a compassionate approach to human health and dignity.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

This three-year degree programme leads to the award of a BSc (Hons) in Nursing and is the first step in preparing you for an outstanding career in Nursing. The degree has specific learning outcomes that relate to the knowledge, skills and attitudes central to practice: patient/client-centred, clinically-effective, competent and safe, evidence-based, and established on caring and ethical principles.

Students apply for a three-year programme in one of the following fields of Nursing: Adult, Children's, Learning Disability, or Mental Health.

In each of the three years, students study two theoretical modules and complete a clinical module. For example, in Year 1 the theoretical modules are Health and Wellbeing and Professional Nursing Values. In total, 50 per cent of the programme is theoretical and based in the University and the other 50 per cent consists of practice placements based in health care settings.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 7

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

This information is prepared in advance of the academic year to which it relates and the grades stated should be treated as a guide only as requirements can vary from year to year.
Overall academic background will be taken into account when considering applications.
All applicants (except Access/Foundation applicants) must normally have 5 GCSEs at grade C or better to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject (ie Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Double Award Science or Science). A GCSE Applied Science is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science.
Applicants offering Access/Foundation courses must have GCSE Mathematics and a Science subject at grade C or better. Please note that NICATS Mathematics is acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics and a Science module in Biology, Chemistry or Physics would be accepted in lieu of GCSE Science.
In addition to the GCSE requirements, or equivalent, applicants must offer one of the following qualifications:

• A-level CCC including a relevant Science (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics)
  OR
  BCC where a relevant Science subject is not offered.
• BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma (18 Units) Successful completion with 4 Distinctions and 14 Merits in a relevant science based course
  OR
  Successful completion with 6 Distinctions and 12 Merits in a non-relevant course
• Access/Foundation Course An average mark of 63% where at least half of the overall programme is in Biology and Chemistry
  OR
  An average mark of 68% is required for non-science access courses.
• BTEC HND Successful completion with Merits or better in at least 10 of the 16 units and Passes in all other units
• BTEC HNC Successful completion with at least 75% of the weighted value of the Units at Merit grade or better and Passes in all other units.
• Irish Leaving Certificate B2B2CCC at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is offered (see list under A-level requirements)
  OR
  B2B2B2CC at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is not offered
  All applicants: if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics and a Science subject.
  Note: Junior Certificate grades will be taken into account at shortlisting
• Scottish Highers BBCCC where a relevant Science subject is offered (see list under A-level requirements)
  OR
  BBBCC where a relevant Science subject is not offered
  All candidates must normally have 5 Standards at grade 3 or better or 5 Intermediates at grade C or better to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject.
• Graduate First Degree Pass or better

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

The Mental Health Nursing program at Queen's University Belfast is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for a career in mental health care. The program aims to develop students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective nursing practice within mental health settings. Throughout the course, students learn about the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence mental health and mental illness. The curriculum integrates theoretical learning with practical clinical placements, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world environments.

Students are introduced to various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders. They gain an understanding of assessment and intervention strategies, therapeutic communication, risk assessment, and care planning. The program emphasizes person-centered care, promoting respect, dignity, and autonomy for service users. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking and evidence-based practice skills, which are essential for delivering high-quality mental health care.

Queen's University Belfast collaborates with numerous NHS Trusts and mental health organizations to facilitate students' clinical placements. These placements are an integral part of the program, providing hands-on experience and exposure to diverse service user groups. Students work under the supervision of experienced qualified nurses, gaining confidence and professional competence.

The program also explores issues related to ethics, law, policy, and contemporary challenges in mental health care. It prepares students to work as part of multidisciplinary teams, fostering teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. The program encourages personal development and resilience, recognizing the emotional demands of mental health nursing.

Graduates of the program are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as mental health nurses. They can pursue careers in various settings such as hospitals, community mental health teams, rehabilitation centers, and crisis intervention units. The qualification also provides a foundation for further postgraduate study or specialization within mental health nursing or related fields.

Queen's University Belfast is committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey through dedicated academic support services, research opportunities, and access to modern facilities. The university’s reputation for research excellence and strong industry connections enhances students’ learning experience and employability prospects post-graduation.