探花社区

STUDY

Apprenticeship

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)
Course information table
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)
Course information table
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
Start date: September 2027
Course information table
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.

The 探花社区 has an international profile while being committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

14

places climbed in the UK for Mental Health Nursing

(Guardian University Guide 2024)
1st

for Student Support

(Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025)
2nd

in the East of England for Graduate Prospects

(Complete University Guide 2024)

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 equips you as nurse apprentice with the knowledge and skills to promote health and wellbeing through holistic, person-centred care.  You will explore health promotion principles, addressing health inequalities and improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.  You will analyse local, national, and global determinants of health, understanding their impact on diverse populations and tailoring equitable interventions. The module emphasises effective communication and behaviour change strategies to empower people across the lifespan.  Critical reflection on the Nursing role in health promotion will help you identify opportunities to advocate for individuals and communities within the wider public health context. You will be able to integrate theory and practice to deliver care that is evidence-based, person-centred, and responsive to the social, cultural, and environmental factors affecting health.

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.

Effective communication and leadership are central to safe, ethical, and person鈥慶entred nursing practice. This module is designed to develop your ability to adapt communication approaches to meet the diverse needs of patients, families, and carers, while working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Through exploration of communication skills, talking therapies, and interprofessional learning, you will critically evaluate the effectiveness of communication in a range of clinical situations and identify tools and techniques that support high鈥憅uality care. The module also emphasises the relationship between personal leadership skills and effective communication, enabling you to reflect on your own communication style and leadership approach to identify strengths and areas for development. By integrating ethical practice, literature searching skills, and principles of delegation and supervision, the module prepares you to lead person鈥慶entred practice, manage human relations effectively, and support others in clinical environments. This knowledge and skillset are essential for developing confident, reflective, and accountable nurses capable of influencing positive practice and service outcomes.

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 principle of parity of esteem is central to contemporary UK healthcare policy and reflects the commitment to valuing mental health equally with physical health across all fields of nursing practice. Despite being embedded within national policy through the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and successive NHS strategies, significant inequalities remain in access to care, health outcomes, service provision, and workforce capacity. Evidence continues to demonstrate that people experiencing mental ill health often have poorer physical health outcomes and reduced life expectancy, while individuals living with long term physical health conditions frequently experience unmet psychological and emotional needs. Increasing demand, fragmented services, stigma, and workforce pressures continue to challenge the delivery of integrated, person centered, and equitable care.
This module enables students from both adult and mental health nursing fields to critically explore the historical, political, ethical, and professional dimensions of the parity of esteem agenda within UK healthcare. You will examine the impact of health inequalities, stigma, and social determinants on service user experiences and outcomes while evaluating integrated care models, leadership strategies, advocacy, and evidence-based approaches that support holistic care across physical and mental health settings. The module prepares you to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary and service user led frameworks, developing the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities required to promote equitable, compassionate, and integrated healthcare across diverse practice environments.

Health and care services are experiencing sustained pressure as people live longer with substantial, ongoing, and increasingly complex healthcare needs. Rising levels of multimorbidity, frailty, and co existing physical and mental health conditions present significant challenges across adult and mental health care settings. Nurses must therefore be equipped with advanced knowledge, critical thinking, and holistic assessment skills to respond effectively to care needs that are multifaceted, dynamic, and often unpredictable.
Contemporary practice prioritises the prevention, early identification, and proactive management of long term and complex conditions. Key outcomes include delaying disease progression, reducing avoidable deterioration, and promoting quality of life, independence, dignity, choice, and personal control. These aims reflect a person centred, strengths based approach that recognises the whole person and the interaction of physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors.
Both Adult and Mental Health Nurses are required to deliver and coordinate complex interventions across diverse settings. Adult Nurses must manage escalating physical health needs, clinical deterioration, and long term condition management, while Mental Health Nurses must respond to fluctuating risk, crisis presentations, and recovery focused care. Across both fields, effective practice requires collaborative working with multidisciplinary and interagency teams, confident decision making, and the ability to support individuals with co existing physical and mental health needs.

Learning about service improvement projects is essential in nursing practice as it equips nurses with the knowledge and skills to actively enhance the quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare services. Nurses are uniquely positioned to identify areas for improvement due to their close and sustained involvement in patient care. Developing an understanding of service improvement methodologies enables nurses to use evidence, data, and reflective practice to address challenges in care delivery and contribute to positive change. This knowledge supports professional accountability, aligns with regulatory expectations, and prepares nurses to respond to the increasing complexity and resource pressures within healthcare systems. Furthermore, engaging in service improvement promotes leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration, empowering nurses to influence practice, improve patient outcomes, and support continuous improvement across healthcare services.

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 equips you as nurse apprentice with the knowledge and skills to promote health and wellbeing through holistic, person-centred care.  You will explore health promotion principles, addressing health inequalities and improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.  You will analyse local, national, and global determinants of health, understanding their impact on diverse populations and tailoring equitable interventions. The module emphasises effective communication and behaviour change strategies to empower people across the lifespan.  Critical reflection on the Nursing role in health promotion will help you identify opportunities to advocate for individuals and communities within the wider public health context. You will be able to integrate theory and practice to deliver care that is evidence-based, person-centred, and responsive to the social, cultural, and environmental factors affecting health.

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.

Effective communication and leadership are central to safe, ethical, and person鈥慶entred nursing practice. This module is designed to develop your ability to adapt communication approaches to meet the diverse needs of patients, families, and carers, while working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Through exploration of communication skills, talking therapies, and interprofessional learning, you will critically evaluate the effectiveness of communication in a range of clinical situations and identify tools and techniques that support high鈥憅uality care. The module also emphasises the relationship between personal leadership skills and effective communication, enabling you to reflect on your own communication style and leadership approach to identify strengths and areas for development. By integrating ethical practice, literature searching skills, and principles of delegation and supervision, the module prepares you to lead person鈥慶entred practice, manage human relations effectively, and support others in clinical environments. This knowledge and skillset are essential for developing confident, reflective, and accountable nurses capable of influencing positive practice and service outcomes.

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 principle of parity of esteem is central to contemporary UK healthcare policy and reflects the commitment to valuing mental health equally with physical health across all fields of nursing practice. Despite being embedded within national policy through the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and successive NHS strategies, significant inequalities remain in access to care, health outcomes, service provision, and workforce capacity. Evidence continues to demonstrate that people experiencing mental ill health often have poorer physical health outcomes and reduced life expectancy, while individuals living with long term physical health conditions frequently experience unmet psychological and emotional needs. Increasing demand, fragmented services, stigma, and workforce pressures continue to challenge the delivery of integrated, person centered, and equitable care.
This module enables students from both adult and mental health nursing fields to critically explore the historical, political, ethical, and professional dimensions of the parity of esteem agenda within UK healthcare. You will examine the impact of health inequalities, stigma, and social determinants on service user experiences and outcomes while evaluating integrated care models, leadership strategies, advocacy, and evidence-based approaches that support holistic care across physical and mental health settings. The module prepares you to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary and service user led frameworks, developing the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities required to promote equitable, compassionate, and integrated healthcare across diverse practice environments.

Health and care services are experiencing sustained pressure as people live longer with substantial, ongoing, and increasingly complex healthcare needs. Rising levels of multimorbidity, frailty, and co existing physical and mental health conditions present significant challenges across adult and mental health care settings. Nurses must therefore be equipped with advanced knowledge, critical thinking, and holistic assessment skills to respond effectively to care needs that are multifaceted, dynamic, and often unpredictable.
Contemporary practice prioritises the prevention, early identification, and proactive management of long term and complex conditions. Key outcomes include delaying disease progression, reducing avoidable deterioration, and promoting quality of life, independence, dignity, choice, and personal control. These aims reflect a person centred, strengths based approach that recognises the whole person and the interaction of physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors.
Both Adult and Mental Health Nurses are required to deliver and coordinate complex interventions across diverse settings. Adult Nurses must manage escalating physical health needs, clinical deterioration, and long term condition management, while Mental Health Nurses must respond to fluctuating risk, crisis presentations, and recovery focused care. Across both fields, effective practice requires collaborative working with multidisciplinary and interagency teams, confident decision making, and the ability to support individuals with co existing physical and mental health needs.

Learning about service improvement projects is essential in nursing practice as it equips nurses with the knowledge and skills to actively enhance the quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare services. Nurses are uniquely positioned to identify areas for improvement due to their close and sustained involvement in patient care. Developing an understanding of service improvement methodologies enables nurses to use evidence, data, and reflective practice to address challenges in care delivery and contribute to positive change. This knowledge supports professional accountability, aligns with regulatory expectations, and prepares nurses to respond to the increasing complexity and resource pressures within healthcare systems. Furthermore, engaging in service improvement promotes leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration, empowering nurses to influence practice, improve patient outcomes, and support continuous improvement across healthcare services.

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.

Simulation flat in the Health and Wellbeing building
Hospital wards in the Health and Wellbeing building
Nursing students
Health and Wellbeing building

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.

Your Course Team

Darren Rowell-Burton

Darren is a lecturer in mental health nursing at the 探花社区, he joined the nurse lecturing team in May 2021.

Emma Pell

Emma is Head of Apprenticeships and Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing.

Ann Teemal

Ann joined the 探花社区 as a Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing in August 2021.

Clair Piper

Clair is Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing.

Justin Hunter

Justin is Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing developing work with young people experiencing poor mental wellbeing, supporting holistic care and recovery.

Apprenticeship Funding

Degree Apprenticeships are only offered to students undertaking the course as part of their employment. Apprenticeship training will therefore be funded directly by employers or by employers in partnership with Government. Apprentices will not be required to pay any tuition or course fees, and will not be eligible for any Student Finance England maintenance support. Please see our Apprenticeship pages for more information.

Apprenticeships Information

"The 探花社区 empowered me to be better, to aim high and to make positive changes. I found people here that inspired me and supported me through my journey."

Related Courses

Neurons in the brain under a microscope
BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing

Students will acquire the knowledge, values, understanding, and skills necessary to care for individuals to enhance their recovery from mental illness and promote mental health and wellbeing.

Stethoscope
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing

Studying Adult Nursing at the 探花社区 is an excellent choice for someone looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Medical thermometer
BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing

Throughout your studies, you will acquire the skills to address the comprehensive healthcare needs of children, young people, and their families and caregivers.

Fish oil capsules
FdA Health and Wellbeing (Nursing Associate)

Students enrolled in the FdA Health and Wellbeing course at the University enjoy close working relationships with the teaching team and other experts in the field of health and care from our practice partners.

Destination Suffolk