This course provides the opportunity for those who have studied an undergraduate degree to undertake a two-year full-time Master's course, which provides a flexible way to study, that fits around work and life. Develop the skills required to become a confident, competent, caring and compassionate mental health nurse with this innovative blended learning nursing course. Using a person-centred approach, you will learn how to facilitate recovery of service users in various settings, including those who are acutely ill, those in rehabilitation services and those experiencing long-term conditions across the lifespan. You will also have opportunities to learn about partnership approaches to caring for service users, carers and families.

• This course is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and has strong partnerships with NHS Trusts, private and voluntary organisations.
• It is led by committed and passionate lecturers who are research active with experience across the mental health nursing spectrum.
• Alongside building your theoretical knowledge in lectures and seminars, you will be able to focus on your practical skills through simulation and group work.
• You will practice and develop your skills through clinical placements in a range of statutory, private and voluntary services, in order to prepare you to pursue your career.
• You will have the opportunity to hear the experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.

This course uses mainly digital technologies and includes practical hands-on experience. Although the theoretical component is predominantly delivered online, you will attend the campus in Huddersfield (or similar venue close to your home) for a maximum total of four one-week blocks for simulation and skills training. You will do this in each year of the course, providing the opportunity for you to practise skills in a safe and controlled environment. You will also undertake practice placements across the NHS and healthcare organisations in a setting close to home.

It will assist you to develop both practical and theoretical skills, in order to achieve your full potential as a mental health nurse and meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards. These include professional values, communication and interpersonal skills, nursing practice and decision making, and leadership, management and team working.

Being a mental health nurse requires patience, empathy and listening skills. This course could be a great place for you to take the first steps towards making a huge difference to people’s everyday lives.

Placements

Nothing can really replicate working in the real world, that’s why the course comprises of 50% practice, which is essential in your development. During the course you will undertake a number of practice learning experiences in a range of healthcare environments, these may include NHS Trusts, charities, hospices, schools and community settings. You will undertake 622.5 hours in stage 1, 647.5 hours in stage 2 and 722.5 hours in stage 3.

Throughout the practical experience you will be supervised and assessed by a qualified nurse or other suitably qualified professional who will provide expert help and advice if required.

To allow you the broadest professional experience possible, practice experiences are generally offered across West Yorkshire and beyond, covering 24 hour care including evening, weekend and occasional night shifts. You will be required to travel to and during your placements. For more information visit our placements page.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including written coursework, practice, professional simulated exams, case presentations, competency based assessments and examinations, through which you will demonstrate your in-depth knowledge and understanding.

Your Career

Upon successful graduation you could work within the National Health Service, the private or voluntary sectors or you could specialise in an area of acute care requiring intensive support, as well as community care. Alternatively you may choose to practice abroad or undertake further extensive professional development opportunities. Possible career opportunities may include training as a district nurse, advanced nurse practitioner or specialist in acute care, as well as undertaking management roles, where you may develop and implement policy. There are also many nurse specialist roles including diabetes specialist nurse, respiratory specialists, continence specialists, palliative care specialists and community matrons specialising in managing long term conditions.