Social Work and Mental Health Nursing

Bachelor's degree

In Luton

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Luton

  • Duration

    3 Years

To prepare students for a professional career in the field of social work and mental health nursing practice.

Facilities

Location

Start date

Luton (Bedfordshire)
See map
Faculty Of Health & Social Sciences, University Of Bedfordshire, Luton Campus, Park Square, LU1 3JU

Start date

On request

About this course

Two A levels or equivalent (e.g. AVCE, BTEC certificate, NVQ Level 3 or a recognised Access to Higher Education course).

There is a requirement that applicants have achieved Key Skills Level 2, GCSE grade C or above, in English and Maths, or have an equivalent qualification which includes an assessment of these skills (e.g. Access course).
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Reviews

Course programme

BSc (Hons) Social Work and Mental Health Nursing
Mode: full-time


The BSc (Hons) Social Work and Mental Health Nursing is a new and innovative programme. It has been developed in partnership with local practitioners from Healthcare Trusts and Social Service departments, and is designed to prepare undergraduates with the academic and professional requirements for statutory registration with the General Social Care Council (GSCC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

The programme provides excellent opportunities for undergraduates to develop both academic and professional competence through planned practice learning underpinned by subject areas relating to the disciplines of mental health nursing, applied social, behavioural and biological sciences, including aspects of ethical and legal studies, social policy and research.

The emphasis of the programme is on the development of an evidence-based approach to interventions to enhance effective team working with users of services, carers and families.

The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences has a thriving research programme which underpins the curriculum, undertaking research relating to social work for national agencies.

Students are supported during their studies by an established team of experienced practitioners, lecturers and practice educators qualified in the field of social work and mental health nursing. Practice learning experiences are also facilitated and supervised by qualified nurses and social workers within approved NHS and non-NHS care settings, in both hospitals and the community. For much of the programme students undertake these experiences in areas near to the local NHS site at which they are based.

Why choose this course?

  • Contemporary learning environments and web-based support
  • Supported practice placements in partnership with NHS Trusts
  • Innovative teaching, in both theory and practice

Career Opportunities

On qualification you will be able to work in a range of health and social care settings including statutory, voluntary and private sector organisations. As a qualified mental health nurse you will be able to work in both acute and community care settings.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

Through active student participation the teaching and learning strategies enable the development of reflective and critical approaches to the study of social work and mental health nursing. Students develop effective communication skills in a variety of modes, construct and present arguments coherently, and develop independent learning skills for continuing and lifelong learning in their chosen career. A wide range of teaching and learning methods are utilised to include lectures, discussions, group work on case studies and scenarios, seminars and debates. Learning is supported through the use of appropriate visual aids, videos, and simulation exercises. Learning is also enhanced by the use of BREO (Bedfordshire Resources for Education Online), personal lecturer support, peer support and practice learning. Students also undertake self-directed study.

Assessment

The assessment methods have been carefully chosen and provide an assessment scheme, which effectively reflects the programme philosophy, overall aims and objectives, and integrates theory and practice. To support students learning and assessment of theory and practice, students are encouraged to compile and maintain a portfolio from the commencement of the programme. This strategy provides a sound base for enabling students to develop their ability and skills for reflection on their learning and assessed performance through the programme. The assessment of theory includes the combination of a range of strategies: written reports, examinations, essays, case and care studies, seminar and project presentations and a research project (dissertation). Students receive feedback on their assessments which form part of the evidence compiled in the portfolio.

Practical skills and the application of knowledge are assessed throughout the programme. The assessment of practice experience and learning commence from year one and involve the use of the Portfolio of Practice Experience, Learning and Assessment.

Dissertation/project and research

The research project (Dissertation) module, and the module on ‘Research and Evidence-based Practice’, provide students with the preparation and opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation upon a negotiated topic within the field of social work or mental health nursing practice, related to the context of the final practice placement.

Recommended reading
Information on essential and recommended reading will be provided at the start of the programme.

Entry requirements

Two A levels or equivalent (e.g. AVCE, BTEC certificate, NVQ Level 3 or a recognised Access to Higher Education course).

There is a requirement that applicants have achieved Key Skills Level 2, GCSE grade C or above, in English and Maths, or have an equivalent qualification which includes an assessment of these skills (e.g. Access course).

Special entry requirements

Applicants are required during the selection process to demonstrate substantial relevant experience and an aptitude to working with people in need, for example, the appropriate personal qualities, values and skills to be a social worker and mental health nurse.

All applicants selected for interview are required to undertake a written task for which advance notice and a reading list will be provided. The selection process itself consists of a written task, group exercise assessed by users of services (‘experts by experience’) and an individual interview usually with an academic member of staff and a practitioner. Applicants are informed of the written task in advance and you may bring an essay plan with you on the day. The written task is marked by an academic member of staff and the individual interview will be scored by the interviewing panel. These scores, together with the feedback from ‘experts by experience’ form the basis for a panel meeting at the end of each selection day.

All applicants are required to declare any previous offences (including cautions and formal warnings) and, if selected, successful applicants are required to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check to ensure their suitability for working with vulnerable people.

In addition applicants complete a health check questionnaire giving permission for contact with their GP, where necessary, to confirm their suitability for training. Upon entry to the programme the Occupational Health Departments on the hospital sites assess health status to ensure that immunisations, for example, are up to date, and students are fit to practice.

As a significant proportion of the programme is conducted in Practice Learning placements, the ability to travel to placements is an expectation.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory as all students must meet the required hours of attendance as set by the statutory regulatory bodies, the GSCC and the NMC.

Theorical input is normally delivered between 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m weekdays.

Practice attendance follows the normal working patterns of qualified staff to ensure you experience the 24 hour range of contemporary practice, including weekends and nights. For example an early shift might be 7.30 am to 3.30 pm, a late shift 1.30 pm to 9.30 pm and a night shift 9.15 pm to 7.15 am.

There are 7 weeks vacation for each year of the Programme. These 7 weeks normally occur in the following periods: 2 weeks at Christmas, 2 weeks at Easter and 3 weeks during the summer (July/August/September). This vacation is set and cannot be changed.

Social Work and Mental Health Nursing

Price on request