BSc Nursing Mental Health
Course overview
The BSc Nursing (Mental Health) in the University of Essex is a 3-year degree for students who want to become registered mental health nurses. The course combines classroom learning, practical skills training, and real placements in hospitals and community services. After finishing the degree, students can apply to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) if all requirements are met.
Students learn about mental health assessment, communication skills, medicines, psychology of mental health, crisis intervention, recovery-focused care, and evidence-based nursing practice. Teaching includes lectures, skills simulation, clinical labs, seminars, and supervised practice during placements. Assessment includes essays, case studies, exams, presentations, reflective writing, and practical assessments during clinical placements.
Placements take place in NHS mental health settings such as community teams, inpatient units, crisis teams, and rehabilitation services. This helps students gain practical experience and confidence in working with people of all ages and backgrounds. This degree is for students who want a career making a difference in mental health care, focusing on safe practice, compassion, leadership, and professional standards.
Entry requirements
To apply for the BSc Nursing (Mental Health) in the University of Essex, applicants submit a personal statement and references from a teacher or employer. An interview is normally required because this is a regulated professional degree. Details of your academic background and a CV showcasing relevant experience are necessary.
Grade Requirements:
- You will need 112 UCAS points from A-levels or recognised equivalents
- Equivalent international qualifications are accepted—contact the university for specifics.
English Proficiency:
- Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds must achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each component.
- Equivalent test scores, such as TOEFL or PTE, are also accepted
Scholarships
Essex Preparation Programme Bursary
£250 cash bursary.
Up to £250Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship
The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.
Up to £15,000International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship
If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.
Up to £2,000Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries
Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.
The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship
33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).
The International Undergraduate Scholarship
The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.
Up to £5,000The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship
You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.
Up to £5,000
Career opportunities
Graduates of the BSc Nursing (Mental Health) from the University of Essex can work in a wide range of mental health settings after NMC registration. Possible career paths include:
- Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
- Community Mental Health Nurse
- Crisis Intervention Nurse
- Psychiatric Liaison Nurse
- Rehabilitation Nurse
Cost of study
For international students, annual tuition fees for the BSc Nursing (Mental Health) at the University of Essex are £24,360 per year. Fees can vary depending on entry year.
Admission
Applications for the University of Essex BSc Nursing (Mental Health) are made through UCAS. For personalised support with your application, kindly reach out to one of our trained counsellors.
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