STUDY
BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship Programme)
| Institution code: | S82 |
|---|---|
| UCAS code: | N/A |
| Start date: | February 2026 |
| Duration: | Four years full-time |
| Location: | Ipswich |
| Typical Offer: | 96 UCAS Points (or above), CCC (A-Level) MMM, (BTEC), Pass at Grade C or above (T Level) |
| Institution code: | S82 |
|---|---|
| UCAS code: | N/A |
| Start date: | February 2026 |
| Duration: | Four years full-time |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ipswich |
| Typical Offer: | 96 UCAS Points (or above), CCC (A-Level) MMM, (BTEC), Pass at Grade C or above (T Level) |
| Institution code: | S82 |
|---|---|
| UCAS code: | N/A |
| Start date: | September 2027 |
| Duration: | Four years full-time |
| Location: | Ipswich |
| Typical Offer: | 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level) |
| Institution code: | S82 |
|---|---|
| UCAS code: | N/A |
| Start date: | September 2027 |
| Duration: | Four years full-time |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ipswich |
| Typical Offer: | 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level) |
Overview
This Nursing Degree Apprenticeship will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours necessary for registration as a Mental Health Nurse. The course spans a 48-month period. At the 探花社区, we employ a block teaching format, completing each module before advancing to the next.
Given that nursing is an ever-evolving profession, a crucial facet of this course involves honing the ability to adapt to new situations and cultivate resilience as a practitioner. The course is divided into theoretical (50%) and practical components (50%). A blended learning approach encompasses both face-to-face teaching and online virtual learning components. Practice learning unfolds across a spectrum of clinical placements within the Suffolk region.
The course's design stems from a close collaborative relationship among the 探花社区, local Service Partners, and Service Users. Its objective is to nurture your growth to fulfil the criteria for registration with the as a Registered Mental Health Nurse. This entails embodying appropriate values, possessing requisite knowledge, and demonstrating essential skills in accordance with the . Moreover, it involves viewing learning as a lifelong commitment and assuming responsibility for professional leadership and management, both in clinical practice and other suitable contexts.
The curriculum has been crafted to adapt to evolving needs, developments, priorities, and requirements, in health, healthcare practice, and education. Graduates will understand the expectation to provide exceptional care within various environments, acknowledging the opportunities and challenges of change. This curriculum also emphasises the leadership role of newly qualified nurses, fostering the necessary skills and motivation.
Students consistently share that they undergo transformative personal journeys during the course. The experiences gained are unique to the profession, granting privileged insight into pivotal moments in people's lives. To excel, you must be willing to challenge assumptions, your own as well as others, and consistently question the rationales behind your practice. University education and placement experiences facilitate the acquisition and application of these skills, eventually preparing you to become an autonomous practitioner.
For more information about the University's affiliation with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), please refer to the Professional, statutory and regulatory bodies.
This Mental Health Nursing Degree Apprenticeship is offered only to students undertaking the course as part of their employment. For more information on how to apply, visit our Apprenticeships page.
WHY SUFFOLK
1st University of the Year
2nd Teaching Satisfaction
2nd Student Experience
Course Modules
Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend', more information can be found on Why Suffolk? You can also watch our video.
Each year of study builds on the theory and skills from the previous years learning, working towards becoming an autonomous practitioner by the end of the course. Each module has been designed to provide you the student with the most up to date and evidence based practice. The NMC have set out which mean that certain elements of the course must be included to ensure you are fit for registration. All modules are mandatory and must be completed to register with the NMC at the end of the course. Each year whilst on clinical placement you will have practice documentation to complete. This is mandatory. Your time in clinical placement will also be recorded and monitored to ensure you met the NMC required standard.
Downloadable information regarding all 探花社区 courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Records.
This module aims to provide an in-depth understanding of Children and young people's health, combining theory and applied practice. You will explore the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social developmental stages from conception to adolescence, and examine the pathophysiological changes associated with common physical and mental health conditions. The module will develop the ability to recognise vulnerability and safeguard children effectively, while considering the influence of family and multidisciplinary care on well-being. Through this integrated approach, you will be equipped to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care to children and young people.
This module aims to equip you with an understanding of the pathophysiological changes that occur throughout adulthood and how these impact health needs and common conditions. It prepares you to deliver safe, person-centred, evidence-based care that promotes independence, dignity, and informed choices. You will also learn to recognise signs of vulnerability, neglect, or abuse and take appropriate safeguarding actions in the adult context. Additionally, the module explores the nursing role within multidisciplinary teams, highlighting its contribution to holistic care.
This module introduces you to the role of the Nurse and the skills needed to provide safe, person-centred care. It focuses on understanding professional practice, communicating effectively, applying knowledge of the human body, and reflecting on personal learning and development. Through the module, you will explore how your practice is guided by professional standards and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to contribute to patient care and work effectively within healthcare teams. The module provides a foundation for ongoing learning and professional growth for Nursing.
This module is designed to support you in developing the core professional values, behaviours, and attitudes expected of a registered nurse , in line with the NMC (2018) Code. You will be guided to apply your foundational knowledge and demonstrate selected proficiencies outlined in the Practice Assessment Documentation Part 1 under supervision, ensuring that the care they provide is safe, evidence-based, and person-centred. The module emphasises reflective practice, encouraging you to critically evaluate your learning experiences, identify areas for improvement, and respond constructively to feedback. This reflective process not only enhances skill development but also builds confidence and fosters professional growth, preparing you to deliver high-quality care across a range of clinical settings.
This module develops the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required for Nurses to provide safe, compassionate, and person-centred care when supporting individuals experiencing deteriorating health, including palliative and end-of-life contexts, across the lifespan. You will explore the physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of individuals and their families as health declines. The module emphasises recognising deterioration and frailty, assessing and managing symptoms within the Nurses scope of practice, escalating concerns appropriately, and working collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team. You will develop confidence in supporting individual preferences, promoting dignity, maintaining comfort, and upholding legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities. The module also focuses on effective and compassionate communication, supporting the emotional well-being of individuals, families, and carers, and demonstrating professional values in relation to grief, bereavement, and care following death.
The NMC (2018) Standards for pre-registration nursing requires that you learn and are assessed in practice environments. This module focuses on developing competence in the areas of practice covered in the practice assessment document. Professional values are viewed as an important aspect of working in practice environments and are therefore, assessed through this module. Theory hours are allocated for practice preparation; practice consolidation; e-learning and tutorial support.
The NMC (2018) Standards for pre-registration nursing requires that you learn and are assessed in practice environments. This module focuses on developing competence in the areas of practice covered in the practice assessment document. Professional values are viewed as an important aspect of working in practice environments and are therefore, assessed through this module. Theory hours are allocated for practice preparation; practice consolidation; e-learning and tutorial support.
Course Modules
Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend', more information can be found on Why Suffolk? You can also watch our video.
Each year of study builds on the theory and skills from the previous years learning, working towards becoming an autonomous practitioner by the end of the course. Each module has been designed to provide you the student with the most up to date and evidence based practice. The NMC have set out which mean that certain elements of the course must be included to ensure you are fit for registration. All modules are mandatory and must be completed to register with the NMC at the end of the course. Each year whilst on clinical placement you will have practice documentation to complete. This is mandatory. Your time in clinical placement will also be recorded and monitored to ensure you met the NMC required standard.
Downloadable information regarding all 探花社区 courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Records.
This module aims to provide an in-depth understanding of Children and young people's health, combining theory and applied practice. You will explore the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social developmental stages from conception to adolescence, and examine the pathophysiological changes associated with common physical and mental health conditions. The module will develop the ability to recognise vulnerability and safeguard children effectively, while considering the influence of family and multidisciplinary care on well-being. Through this integrated approach, you will be equipped to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care to children and young people.
This module aims to equip you with an understanding of the pathophysiological changes that occur throughout adulthood and how these impact health needs and common conditions. It prepares you to deliver safe, person-centred, evidence-based care that promotes independence, dignity, and informed choices. You will also learn to recognise signs of vulnerability, neglect, or abuse and take appropriate safeguarding actions in the adult context. Additionally, the module explores the nursing role within multidisciplinary teams, highlighting its contribution to holistic care.
This module introduces you to the role of the Nurse and the skills needed to provide safe, person-centred care. It focuses on understanding professional practice, communicating effectively, applying knowledge of the human body, and reflecting on personal learning and development. Through the module, you will explore how your practice is guided by professional standards and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to contribute to patient care and work effectively within healthcare teams. The module provides a foundation for ongoing learning and professional growth for Nursing.
This module is designed to support you in developing the core professional values, behaviours, and attitudes expected of a registered nurse , in line with the NMC (2018) Code. You will be guided to apply your foundational knowledge and demonstrate selected proficiencies outlined in the Practice Assessment Documentation Part 1 under supervision, ensuring that the care they provide is safe, evidence-based, and person-centred. The module emphasises reflective practice, encouraging you to critically evaluate your learning experiences, identify areas for improvement, and respond constructively to feedback. This reflective process not only enhances skill development but also builds confidence and fosters professional growth, preparing you to deliver high-quality care across a range of clinical settings.
This module develops the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required for Nurses to provide safe, compassionate, and person-centred care when supporting individuals experiencing deteriorating health, including palliative and end-of-life contexts, across the lifespan. You will explore the physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of individuals and their families as health declines. The module emphasises recognising deterioration and frailty, assessing and managing symptoms within the Nurses scope of practice, escalating concerns appropriately, and working collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team. You will develop confidence in supporting individual preferences, promoting dignity, maintaining comfort, and upholding legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities. The module also focuses on effective and compassionate communication, supporting the emotional well-being of individuals, families, and carers, and demonstrating professional values in relation to grief, bereavement, and care following death.
The NMC (2018) Standards for pre-registration nursing requires that you learn and are assessed in practice environments. This module focuses on developing competence in the areas of practice covered in the practice assessment document. Professional values are viewed as an important aspect of working in practice environments and are therefore, assessed through this module. Theory hours are allocated for practice preparation; practice consolidation; e-learning and tutorial support.
The NMC (2018) Standards for pre-registration nursing requires that you learn and are assessed in practice environments. This module focuses on developing competence in the areas of practice covered in the practice assessment document. Professional values are viewed as an important aspect of working in practice environments and are therefore, assessed through this module. Theory hours are allocated for practice preparation; practice consolidation; e-learning and tutorial support.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Career Opportunities
Upon successful course completion, apprentices will receive a BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing and can register the award with the NMC. This enables work across the UK's NHS, private, or voluntary sectors. The Registered Nurse: Mental Health qualification is recognized internationally, with varying requirements. Mental health nurses serve in GP practices, specialist teams, inpatient, and community settings, plus research and education roles. Post-course, you'd start as a BAND 5 nurse for experience, then choose a preferred area. After qualification, preceptorship provides confidence, role-specific training, and high-quality care assurance for service users.
Our Careers, Employability and Enterprise Team are here to support you, not only whilst you complete your studies, but after you graduate and beyond.
To find out more about our range of services and support, please visit our Careers, Employability and Enterprise page.
Facilities and Resources
The Health and Wellbeing building provides students with a variety of state-of-the-art clinical simulation facilities, including two simulated hospital wards, a midwifery birthing unit, physiotherapy teaching spaces, a sports and exercise facility and a working radiography imaging suite. The building also hosts the Institute of Health and Wellbeing Research and the Integrated Care Academy.