Nursing (Mental Health) - BSc(Hons)/BSc

You will study BSc(Hons)/BSc Nursing (Mental Health) at either the Glenside Campus in Bristol or our Gloucester premises.

The modular structure of the course combines a mixture of theory and practice. The theoretical modules facilitate knowledge and skills, which are enhanced and integrated in the professional practice components.

The study of Nursing (Mental Health) at UWE Bristol will lead you to experience caring for people of all ages with a variety of mental health issues, both within the community and in hospital settings. The course aims to help you develop the interpersonal skills Mental Health Nurses must utilise in order to initiate and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients/service users in a diverse cultural context. This is underpinned by an intention to help you become a competent practitioner who continually strives to work effectively within the cultural context of the client/service user, families and/or carers. The course will also train you able to adapt and respond to changes in society and the developments in the changing context of care. Not least important is the ability to challenge opinions, including those regarded as received wisdom or long accepted practice in this controversial and exciting field of care.

Fundamental to the role is the relationship between the nurse, the individual and also the individual's family and friends. The course strives to reflect the expectations of individuals using mental health services and you will learn to work with vulnerable people within the community such as older adults, people with substance misuse issues and the homeless.

Year one

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Communication in a Diverse World
• Physiology and Pharmacology for Nursing Practice
• Appreciating Evidence for Practice
• Foundations of Mental Health
• Making a Difference 1

Year two

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Working in Partnership in Mental Health
• Service Improvement - a Collaborative Approach
• Evidence-Based Practice for Nursing and Midwifery
• Making a Difference 2

Final year

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Promoting Recovery in Mental Health
• Making a Difference 3
• Dissertation

Plus one of the following optional modules:

• End of Life Care
• Public Health and Health Promotion for Professional Practice
• Nursing in a Diverse World
• Evidencing Work-Based Learning
• Family and Carer Work for Serious Mental Illness
• Motivational Interviewing
• Principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Mental Health and Well-being of Children and Young People
• Person-Centred Care with People with Dementia

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

The course is run on a modular basis and delivered full-time between the hours of 09:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays. Interprofessional activities play an important part in developing the team working skills expected across professional groups in practice.

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, student led seminars, group work, critical incident analysis and case studies. Support for studying is provided by academic staff and practitioners on placement. You will additionally acquire skills in self-directed and independent study, research and the key skills required for any workplace activity. The course will provide an excellent preparation for future professional development, enabling you to transfer skills across a range of professional entities.

Study themes running through the course include:

• Nursing theory and practice
• Nursing management
• Interpersonal skills
• Development of professional practice
• Bio-psychosocial development of the individual across the lifespan
• Sociology of health, wellness and illness
• Health care systems
• Interprofessional working

A number of these themes will be developed and taught alongside other health and social care student groups.

For more details, see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Computer skills are vital for your academic studies and future employment. At UWE Bristol, computing will be an integral part of your course. Many lecturers will make their notes and materials available online, and some modules will require you to use information technology (IT) to help you undertake and present your work. IT facilities are available on all campuses. At the main Frenchay Campus, there is 24 hour access to computing facilities and the School will offer help and support throughout your course.

Prior to commencing your studies, you may find it helpful to familiarise yourself with some core IT skills:

• Basic word processing.
• Storing and retrieving files.
• Communicating via e-mail.
• Searching the web for information (e.g. online shopping, booking a holiday and homework).

There is also a range of information and resources, including interactive exercises to support study skills, on the Department of Nursing and Midwifery webpages.

Assessment methods are varied and include essays, written assignments, care studies and project work as well as timed, known topic examinations.

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.