2023/24 entry
BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing with Registered Nurse Status
Why study Mental Health Nursing with Registered Nurse Status at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Join a multi award winning school - Nurse Education Provider of the Year (pre-registration)' 2021 Winner and 'Best Student Experience' 2020 Winner. Student Nursing Times Awards
- 100% of our mental health nursing graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after completing the course (Source: discoveruni.gov.uk)
- £6,000 per year NHS grant as standard for students living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland plus another £2,000 for students with dependent children
- Clinical work experience with 4-5 placements in your first year, and 2-3 in your second and third year in a wide variety of healthcare settings
- Dedicated weekly study day while you are on placement, giving you the opportunity for contact and support
About your course
As part of the professionally-accredited BSc (Hons) Nursing with Registered Nurse Status (Mental Health) at Liverpool John Moores University you will complete supervised clinical practice in a variety of settings, both within and outside hospital settings. Plus you will gain further training using our on-campus clinical practice suites.
Your key role and challenge as a mental health nurse will be to engage in, develop and disengage from therapeutic relationships with service users and their families through the use of effective communication and interpersonal skills. Your aim will be to promote health and wellbeing for individuals alongside assisting them to achieve their full potential in recovery.
The Faculty has a therapeutic suite where you will perform, observe, record and play back a variety of interactive simulations based on a range of teaching methods. Work-based learning is integral to this programme so you will undertake supervised and supported clinical practice and experience the full 24-hour shift working pattern.
Your clinical and theoretical experiences will assist you in the development of a range of skills such as communication, decision-making, critical thinking, leadership, case management and team working, all of which are underpinned by the professional values of mental health nursing.
LJMU's professional-standard clinical practice suites enable you to train on-campus using replica hospital facilities, including virtual patients. The suites show a patient's journey from a home environment through to rehabilitation. They cover a range of areas with the latest clinical equipment for simulations and clinical skills development in child nursing, adult and mental health nursing, paramedic practice, social work and midwifery. This environment will help prepare you for the rigours and realism of actual practice, giving you the confidence to deal with real service users in the NHS, private and voluntary settings.
The course has two intakes each year and applicants who accept an offer of a place will be allocated a place in either the September or January intake.
"I have worked in care since I was 18 and had previously worked my way up to be a house manager for an organisation providing specialist care to adults with additional support needs. I see myself progressing up as a nurse and going into management eventually. LJMU is giving me the confidence that I need to excel."
Professional accreditation/links
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (https://www.nmc.org.uk/) works with partner organisations to set and maintain high standards of nursing and midwifery education across the UK. The Adult nursing/Mental Health nursing/Midwifery course at LJMU has been approved and monitored by the NMC to make sure that the education and training on offer meets the NMC standards. Successful completion of the course allows you to apply for registration on the Nursing and Midwifery Register.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to programme-appropriate software
- Library and student IT support
- Free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Travel costs to placements and parking if using a car whilst on placement. However, you may be able to claim reimbursement of travel costs through the Learning Support Fund (https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf) provided by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).
Students who would like to buy extra uniform items, further to their standard uniform which is included in the course fees, have the option to do so. International experience may incur costs.
Employability
This can lead to careers in the health sector at home or abroad and in the private and voluntary sectors. There are a growing number of nurse specialist posts in some clinical areas too.
Some graduates prefer to pursue careers in teaching, research or management, or continue their studies with a masters programme.
100% of our mental health nursing graduates go on to find employment or further study within six months of graduating (source: discoveruni.gov.uk).
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
You will complete five modules at each level of study. All of your modules are Core, meaning every student on the degree will undertake them. This ensures all NMC learning requirements are met.
Reflective Practice
Reflecting on your own and and fellow student nurses' simulated clinical practice is a great way to help you develop skills, build confidence and prepare for real-world placements. To do this in the best way possible, we have invested in state-of-the-art recording equipment in each of our clinical practice suites and other teaching spaces. During specific modules, you will be asked to take part in the filming of both yourself and other students. The footage recorded is strictly confidential and must not be shared inappropriately or released into the public domain. Being professional and having respect for others must always be maintained. This strict confidentiality ensures you can be at ease and fully engage with your teaching and learning experiences. Each patient bay is equipped with two cameras and a microphone so you can record yourself completing a procedure - say practicing cannulation skills or wound dressing - and then watch it back to see how you did, spotting good practice or any areas for improvement. It's truly a transformative way to learn and hone your skills!
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules may also be included to provide you with an element of choice within the programme. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Introduction to Practice
40 credits
This module introduces you to a range of values, attitudes and skills that underpin safe and effective clinical practice. You will develop your knowledge through lectures, practice focussed tutorials and skills simulations. Interactive web-based learning, scenario, work-based learning, and practice based reflective activities will be used to further develop your clinical skills.
Inequalities and Public Health
20 credits
This module aims to support your understanding of the impact of social determinants of health across the life span. Through lectures, tutorials, web-based activities, reflective practice, guided reading, and independent study, you will develop your understanding of the importance of public policy in determining population health. You will also be able to identify principal sources of public health knowledge, and explore the relationship between social circumstances, health and an individuals capacity for self-determination.
Biosciences in Nursing Practice
20 credits
This module provides you with an overview of human body systems that inform skills for nursing practice. You will develop an overview of psychosocial concepts in relation to well-being, disease, and illness. Though primarily lecture-based, you will engage in a range of other activities including small group classes, clinical skills sessions, simulated practice sessions, online learning, and presentations.
Introduction to Evidence Based Nursing Practice
20 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce you to the concept of nursing as an evidence based profession.
Partnership and Policy for Person Centred Care in Mental Health Nursing
20 credits
Within this module, you will understand how the policy environment shapes the care that healthcare professionals deliver.
Level 5
Core modules
Developing Practice for Mental Health Nursing
40 credits
Within this module, you will understand how the policy environment shapes the care that healthcare professionals deliver.
Behaviour Change to Prevent Ill Health
20 credits
The aim of this module is to understand the nurse's role in raising awareness of risk factors and supporting behaviour change.
Pathophysiology, Pharmacology in Nursing Care
20 credits
The aim of this module is to reinforce the benefits of individualised, holistic care to understand advanced pharmacology and human body systems.
Evidence and Evaluation in the Development of Nursing Practice
20 credits
This module aims to support your development of evidence-based thinking with regards to decision-making for effective nursing. You will:
- Apply methods of inquiry to nursing related issues.
- Be able to examine the link between evidence, leadership, and decision-making in nursing.
- Be able to review processes for the safe and ethical construction and use of evidence in nursing.
Partnership Working and Care Co-ordination in Mental Health Nursing
20 credits
In this module you will examine strategies and approaches for service improvement in mental health nursing.
Level 6
Core modules
Leadership, Management and Supervision
20 credits
This module supports your journey towards leadership roles in nursing. Through interactive lectures, discussions, group tutorials, action learning workshops, private study, and practice, you will foster practical skills of reflection, personal development planning, empowerment, teamwork and leadership.
The Proficient Mental Health Nurse
40 credits
In this module you will learn a range of values, attitudes and skills that underpin safe and effective clinical practice to support your development as an independent practitioner.
Globalisation, Health and Healthcare for Mental Health Nursing
20 credits
This module enables you to support patients from different cultural backgrounds in a holistic approach to care.
Co-ordinating Safe, Quality Mental Health Care
20 credits
This module establishes how complex care can be delivered safely in mental health nursing.
Professional Practice and Coordinating Complex Care in Mental Health Nursing
20 credits
This module will prepare you for the management of the care of mental health patients with complex needs.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
You will be required to complete 4,600 hours, of which 50% will be theory and 50% clinical practice and you may have to attend sessions outside the normal university hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm. Blocks of academic study can be up to seven weeks depending on the programme plan. These are followed by periods of clinical practice where you will work 30 hours per week with 7.5 hours of theory per week either in university or via directed study.
Underpinning all aspects of the training offered is a commitment to ethical and anti-oppressive values, values and principles of the NHS Constitution and Professional Body requirements.
Work-related Learning
It will include work-based learning in primary care, nursing homes and acute settings, and give you an invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced nursing practitioners while experiencing the full 24-hour working pattern. Most of your placements will be in the local area but we cannot guarantee that they will all be close to your home.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
As soon as you enrol at LJMU, you will be assigned your own personal tutor. Your tutor will give you feedback on how well you are progressing with your studies and encourage you to plan for your educational and career development.
During your clinical placements you will work alongside experienced nurses and be supervised by practice mentors, as well as having the support of clinical liaison lecturers and academic link staff. Additional support is always available within the Faculty or from a more experienced student mentor if you need it. You could even become a mentor yourself eventually.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
On top of this there will be practical work and clinical appraisal, which will be done either at the university or in practice where you will be assessed by clinical mentors. You will be offered feedback at various points during the course and support will be readily available from your individual module tutors should you need advice or guidance at any time. We believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas that may need further attention.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Heather Kirby
Programme Leader
Heather Kirby
Programme Leader
Nicola joined LJMU in 2015, after working in a variety of roles within other north west universities, and has led the Pre-registration Nursing team at LJMU since 2019. Nicola's clinical experience is in critical care, where her specialties include cardiothoracic critical care, alongside general critical care. Nicola continues to maintain her clinical credibility through working clinically in critical care.She is a member of the British Educational Research Association (BERA) and the Critical Care National Networks Nurse Leads (CC3N).Nicola has been an accredited NWSEN facilitator since 2013 and wasmade a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2017.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
Part of the City Campus, the School of Nursing and Allied Health works with a wide range of health and social care organisations to design and deliver a dynamic suite of courses. In addition to specialist clinical practice suite facilities, you will find high quality seminar rooms, IT suites and lecture theatres, plus a café and social spaces. The School 's flagship Tithebarn Building adjoins the Avril Robarts Library. You can take a virtual 360 tour of some of our clinical simulation practice suites here.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Minimum points required from qualifications: 112
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 2
- Is general studies acceptable? Yes
- Average A Level offer: BBC
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
BTECs
- National Certificate (RQF): Maximum of 20 points
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma subjects / grades required: D*D* if studied on its own or to the total of 112 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: DMM in a relevant subject area is required if no other level 3 qualifications are taken
Access awards
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: Access programme must have been taken be in a relevant subject area. Points can be achieved from a combination of passes, merits and distinctions
OCR Cambridge Technical
- Technical Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Extended Diploma: Acceptable on its own in a relevant subject area
- Technical Foundation Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Introductory Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Subsidiary Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Grades / subjects required: 112 UCAS points from a minimum of 5 subjects
- FETAC acceptability: The following modules must be achieved at Distinction:
- Anatomy and Physiology, Human Growth and Development, Introduction to Nursing
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
T levels
- T Level requirements: Merit grade in a health/health science/science based subject
NVQ
- Are Level 3 NVQs acceptable? Accepted in a relevant subject for Mature Applicants who meet other specified criteria (see notes)
Alternative qualifications considered
We will accept the new Cache Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care Grade B or above, or in combination with other relevant qualifications.
Accepted as an alternative to IELTS is Occupational English Test (OET):
We'll accept an OET examination certificate that confirms you achieved:
- at least a grade C+ in the writing section
- at least a grade B in the reading, listening and speaking sections
Due to the volume of applications, amendments will not be accepted once an application has been submitted; therefore applicants are advised to make sure each section is completed correctly prior to submission.
NVQ Level 3 in a relevant subject is accepted for Mature Applicants only. These applicants also need to provide evidence of recent study or professional development and must currently be working within a healthcare environment for a minimum of 2 years.
No more than 50% RPL – this is an NMC requirement
Additional requirements
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Interview required
Yes. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a selection process consisting of an individual interview. This forms an element of the overall decision in relation to suitability for the programme.
International requirements
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IELTS
6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
Further information
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Reduced offer scheme
As part of LJMU’s commitment to widening access we offer eligible students entry to their chosen course at a reduced threshold of up to 16/8 UCAS points. This applies if you are a student who has been in local authority care or if you have participated in one of LJMU’s sustained outreach initiatives, e.g. Summer University. Please contact the admission office for further details.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
Please be aware that demand for LJMU's Mental Health Nursing degree is extremely high. Our recruitment quota is capped at 85 places for both the September and January intakes combined. As we usually receive around 700 applications, we strongly advise you to ensure your application is carefully tailored to clearly address all of the entry and shortlisting criteria.
We shortlist applicants based on current qualifications, predicted grades, references and personal statement. We are looking for evidence of voluntary, paid or life experiences of caring for people with mental health issues. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate a clear commitment to Mental Health nursing.
Above all, we want students who are committed to providing the best possible treatment and support to those in their care, with a strong desire to continually develop and improve their skills as a Mental Health nurse and nursing practice as a whole.
You will need excellent communication skills, good time management skills, a willingness to work flexible shift patterns and long hours. You will have an ability to combine academic study, clinical work and family/social life, and a strong commitment to study and work.
Please note: Due to the volume of applications, amendments will not be accepted once an application has been submitted; therefore applicants are advised to make sure each section is completed correctly prior to submission.
Other information:
If successful, in addition to any conditions, all offers will be subject to: satisfactory medical clearance and DBS clearance.
We will contact you directly to undertake this and further information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check
In addition, applicants will have to follow Faculty procedures for declaring any convictions after interview.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.