BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) at University of Plymouth has been developed to meet professional standards in mental health nursing. The university holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Plymouth, based in University of Plymouth Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For Nursing and midwifery graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 100% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,500. (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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (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 6 modules
- Being an Accountable ProfessionalCore20 credits
Module details
This module will introduce students to the nursing profession, professional standards, the use of evidence and the role of social media in health care practice.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Communication and Therapeutic RelationshipsCore20 credits
Module details
This module supports students to develop basic, person-centred communication skills enabling them to engage effectively with individuals and their families/carers utilising a range of collaborative interpersonal skills and adopting therapeutic and ethical frameworks that can be applied in health and social care.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Applied Human Biology Across the LifespanCore20 credits
Module details
This module will develop students' understanding of human development, key body systems and their relationship to nursing care.
Assessment: 100% Examinations
- Assessing and Planning Nursing CareCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces students to assessing health and wellbeing, it explores different models of understanding health, ill health and the interconnection between physical and mental health. It enables the student to work in partnership to plan and evaluate nursing care for a variety of health conditions and needs.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Interprofessional Learning 1
- Providing and evaluating care
Module details
This module introduces the student to the values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice in a range of settings.
Year 2 6 modules
- Applied PathophysiologyCore20 credits
Module details
Within this module, students will study the pathophysiological processes involved in commonly encountered health conditions.
Assessment: 100% Examinations
- Introduction to Evidence-Informed Decision MakingCore20 credits
Module details
The module introduces students to research methodology and methods in order to develop their knowledge of the application of research-based evidence to professional practice. The module is based upon the premise that knowledge and understanding of key research designs is an essential pre-requisite of evidence-informed decision making (EIDM).
Assessment: 100% Examinations
- Promoting Health and Preventing Ill HealthCore20 credits
Module details
This module aims to develop the student's knowledge and skills in relation to public health, policies and legislation. Students will explore the social, economic, political and ecological challenges that are faced in public health at an international, national and local level. The student will develop an understanding of their professional role in relation to public health.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Developing Nursing PracticeCore40 credits
Module details
This module develops the students' values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice in a range of settings.
Assessment: 50% Assessments 50% Examinations
- Interprofessional Learning 2
- Pharmacology and medicines optimisation
Module details
This module will develop students' knowledge of medications, pharmacology and working to support medication adherence.
Year 3 6 modules
- Lived ExperienceCore20 credits
Module details
This module will develop students knowledge and understanding of the lived experience of those engaging with mental health and social care services; fundamentally the module will enable development of skills to enhance well-being using value based frameworks.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Psychosocial Interventions to meet Complex Mental Health NeedsCore20 credits
Module details
This module develops knowledge and skills in a range of key therapeutic approaches for working with people with serious mental health problems or complex needs, and appropriate service approaches.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Developing Competence in Mental Health Nursing PracticeCore40 credits
Module details
This module develops the students values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice and meeting the needs of clients with complex mental health problems.
Assessment: 50% Practicals 50% Examinations
- Developing Knowledge and Skills for Evidence-Informed Decision MakingCore20 credits
Module details
The module is designed to extend students' knowledge around critical appraisal and the importance of research evidence to professional practice. This will be achieved through students identifying and evaluating a body of research-based evidence relevant to clinical practice.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Nursing Leadership, Management and Team WorkingCore20 credits
Module details
This module critically explores the concepts of management, leadership and working in teams. It examines the role of the nurse to act as a change agent in response to professional practice challenges.
- Interprofessional Learning 3
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 course focuses on developing competence in mental health nursing practice within a broader foundation of nursing knowledge. You'll usually begin with core clinical skills, communication and person-centred care, alongside anatomy and physiology relevant to mental health conditions. From the outset, supervised practice placements run throughout the degree, typically representing around 50% of your study time. As you progress, you'll move into more complex areas such as assessing deteriorating conditions, medicines management and pharmacology, with placements across community and specialist mental health settings. In the final stage, you'll focus on complex care, leadership and evidence-based practice, consolidating your competence toward NMC registration. Specialisations within nursing include adult nursing, children's nursing and community & primary care.
Who it's for
Most entrants hold another higher-education qualification; 90% of accepted students came in with prior higher-education experience. The part-time structure suits those balancing study with work or other commitments. You should have a genuine interest in mental health nursing and the capacity to undertake both academic and clinical components. The course welcomes mature students and career-changers with relevant qualifications.
Careers & job market
Across Nursing & Health courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 87% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £27,000–£30,500 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £23,800–£33,600 after three years and £27,200–£38,400 after five years. These figures reflect national outcomes; individual circumstances vary. Mental health nursing offers diverse career paths in NHS services, community settings, and specialist mental health organisations.
University & format
This is a Bachelor's degree awarded by the University of Plymouth, a university based at University of Plymouth Campus. The course is studied part-time, taught in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and holds Gold in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality. The degree leads to eligibility for NMC registration.
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.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| another higher-education qualification | 90% |
| a previous degree | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
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 B761). 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 Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. 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 Plymouth →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 | £28,500 | £28,000 – £48,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £32,000 | £24,000 – £37,500 | 180 |
| 5 years after | £34,500 | £25,000 – £39,500 | 180 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. 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. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. 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 · 80% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,597
- Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
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: 25; response rate: 90%. 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
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.4 out of 10: NSS 81.7% · in work or study 80% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Plymouth
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 University of Plymouth Campus
3,218 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 Plymouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,100 / 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 Plymouth’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 Plymouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Plymouth
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.