BSc Nursing Mental Health with Foundation Year

The BSc Nursing (Mental Health) with Foundation Year at the University of Derby is a four-year full-time course. The first year is a foundation year, helping students build strong study skills, health basics and supporting knowledge before moving into the honours nursing years. After the foundation year, students enter the nursing part of the programme where they learn how to care for people with mental health needs in hospitals, community settings and specialist services. On successful graduation, students are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and begin work as mental health nurses.

The programme begins with the foundation year, which offers core modules in study skills, health science, psychology and professional behaviour. Once the foundation year is completed, students progress to the three years of honours study in mental health nursing. Students learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, simulation suites and clinical placements. Placements may include inpatient mental health wards, community mental health teams, crisis services and voluntary sector organisations. Assessment formats include written exams, case studies, reflective portfolios, practical skills tests, placement reports and presentations.