Community Nursing Specialist Practice Qualification (SPQ): Mental Health (PGDip)
Course overview
Applications are now open for this course. Application deadline: 31 July 2026 (for September2026 start). Our new PGDip in Community Nursing Mental Health is a Specialist Practice Qualification (SPQ) designed for registered nurses who wish to specialise and lead within community-based care settings.
It will be delivered via flexible online learning and supports both full-time and part-time study routes; ideal for professionals balancing clinical practice with professional development. Currently in development, this programme aims to respond directly to the evolving needs of community mental health care, equipping practitioners with the advanced clinical, cultural, and leadership skills required to deliver effective, inclusive support across diverse populations and complex care environments. Why Study this Course?
Enhance your clinical expertise in areas such as co-occurring conditions and complex case management Develop leadership capabilities to influence and improve mental health services in the community Gain cultural competence to support equitable, person-centred care Flexible online delivery tailored to fit around your working life and personal commitments Study alongside peers from across Wales and the UK, sharing best practice and building professional networks Commissioned places available for staff employed by Welsh Health Boards, supporting professional development within the NHS workforce* This programme leads to a recordable qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in Specialist Practice upon successful completion* Is this Course for You? This course is suitable for registered nurses currently working in a community mental health setting. You may be: Seeking to expand the scope of your practice Looking to take on specialist or leadership roles Aiming to drive improvements in patient outcomes and service delivery Interested in building your expertise in culturally competent and inclusive care.
Fees and Funding The SPQ in community nursing for learning disabilities, mental health, and general practice nursing is commissioned and fully-funded by HEIW as a Postgraduate Diploma (part-time), which leads to a recordable Specialist Practitioner Qualification (SPQ) with the NMC. Eligibility for a funded place will be assessed as part of the application process. Please see Entry Requirements tab to check your eligibility.
Key highlights
- Leads to an NMC-recordable Specialist Practice Qualification
- Develops expertise in co-occurring conditions and complex case management
- Builds leadership skills to improve community mental health services
- Develops cultural competence for equitable, person-centred care
- Flexible online delivery designed around clinical working life
- Study alongside nurses from across Wales and the UK
Entry requirements
- Additional condition: professional_registration — Applicants must: Be currently registered with the statutory nursing body (NMC) and for more than one year Normally possess a 2:1 or First in an undergraduate degree.
- Degree: 2:1 — or above
- Degree: 2:2 — considered case by case
Scholarships
Deans Scholarship - Postgraduate Research
20% reduction in the published Postgraduate Research tuition fee for each year of study.
Up to 20% of feesHeads of School Scholarship
10% reduction in the published Postgraduate Research tuition fee for each year of study.
Up to 10% of feesInclusive Bangor Scholarships
Payment towards tuition fees for one-year taught or research postgraduate Masters (or for two years if studying part-time). This will be capped at £9,500.
Refugee Scholarship
Vice-Chancellor Postgraduate Research Scholarships
50% discount on the published International Tuition Fee for each year of study.
Up to 50% of fees
Careers this course leads to
- Community Mental Health Nurse Specialist Practitioner
- Community Psychiatric Nurse
- Community Mental Health Team Leader
- Mental Health Nurse Case Manager
- Advanced Practitioner in Community Mental Health
Cost of study
UK/Home: £10,500 per year | International: £21,000 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Bangor University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
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