BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) at University of Derby is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for registration as a qualified mental health nurse.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Derby, based in Derby Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Mental health nursing graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 100% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Nursing & Health, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 3 modules
- Introduction to NursingCore40 credits
Module details
This module will introduce students to the role of the nurse in contemporary evidence based professional practice. Legal, ethical, and professional frameworks which underpin practice will be explored to ensure care delivery is effective, safe and patient focused. Students will be supported to develop their communication, self-awareness and reflective practice skills. Module content may include: The role of the nurse in professional practice Legal, ethical and professional frameworks NMC, the Code (2018) Courage, transparency, and duty of candour Non-discriminatory, person-centred and sensitive care Communication skills Reflective practice including recognised models of reflection Emotional i
Assessment: Coursework
- Health Sciences for Nursing Practice (Mental Health)Core40 credits
Module details
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of human physiology and pharmacology in relation to health and wellbeing over the lifespan. This module will introduce students to the psychological and sociological aspects of health and wellbeing. Module content may include: Human development from conception to death Body systems and homeostasis Anatomy and physiology Genomics, pathogenesis and immunology Commonly encountered mental, physical, behavioural and cognitive health conditions Biopsychosocial models of health Introduction to pharmacology for safe and effective administration of medication Clinical skills and medicines administration
Assessment: Coursework, Exam
- Person centred Nursing Care for Health & Wellbeing (Mental Health)Core40 credits
Module details
This module will introduce students to the key concepts for assessing and planning nursing interventions for person centred care. Students will be required to evidence completion of MYEPAD Part 1 to demonstrate achievement of the skills associated with Future nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses and Standards for education and training (NMC 2018). Module content may include: Nursing as part of the interdisciplinary team Communicating information about health and ill health Assessing and planning person centred care · Commonly encountered mental health, behavioural, cognitive, and learning challenges Behavioural distress-based needs Concepts of wellness Introduction to health
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
Year 2 3 modules
- Research for Health and WellbeingCore40 credits
Module details
Students will explore how evidence underpins nursing practice for safe and effective patient centred care. They will develop the ability to apply evidence considering the wider implications of life context in promoting health and preventing ill health. Module content may include: Research methods, ethics, and governance Application of evidence to nursing practice Epidemiology, demography, and the wider determinants of health Global patterns of health and wellbeing Health inequalities Impact of early years and childhood experiences on life choices, mental, physical and behavioural health and wellbeing (ACEs) Evidence-base for immunisation, vaccination, herd immunity and health screening progr
Assessment: Exam
- Pharmacological and Psychosocial Interventions (Mental Health)Core40 credits
Module details
Students will examine the aetiology and pathophysiology of disease including pharmacological and psychosocial interventions within the context of evidence-based nursing care. Module content may include: Co-morbidities and evidence-based nursing care Commonly encountered mental, physical, behavioural, and cognitive health conditions Commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort, and pain End of life including the care of people who are dying, families, the deceased and the bereaved Sepsis Genomics Safe and effective administration of medication Pharmacology Medication usage and treatments Allergies, drug sensitivities, side effects, contraindications, incompatibilitie
Assessment: Coursework, Exam
- Developing Nursing Practice (Mental Health)Core40 credits
Module details
This module will enable students to apply their developing knowledge and skills needed for person centred care. Students will be required to evidence completion of MYEPAD Part 2 to demonstrate achievement of the skills associated with Future Nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses and Standards for Education and Training (NMC 2018). Module content may include: Person-centred care Shared assessment, planning, decision making and goal setting Routine investigations, interpreting and sharing findings. End of life care Reasonable adjustments, non-discriminatory practice and informed choice Concepts of wellness including the principles of health promotion, protection and improvement
Assessment: Exam, Practical
Year 3 3 modules
- Leadership for Nursing Practice (Mental Health)Core40 credits
Module details
This module will allow students to explore aspects of leading and managing care delivery within inter-professional teams. Using a problem-based learning approach, students will critically examine near misses, critical incidents, major incidents and serious adverse events in order to learn from them and influence their future practice. Module content may include: Leadership, management, and team working Prioritisation and delegation Organisational culture Safe staffing, skills mix and safety Escalating concerns Human factors, environmental factors and strength-based approaches Introduction to metrics Risk aversion and risk management Health economics and business cases for care funding Leadin
Assessment: Coursework, Exam
- Innovation and Improvement in Nursing Practice (Mental Health)Core40 credits
Module details
Students will undertake an extended project which will lead to recommendations and innovation for nursing practice in their chosen field. Students will demonstrate their ability to critically apply the appropriate theoretical and investigative principles to a topic of their choosing Module content may include: Research methods, ethics and governance Audit Introduction to metrics Quality improvement Influencing organisational change and public policy Political awareness
Assessment: Coursework
- Transition to Autonomous Practice (Mental Health)Core40 credits
Module details
Students will demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate their role in the assessment, interventions, and evaluation of complex care in health and social care settings. Working towards becoming an autonomous practitioner for entry to the professional register. Students will be required to evidence completion of MYEPAD Part 3 to demonstrate achievement of the skills associated with Future nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses and Standards for education and training (NMC 2018). Module content may include: Demonstrate resilience and emotional intelligence and be capable of explaining the rationale that influences judgments and decisions in routine, complex and challenging
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree focuses on nursing practice in mental health settings, preparing you for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. A course like this typically progresses from foundations, core clinical skills, communication and person-centred care, alongside anatomy and physiology, through to specialist topics in assessment, medicines management and complex care. Mental health specialisation runs throughout. You'll usually move from Year 1 basics to Year 2 acute and long-term care management, then Year 3 leadership and evidence-based practice. Supervised placements run through every year (around 50% of the programme) in progressively diverse settings, hospital, community and specialist mental health units. The course builds towards your final consolidation of competence for NMC registration.
Who it's for
This course suits those committed to mental health nursing practice and registered nurse qualification. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent; the typical UCAS tariff band among entrants was 80–95 points. The course is taught in English at the Derby Campus.
Careers & job market
Across Nursing & Health courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of working graduates, 87% are in highly skilled work or further study. National graduate earnings data show starting salaries of £27,000–£30,500 at 15 months; after three years, £23,800–£33,600; and after five years, £27,200–£38,400. These figures reflect the broader field, not individual university outcomes.
University & format
This is a 3-year full-time Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) studied at the University of Derby, a public university on its Derby Campus. Taught in English, the course is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council for registration as a qualified nurse (mental health). The university holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 33% |
| a previous degree | 21% |
| an Access course | 21% |
| another higher-education qualification | 18% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 7% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code B780). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Derby →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
National funding for this subject
- NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Nursing & Health graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £28,000 – £36,000 | 35 |
| 3 years after | £30,500 | £26,500 – £36,000 | 45 |
| 5 years after | £35,000 | £30,000 – £41,500 | 45 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Newly Qualified PractitionerPreceptorship / first post · 0–2 yrs
- 2Registered PractitionerAutonomous practice · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / SpecialistSpecialist or team lead · 5–10 yrs
- 4Advanced / Consultant PractitionerAdvanced practice or management · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Nursing & Health nationally
National figures for Nursing & Health graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Nursing & Health courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,506 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Nursing ProfessionalsSOC 2020 223 · 100% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,597
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 85; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Nursing & Health graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine documentation and triage support
- Scheduling and records admin
- First-pass risk flags from data
- Standard reference look-ups
More human than ever
- Hands-on, compassionate care
- Clinical judgement and accountability
- Communicating with patients and families
- Ethics and safeguarding decisions
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Nursing & Health graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS trusts
- Private healthcare
- Care providers
- Community & mental-health services
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Nursing & Health graduates.
Nursing Home ManagerJarrodean Healthcare RecruitmentSenior Charge Nurse Uist Community Nursing teamNHS National Services ScotlandCare Assistant - Nursing Home | Flexible Hours, Weekly PayMpa RecruitmentCare Assistant (Nursing) - Nightshift - RatheaneMacklin Care Homes LimitedSenior Support Worker: Meaningful Care & Flexible ShiftsPotens GroupDental NurseBupa Dental CareIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.6 out of 10: NSS 82.7% · in work or study 95% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Derby
Subjects allied to medicine across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Derby Campus - Kedleston Road
642 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Around Chesterfield Campus - St Helena
1,220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Nursing & Health right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Derby from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,500 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Derby’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Derby and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Derby
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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