BSc (Hons)
Nursing (Registered Nurse - Mental Health)

Key Information


Duration

3 Years

Typical Offer

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Campus

Brayford Pool

Validation Status

Subject to Revalidation

UCAS Code

B760

Academic Year

Course Overview

Nurses perform a vital role in 21st Century healthcare, in both primary and secondary care settings, restoring and promoting health, supporting patients and their families, and profiling healthcare needs of communities.

The University of Lincoln recognises the challenges facing current and future healthcare and nursing practice, offering three distinct nursing programmes specialising in adult, child, and mental health. Our student nurses played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic. As well as supporting hospitals and vaccination centres across Lincolnshire, their help played an integral component to the success of the University's Test and Trace Centre. We are extremely proud of our students for their contribution and dedication.

Our professionally-accredited programmes enable students to become registered nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The programmes aim to prepare students to become fit for practice in accordance with the NMC's Standards for Pre-registration Nursing Education and to be eligible to register as a qualified nurse. Students are encouraged to become confident, critically analytical advocates of excellence in nursing practice within their respective specialisms.

The School of Health and Social Care works with employers to provide employees with the opportunity to study for an undergraduate BSc (Hons) Nursing degree through an apprenticeship route, funded by the Government and your employer.

The University of Lincoln also offers an 18-month top up degree on an apprenticeship or self-funded route. Find out more about these options online: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/shsc/apprenticeships/bscnursingapprenticeship/

Why Choose Lincoln

Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

Gain wider experience through a range of placements in a variety of settings

Specialist clinical suites which simulate hospital and home environments

Theoretical and clinical elements centred on NHS values

Explore the theory behind leading and managing nursing care

mental health module informed by feedback from students on career needs

YouTube video for Why Choose Lincoln

How You Study

In your first year, you can focus on building a solid base of knowledge by understanding human development across the life span, the role of the nurse in contemporary society, principles of person-centred care, and concepts around health and illness such as digital literacy, public health, inequalities in health, and health legislation and how these impact on individual and community health.

In the second year, you are able to begin exploring what happens to health and wellbeing in the presence of disease, illness, or injury and interventions to help people recover from these illnesses. You will also be able to learn about the effects of changes in mental health and wellbeing and the role of research in nursing, enabling you to become confident and competent in using research to inform practice.

Across the third year, you can focus on making the transition to newly qualified nurse and prepare for aspects of you new role, such as managing, co-ordinating and leading care, supporting students in the workplace, staff development, and resources management. You will also be able to investigate a healthcare topic of your choice and produce a literature review.

Modules


† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Concepts of Health and Illness 2024-25NUR1045Level 42024-25The aim of this module is to widen students' understanding of health, well-being and communities. Students will gain knowledge of how our health is impacted – learning what determines our health and where there are clearly identified health inequalities. Students will be supported to interrogate public health data, read seminal public health reports and explore international, national, and local health priorities. They will start to gain skills and knowledge in how nurses can promote health, undertake early intervention to prevent ill health and protect patients and service users.CoreHealth and Human Development 2024-25NUR1042Level 42024-25In this module, you can develop an understanding of human anatomy and physiology across the lifespan and are able to explore health and human development in terms of physiological processes, to consider health, illness, and disease. You will also have the opportunity to develop your fundamental nursing care skills, in preparation for your first practice placement.CoreNursing in Society 2024-25NUR1043Level 42024-25The aim of this module is to introduce you to the role of the nurse within contemporary healthcare and within your chosen field of nursing. You will develop knowledge and understanding of key concepts within nursing, including moral, legal and ethical aspects. In addition, you will be supported in the development of appropriate academic and study skills. You will also engage in activities designed to allow you to achieve personal and professional growth, including self-awareness, resilience and team-working.CoreNursing Practice 1 2024-25NUR1044Level 42024-25The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to undertake practice learning in a safe, supported, and appropriate environment in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) standards. During this module, you will have practice learning opportunities that allow you to ‘meet the professional values, communication and relationship management skills and nursing skills to meet specific aspects of the standards of proficiency for registered nurses’ (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018, p.13). You can attend placements where you will be a supernumerary member of the team. You will be supported by registered professionals who will act as practice supervisors, by non-registered colleagues, and the multi-disciplinary team. A Registered Nurse will be assigned to work with you as your Practice Assessor and will work with you to ensure completion of the practice assessment document. You will be supported by the University team and an allocated Academic Assessor to develop your professional skills and attributes. Your allocated practice placements during Part 1 will allow you to observe, participate and assist in the provision of evidence-based care. By the end of your Part 1 placements, you should demonstrate a minimum level of skills, knowledge, and behaviours, described as: Guided participation in care and performing with increasing confidence and competence.CorePrinciples of Person-Centred Care 2024-25NUR1046Level 42024-25The aim of this module is to introduce students to a range of concepts, theories and practices that underpin person-centred care. Students will learn how the voices of the person who is receiving care, their family and/or carers are key to delivering truly person-centred, safe and compassionate care. They will explore the role of technology and innovation and develop a wider understanding of biopsychosocial and spiritual dimensions in delivering care. The ‘where, how and why’ care is delivered will be explored giving students a firm base for practice in relation to person-centred approaches to health, well-being and care.CoreApplied Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2025-26NUR2049Level 52025-26This module will allow students to develop their understanding of the concepts and principles of pathophysiology, the biological basis of acute illness and related pharmacological management and support. Students will explore pathophysiological processes and the key sciences which underpin clinical decision-making in all aspects of healthcare. This will allow students to develop their knowledge base and apply these concepts within their own field of nursing practice.CoreChildren and Young People’s Mental Health and Well-being 2025-26NUR2050Level 52025-26CoreComplex Care in Mental Health 2025-26NUR2052Level 52025-26CoreNursing Practice 2 2025-26NUR2047Level 52025-26The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to undertake practice learning in a safe, supported, and appropriate environment in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) standards. During this module, you can have practice learning opportunities that allow you to ‘meet the professional values, communication, and relationship management skills and nursing skills to meet specific aspects of the standards of proficiency for registered nurses’ (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018, p.13). You are able to attend placements where you will be a supernumerary member of the team. You will be supported by registered professionals who will act as practice supervisors, by non-registered colleagues, and the multi-disciplinary team. A Registered Nurse will be assigned to you as your Practice Assessor and will work with you to ensure completion of the practice assessment document. You will be supported by the University team and an allocated Academic Assessor to develop your professional skills and attributes. Your allocated practice placements during Part 2 will allow you to observe, participate, and assist in the provision of evidence-based care. By the end of your Part 2 placements, you should be able to demonstrate a minimum level of skills, knowledge, and behaviours, described as: Active participation in care with minimal guidance and performing with increasing confidence and competence.CoreResearch in Nursing 2025-26NUR2046Level 52025-26The aim of this module is to further your knowledge and understanding of the research process and its use in the development of innovative evidence-based practice. The Nursing and Midwifery Council Code (2018, p.10) states that nurses must “always practice in line with the best available evidence” and must “make sure that any information or advice given is evidence-based”. To comply with the NMC Code, you must understand how research underpins and informs the development of contemporary evidence-based practice. Completion of this module will allow you to build on your knowledge and understanding of research and evidence-based practice gained during year 1.CoreCrisis and relapse management in mental health 2026-27NUR3062Level 62026-27This module will allow students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the care of people who are mentally ill, recognising signs, symptoms and presentations that indicate relapse or deterioration in an individual. Students will learn how to undertake and interpret complex assessments and use of early warning indicators. They will be equipped with knowledge and skills to support their actions and decision-making in a deteriorating clinical situation. Students will also further develop their communication skills to support escalation and emergency situations. Students will explore the role of the multidisciplinary team through a range of interventions including the use of the Mental Health Act 1983, amended 2007. This module will also equip students to consider safe discharge to promote empowerment.CoreDissertation (Nursing) 2026-27NUR3056Level 62026-27The dissertation module is designed to consolidate all the problem identification, enquiry, analysis and critical thinking skills you have gained during your time on the programme. With the support of your dissertation supervisor, you will identify a clinically focused topic, develop a research question, and undertake a review of the existing literature, with the aim of making recommendations for practice, based on your critical appraisal of the evidence base and synthesis of your findings.CoreLeading and Co-ordinating Care 2026-27NUR3060Level 62026-27This module aims to further develop your team, management, and leadership knowledge and skills. You will be supported to develop your understanding of different leadership styles and how you can implement this in practice. You can also develop skills in how to supervise others and to prepare for your role as a practice supervisor for students in a practice learning environment. You are able to interact with core professional knowledge to understand the sources of professional support and accountability – understanding and reflecting on topical communications from national nurse leadership. You will consider aspects such as major and critical incidents, governance, the principles of health economics and their relevance to healthcare resource allocation, as well as preparation for your role as an accountable registrant.CoreMedicines Management 2026-27NUR3057Level 62026-27This module will provide students with an enhanced knowledge and understanding of their responsibilities as a registrant in relation to medicines management. Students will share learning within the wider cohort (across different fields of nursing) and will also investigate specific medicines in more detail. Medicines optimisation, professional roles and responsibilities and the complexity of medicines will be reviewed alongside revisiting aspects of medicines management such as concordance and working with others.CoreNursing Practice 3 2026-27NUR3059Level 62026-27The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to undertake practice learning in a safe, supported, and appropriate environment in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) standards. During this module, you will have practice learning opportunities that allow you to ‘meet the professional values, communication, relationship management skills, and nursing skills to meet specific aspects of the standards of proficiency for registered nurses’ (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018, p.13). You can attend placements where you will be a supernumerary member of the team. You will be supported by registered professionals who will act as practice supervisors, by non-registered colleagues, and the multi-disciplinary team. A Registered Nurse will be assigned to work with you as your Practice Assessor and will work with you to ensure completion of the practice assessment document. You will be supported by the University team and an allocated Academic Assessor to develop your professional skills and attributes. Your allocated practice placements during Part 3 will allow you to observe, participate and assist in the provision of evidence-based care. By the end of your Part 3 placements, you should demonstrate a high level of skills, knowledge, and behaviours, described as: Practising independently with minimal supervision and leading and co-ordinating care with confidence.Core

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

How you are assessed

The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include written assignments, presentations, workbooks, and practical observations. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year.

Accredited Programme

This course is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and enables you to register as a qualified nurse upon graduation. You'll be required to complete competencies for nursing in practice as part of the NMC Future Nursing: Standards framework for Nursing and Midwifery (2018).

More Information
Accreditation logo for NMC

Placements

Work placements are designed to prepare you to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing clinical environment, whether this be a hospital, GP surgery, or community healthcare setting. All students will be allocated placement opportunities across a wide range of clinical settings, to allow them to experience care delivery within different environments, and to understand the varied aspects of a nurse's role. Please note, you'd be responsible for travel, accommodation, and general living costs relating to placements.

Placement expenses for travel, accommodation may be reimbursed by NHS Bursaries where, for example, the requirement exceeds that of attending university; requires transport out of normal operating hours; or requires additional accommodation to that of the usual term time location. These expenses may need to be covered initially by the student before any applicable reimbursement is received.

BSc Nursing Apprenticeship (18-month Pathway)

The School of Health and Social Care works with employers to provide employees with the opportunity to study for an undergraduate BSc (Hons) Nursing degree through an apprenticeship route, funded by the Government and your employer. This route enables Accredited Prior Learning (APL) to be applied if evidence can be provided of 120 credits (Level 4) and 60 credits (Level 5), along with evidence of 1,150 practice hours. We would recommend that you discuss your individual requirements with us prior to application to ensure that this option is the right pathway for you. You can find out more about this apprenticeship online.

Nursing at Lincoln has given me the opportunity to develop academically, practically, and professionally when working in different mental health services.

What Can I Do with a Mental Health Nursing Degree?

Graduates have progressed to nursing roles in a range of diverse health and social care settings, from acute nursing to community care, or in education, research, and health management. Some have gone on to further study at postgraduate level.

Entry Requirements 2024-25

United Kingdom

104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels.

International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma from a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.

Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, Maths and Science, or equivalent qualifications, such as Functional Skills Level 2.

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc.

Certificates of all previous qualifications will need to be provided before any offers are confirmed.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

We may consider work experience alongside academic qualifications and will review this on and individual basis.

Other requirements include:

- This course is not open for overseas applicants.
- In order to be eligible to apply, applicants born outside of the UK must have settled residential status.
- If you are now settled in the UK, and do not have GCSE English, you will require English Language IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each element: http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/englishrequirements
- Successful performance at an interview
- Knowledge of contemporary health and social care issues, and the nature of nursing in a public health context
- Understanding of written material and can communicate clearly and accurately in written and spoken English
- Satisfactory completion of Occupational Health Check
- Satisfactory completion of an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

When you choose Nursing in your UCAS application, you will be asked an additional question regarding criminal convictions. Here you must declare all spent and unspent criminal convictions including (but not limited to) cautions, reprimands, final warnings, bind over orders or similar and details of any minor offences, fixed penalty notices, penalty notices for disorder, ASBOs or VOOs.

We do not accept deferred applications for Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science or Social Work. You must apply in the year you wish to start the programme.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

Self-funded Applications

To apply for this course as a self-funded student you will need to submit an application through our online application system using the button below. 

Apply Now

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course -Specific Funding and Bursaries

From September 2023, pre-registration undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare students can apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF).

If eligible, you will receive:
- A training grant of £5,000 GBP per academic year.
- Increased parental support of £2,000 GBP, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs.
- Increased money back for excess travel and temporary accommodation costs (Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses) while you're on your practice placement.
- Students experiencing financial hardship (Exceptional Support Fund).

For more information and to see your eligibility, visit: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf

Please note, this government bursary is available to Home students only. Details on scholarships and bursaries available to Overseas and EU students can be found online: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/scholarshipsandbursaries/

Please note that International students will not be eligible for support for travel and accommodation.

Course -Specific Additional Costs

Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs relating to placements.

Placement expenses for travel, accommodation may be reimbursed by NHS Bursaries where, for example, the requirement exceeds that of attending university; requires transport out of normal operating hours; or requires additional accommodation to that of the usual term time location. These expenses may need to be covered initially by the student before any applicable reimbursement is received.

The current rates for reimbursement can be found here: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf/travel-and-dual-accommodation-expenses

Find out More by Visiting Us

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

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The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.