Modules

Year one: In your first year, you will learn the foundational aspects of mental health nursing on which your nursing knowledge will develop. Learning different theories and conceptual models helps nurses to understand and view good mental health and mental illness from different perspectives. You will learn about the importance of evidence-based practice and how this can be applied to mental health nursing to improve patient experiences, and promote recovery and good mental health. You will develop an understanding of the structure of UK national health services and the different lenses through which health is observed. You will gain an understanding of health inequalities, and community and public health, as well as explore how good mental and physical health can be promoted. You will study anatomy, physiology and pharmacology to enable you to care holistically for mental health patients. Professionalism and ethical and legal values are fundamental to nursing and will be covered throughout the course, starting in your first year. You will be encouraged and supported to develop as healthy and emotionally intelligent nurses. There will be opportunities to work collaboratively with the inter-professional team, service users and their families and you will be supported to reflect on your knowledge, skills and practice experiences to progress into year two. In your first year, you will have a simulated placement at Aston University to prepare you for clinical practice before going into the clinical areas as a year 1 student nurse. Year two: During your second year, you will develop your knowledge and skills to provide care for a wide range of mental health conditions, which will be applicable to patients in different healthcare settings, including hospital, community care and home as well as specialist mental health services. You will build on your anatomy and physiology knowledge, ensuring you are prepared to provide safe and equitable physical care for patients and meet the needs of those with comorbidities. Essential specialist mental health nursing skills will be taught across year two, preparing you to work sensitively, compassionately and with patients and their families to foster professional working relationships, built on trust, one that promotes hope and recovery and enables people to be an active part of their own care. You will build on your knowledge of evidence-based practice, developing research knowledge and explore how research informs nursing practice, applying knowledge in simulated situations, and attending placements in areas that meet the complex needs of patients. At the end of year 2, you will undertake a student experience placement which is negotiated with your programme academics. Year three: In your third year, you will learn how to effectively assess and manage patients with increasingly complex conditions, analysing and debating a range of options and evidence to inform treatment and management decisions. Critical perspectives in mental health will be explored to ensure your readiness to support person-centred, holistic and individualised care with patients and their families. Year three focuses on consolidating your knowledge and building your confidence for practice, to be ready for professional registration. You will prepare for the role of the Registered Nurse by consolidating your knowledge of care provision, leading teams and supervising others. You will have the opportunity to practise your clinical approaches within simulated scenarios and placements in order to develop your confidence in line with the NMC Future Nurse Standards (2018)

Assessment method

You will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments. The assessment strategy is designed to match the module aims and learning outcomes and will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate practical skills, knowledge, and written and verbal communication skills. Assessments follow the same approach in years 1, 2 and 3 so that you can understand what assessment to expect, and be able to prepare accordingly. Our approach to assessments increases opportunities for employability, as it maximises the opportunity to practise skills that are expected in the working environment, such as presenting information and performing clinical skills competently. Academic assessment will be completed alongside practice-based proficiencies, in order to achieve the criteria set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, (NMC 2018). Progression will be confirmed by the practice assessor and the assigned academic assessor. Students must pass all summative assessments and professionalism to pass the course. Professionalism will include assessment of attendance, engagement and professional conduct. On successful completion of the programme, you will be able to apply for registration with The Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse (Mental Health). We prepare you to be a confident, autonomous practitioner, driven and committed to advocating and meeting the needs of patients and their families.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS