BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing with Foundation Year

Aim of the module This module develops the foundational knowledge, skills, and professional values needed for safe, compassionate, and evidence‑based nursing practice. You will learn how the human body functions, explore psychosocial influences on health, and practise essential clinical skills in simulation. You will begin to understand your role as a nurse, apply the NMC Code to practice situations, and build confidence in communication, patient safety, and reflective practice. What will I cover in this module? Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Psychosocial Development – Body systems and their functions – Lifespan growth and development – Psychosocial influences on health – Common conditions, including anxiety, depression, memory loss, diabetes, respiratory and cardiac disease, neurological conditions, cancer, skin problems, immune deficiencies, psychosis, and stroke Basic Clinical Skills in Simulation – Vital signs – Infection prevention and control – Manual handling and patient safety – Hygiene and comfort care – Introduction to medicines administration Professional Values and Identity – Applying the NMC Code – Compassion, respect, integrity – Reflective practice – Dignity and advocacy Communication Skills – Active listening and empathy – Communicating with patients, families, and the MDT Legal and Ethical Foundations – Consent and capacity – Duty of candour – Safeguarding Clinical Documentation Standards – Nursing process – Accurate record‑keeping – Legal aspects of documentation – Safe use of electronic health records – Confidentiality and data protection Evidence‑Based Practice (EPB) – What is EBP? – Research and guidelines – Using evidence to inform care Simulation‑Based Learning – Orientation to simulation – Scenario‑based learning – Feedback and debriefing – Building confidence through practice

Aim of the module    This module will enable you to understand the professional standards and values that guide nursing practice, reflect on your own behaviours, and develop effective communication skills for building trust, sharing information clearly, and working collaboratively. You’ll learn how these principles support patient safety, person-centred care, and teamwork in healthcare settings. What will I cover in this module?  Professional Standards and Regulatory Frameworks Introduction to professional standards in nursing practice Overview of regulatory bodies and their roles (e.g. nursing councils, healthcare regulators) Legal and ethical principles: confidentiality, consent, accountability Professional boundaries and scope of practice Escalation of concerns and whistleblowing Personal Values and Professional Identity Exploring personal values and their influence on behaviour Professional attitudes: empathy, respect, integrity, accountability Reflective practice and self-awareness Developing a professional identity in nursing Able to communicate effectively in digital media, while managing digital identity, reputation, wellbeing and safety on social media platforms. Communication in Nursing Practice Principles of effective communication: verbal, non-verbal, written Active listening, empathy, and therapeutic communication Communicating with diverse populations and across cultures Barriers to communication and strategies to overcome them Understand the legal, ethical and security requirements around using and collecting data, in line with confidentiality guidance. Communication for Person-Centred and Collaborative Care Building trust and therapeutic relationships Interprofessional communication and teamwork Documentation and handover as communication tools Communication approaches to support person-centred care

Aim of the module This module introduces the art and science of Mental Health nursing. You will explore bio-psycho-social factors influencing health and wellbeing, including the impact upon the person, their family and carers. This module will combine the science of evidence-based care with the art of compassionate practice.  What will I cover in the module? Evidence-Based Practice and Academic Foundations Introduction to evidence-based practice in mental health nursing? Finding and using credible sources (e.g., NICE guidelines, clinical research, policy documents) Introduction to academic writing, referencing, and critical reading Applying evidence to support safe and effective nursing care Working with communities to support health lifestyles and prevent illness Professional Values and Identity Compassion, respect, and integrity in mental health nursing care Advocacy, inclusion and person-centred care. Building and maintaining professional boundaries and collaborative relationships with individuals and their families/carers Reflective practice and understanding the role of the Mental health Nurse. The Art of Mental health Nursing Listening and responding to the lived experience of individuals, families and carers, Biopsychosocial factors impacting health and wellbeing Cultural, ethical, and legal considerations in mental health nursing practice Fostering empathy and dignity while promoting effective and supportive communication in mental health nursing care.

Aim of the module This module develops clinical skills and decision‑making through simulation‑based learning in mental health nursing. Building on first‑year foundations, it uses realistic scenarios to support application of theory to practice, delivery of safe and compassionate care, and development of communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and professional behaviour through feedback and reflection. Module content Recognition and Response to Psychological Distress and Cognitive Change Recognition and response to mental health deterioration, including suicide risk, psychosis, and cognitive change; understanding altered cognition and related pathophysiology; use of structured tools including mental state examination and risk assessment; and trauma‑informed communication to maintain safety, dignity, and therapeutic relationships, including de‑escalation. Clinical Reasoning and Decision‑Making Mental health and suicide risk assessment; prioritisation, care planning, and evaluation using person‑centred and recovery‑focused approaches; digital documentation and decision‑support systems; and reflective practice to support clinical judgement. Professional Accountability and Ethical Practice Professional boundaries and therapeutic relationships; ethical decision‑making relating to consent, capacity, restrictive interventions, safeguarding, and confidentiality; interprofessional working, advocacy, and rights‑based care. Policy, Law, and Standards Key legislation including the Mental Health Act (1983/2007), Mental Capacity Act (2005), and Human Rights Act (1998); legal responsibilities of mental health nurses; and the impact of policy and governance on care delivery. Simulation‑Based Learning and Reflection Simulation scenarios addressing crisis response, safeguarding, and cognitive change, supported by debriefing, peer feedback, self‑assessment, and integration of theory, practice, and professional identity development.

Aim of the module: In this module, you will explore the legal, ethical, and professional standards that guide nursing care for individuals experiencing mental health conditions. You will learn how these principles influence decisions about consent, capacity, and safeguarding, and reflect on your own values and accountability. The module also considers legal and ethical challenges in mental health care and supports you to develop advocacy and digital skills for safe, person-centred nursing care. What will I cover in this module?  Legal and Regulatory Frameworks. You will cover the following topic areas: Mental Health Act (1983, amended 2007) and Mental Capacity Act (2005); Professional accountability and regulation (e.g. NMC standards, fitness to practise); Confidentiality, data protection, and information governance in mental health care. Ethical Principles and Decision-Making. You will cover the following topic areas: Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice; Ethical dilemmas in mental health nursing (e.g. use of restraint, compulsory treatment); Moral distress and ethical resilience Professional Identity and Values. You will cover the following topic areas: Reflective practice and self-awareness; Therapeutic boundaries and integrity; The nurse’s role in upholding ethical standards in mental health care. Advocacy and Safeguarding. You will cover the following topic areas: Patient rights and empowerment in mental health settings; Consent, capacity, and supported decision-making in partnership; Safeguarding vulnerable adults with mental health needs; Working with individuals, families and communities to reduce health inequalities. Digital Literacy in Professional Practice. You will cover the following topic areas: Safe and ethical use of digital technologies in mental health care; Electronic health records and documentation standards; Cybersecurity and protecting sensitive mental health data; Professional communication via digital platforms.

Aim of the module  This optional module will give you the opportunity to explore the complexities of long-term conditions and develop the knowledge, critical thinking, and professional values that underpin holistic, person-centred nursing care. You’ll engage with real-world challenges such as co-morbidities, diagnostic overshadowing, and health inequalities, while discovering how evidence-based strategies and innovative approaches are driving improvement in care delivery for long term conditions. Through a focus on collaboration and inclusivity, you’ll learn how to support individuals, families, and communities to live well and maintain quality of life when facing long-term health challenges. What will I cover in this module?  Understanding Long-Term Conditions Definitions, prevalence, and impact on individuals, families, and communities Diagnostic overshadowing and co-morbidities Holistic Care Approaches Physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs Health promotion and self-management strategies Evidence-Based Practice Current guidelines and best practice frameworks Integration of research into care planning Adopting innovations in care delivery across different settings (i.e. tele-health; virtual wards) Person-Centred Care Empowerment, shared decision-making, and advocacy Cultural competence and inclusivity Collaborative Working Role of multidisciplinary teams Communication strategies and partnership working Ethical and Professional Considerations Autonomy, dignity, and safeguarding Professional accountability and NMC standards

Aim of the module  This optional module supports you in developing a thoughtful and critical understanding of the principles and frameworks that guide palliative and end-of-life care. You will examine key theories and evidence-based approaches to symptom management, communication, and collaborative working across care settings. The module encourages you to consider cultural sensitivities and diverse perspectives to ensure care that is compassionate, inclusive, and ethically grounded for individuals and families during life-limiting illness. You will also explore how innovation and continuous improvement can enhance practice and contribute to the delivery of high-quality palliative and end-of-life care. What will I cover in this module?  Theoretical Foundations: Palliative care principles, holistic care models, ethical frameworks. Evidence-Based Practice: NICE guidelines, symptom control, psychosocial and spiritual support. Cultural and Diversity Considerations Cultural competence in palliative care Addressing health inequalities and barriers to access Supporting diverse spiritual and religious needs Professional, Legal, and Policy Frameworks NMC Code, consent, advanced care planning, DNACPR decisions Mental Capacity Act, advance directives, legal documentation National and local policy frameworks for end-of-life care Communication: Breaking bad news, shared decision-making, cultural sensitivity. Collaboration: MDT roles, interprofessional working, coordination of services. Reflection & Resilience: Compassion fatigue, self-care, professional accountability.

Aim of the module  In this optional module, you will develop your understanding of vulnerability and safeguarding and learn how to apply evidence-based approaches to protect vulnerable people in complex safeguarding situations. You will explore risk assessment principles, legal and professional responsibilities, and strategies for delivering safe, person and family centred care. The module will also introduce innovative and improvement-focused approaches to safeguarding, helping you to gain confidence and think creatively about solutions to enhance safe and effective nursing care in different health and social care settings. What will I cover in this module?  Foundations of Safeguarding Definitions and principles of safeguarding Understanding vulnerability: factors that increase risk (age, disability, mental health, social determinants). Historical context and lessons learned from previous safeguarding failures Legal and Professional Frameworks Key UK legislation Professional codes of conduct and accountability (NMC Code). Confidentiality, consent, and lawful information-sharing protocols. Risk Assessment and Management Principles of risk assessment: identifying and mitigating risks. Balancing autonomy and protection: ethical dilemmas in safeguarding decisions. Evidence-Based Approaches Guidelines and research to inform safeguarding practice. Critical appraisal of safeguarding interventions. Person-Centred and Inclusive Care Strategies for ensuring dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity. Advocacy: empowering individuals and supporting voice and choice. Multidisciplinary Collaboration Communication and escalation pathways Innovation and Improvement in Safeguarding Digital tools and technology for safeguarding (alerts, data analytics). Creative problem-solving for complex safeguarding challenges.

Aim of the module  This optional module aims to inspire you to think critically and creatively about how healthcare innovation and improvement can transform out-of-hospital emergency care. You will explore contemporary approaches, frameworks, and technologies that shape safe, person-centred practice, while developing the confidence to apply evidence-based strategies and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. The module encourages you to challenge assumptions, embrace change, and build resilience as you prepare to deliver compassionate, inclusive care in dynamic and unpredictable environments. What will I cover in this module?  Foundations of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Care Scope and principles of emergency care outside hospital settings Legal, ethical, and professional frameworks (NMC standards, consent, safeguarding) Assessment and Decision-Making Rapid assessment and triage in community and pre-hospital environments Risk management and prioritisation Evidence-Based Interventions Stabilization techniques and immediate care strategies Managing acute episodes in chronic conditions Communication and Collaboration Working with multidisciplinary teams Effective handover and documentation Person-Centred and Holistic Care Supporting children, adults, families, and communities during emergencies Cultural competence and inclusivity in crisis situations Professional Values and Resilience Ethical dilemmas in emergency contexts Maintaining professionalism under pressure Safety in lone working Technology and Innovation Monitoring in emergency care Use of emergency equipment and digital tools

Aim of the module   This optional module helps you develop an understanding of clinical supervision and coaching as essential tools for your professional development and for delivering safe, high-quality care. You will explore how clinical supervision supports accountability, learning, and resilience in practice, and how coaching techniques can empower you to improve patient outcomes. The module introduces theoretical frameworks, evidence-based approaches, and ethical considerations to ensure your supervision and coaching strategies foster innovation and continuous improvement for quality and excellence in nursing care. What will I cover in this module?  Theoretical Foundations: Models of clinical supervision (e.g., Proctor’s Model) and coaching frameworks relevant to nursing and MDT practice. Impact on Patient Care: How clinical supervision and coaching improve safety, quality, and person-centred outcomes. Evidence-Based Practice: Research supporting clinical supervision and coaching for team effectiveness and patient experience. Ethical and Professional Considerations: Confidentiality, boundaries, and accountability in supervisory relationships Communication Skills: Giving and receiving feedback, reflective dialogue, and supporting learning across MDTs. Collaborative Practice: Engaging MDT members in supervision and coaching to enhance integrated care. Resilience and Wellbeing: Using clinical supervision to manage stress, moral distress, and promote self-care. Link to Quality Improvement: How clinical supervision supports clinical governance and continuous improvement in patient care.

Aim of the module : This optional module enables you to critically understand the complexities of addiction, covering substance-related addictions (such as alcohol, drugs, and medication); and behavioural addictions (such as gambling, gaming, hoarding and digital dependency), and their impact on children, adults, families, and communities. You will explore theoretical frameworks, evidence-based interventions, and ethical considerations to deliver person and family centred care aligned with NMC standards, while fostering innovation and improvement in nursing practice. What will I cover in this module?  Types of Addiction: Substance-related: alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, prescription medication misuse. Behavioural addictions: gambling, gaming, internet use, shopping, hoarding. Theoretical Models: Biopsychosocial model, disease model, harm reduction approach, recovery-oriented practice. Impact of Addiction: Physical health consequences, mental health comorbidities, social and economic effects on families and communities. Perinatal effects of addiction, including foetal and infant development. Evidence-Based Interventions: Motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural strategies, relapse prevention, harm reduction techniques. Core Nursing Interventions and Professional Practice: Screening and assessment. Health education and promoting self-management. Supporting detoxification and medication-assisted treatment. Advocacy and reducing stigma in care delivery. Coordinating care and referrals to specialist services. Managing personal biases, emotional resilience, and professional boundaries. Ethical and Legal Considerations: Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children, consent, confidentiality. Communication Skills: Building trust, managing disclosure, supporting families. MDT Collaboration: Working with mental health teams, social services, voluntary sector, and addition specialists.

Aim of the module   This optional module aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the health concerns that shape care on a global scale. It will enable you to examine major public health challenges and their impact on individuals, families, and communities, including health inequalities, social determinants, and the global burden of disease. Ethical decision-making will underpin the module, preparing you to deliver compassionate, inclusive, and accountable care in diverse global contexts. What will I cover in this module?  Global Health Frameworks and Policy: WHO strategies, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Universal Health Coverage and relevance to nursing practice. Determinants of Health: Social, economic, environmental, and political factors influencing health outcomes globally. Global Burden of Disease: Communicable diseases (HIV, TB, malaria), Non-communicable diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease), Emerging health threats (pandemics, antimicrobial resistance). Health Inequalities and Equity: Impact on individuals, families, and communities; strategies to reduce disparities in access and outcomes. Nurse’s Role in Global Health: Delivering culturally competent, person-centred care in diverse settings. Health education and promotion for disease prevention and lifestyle change. Vaccination programs and outbreak response. Advocating for vulnerable populations and addressing health literacy. Evidence-Based Interventions: Screening, Early detection, Community-based care models. Ethical and Legal Considerations: Human rights, consent, and safeguarding in global health contexts. Communication and Collaboration: Working across cultures and languages; Understanding personal biases, Cultural humility, Professional accountability in global health nursing. MDT and interagency partnerships in global health initiatives.

Aim of the module  In this optional module, you will explore innovative and evidence-based approaches to improving care for individuals experiencing traumatic loss and bereavement. You will critically engage with models of grief and bereavement, examine the psychological impact of trauma and consider how these insights can drive improvements in practice. You will learn to navigate complex contexts such as sudden death, suicide, perinatal loss, and disaster-related bereavement, while developing cultural competence to support diverse mourning practices. Through this, you will discover how innovation can enhance person-centred care and ethical decision-making. What will I cover in this module?  Theoretical Foundations Models of grief and bereavement Psychological Impact: Trauma responses, PTSD, complicated grief, and mental health implications. Traumatic Loss Contexts: Sudden death, suicide, homicide, perinatal loss, young sibling or parental loss; disaster-related bereavement. Cultural and Spiritual Dimensions: Diverse mourning practices, cultural competence in bereavement care. Evidence-Based Interventions: Crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, referral pathways for specialist support. Communication Skills: Breaking bad news, supporting families, managing emotional distress. MDT Collaboration: MDT roles in bereavement care and referral pathways Reflective Practice (self-care): Managing emotional impact, and self-care, resilience strategies, supervision for staff wellbeing.

Aim of the module This module enables final‑year student nurses to consolidate and refine clinical skills through simulation and skills bootcamps in preparation for professional practice. You will engage in realistic scenarios of increasing complexity reflecting the responsibilities and expectations of mental health nursing across settings. Simulation and bootcamps offer a safe environment to practise assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care. The module strengthens clinical judgement, therapeutic communication, advocacy, and leadership, building confidence, autonomy, and readiness for independent decision‑making and transition to NMC‑registered practice. What will I cover in this module? Advanced Psychological Assessment and Interpretation Recognition and interpretation of complex mental health presentations; application of advanced knowledge of psychosis, mood and personality disorders, trauma‑related conditions, and dual diagnosis; assessment of suicide risk and suicidal ideation; use of structured tools such as MSE, HoNOS, and risk management frameworks. Clinical Reasoning and Recovery‑Focused Care Prioritisation and planning in acute, crisis, and community mental health settings; evaluation of care using person‑centred and recovery‑oriented models; use of digital documentation and therapeutic interventions; reflective practice to support ethical decision‑making. Leadership, Professional Identity, and Advocacy Leading therapeutic and team‑based care; delegation and prioritisation in complex or crisis situations; coordination across mental health services; providing constructive feedback and appropriate challenge; managing ethical dilemmas (e.g. consent and restrictive practices); reflection on emotional resilience and readiness for registration; addressing stigma, promoting inclusive practice, and responding to lived experience within simulated case studies.

Aim of the Module: This module develops the knowledge, skills and values required to lead with integrity in mental health nursing. You will explore leadership theories, healthcare policy and evidence‑based strategies, applying ethical decision‑making frameworks to influence positive change. Emphasising integrity, accountability and leadership, the module prepares you to deliver safe, effective, person‑centred care and to improve quality and patient safety within interprofessional teams. What Will I Cover? Leadership Theory and Strategy in Mental Health Nursing You will examine leadership models, including transformational, authentic and systems leadership, and apply them in mental health settings. The module develops strategic thinking and influence across inpatient, community and crisis services, and explores distinctions between leadership and management roles. Ethical Leadership in Mental Health Nursing You will explore values‑based leadership, moral courage and ethical decision‑making, alongside reflective practice and emotional intelligence. The module supports navigation of ethical dilemmas, autonomy and consent in mental health contexts. Policy, Power and Influence in Mental Health Services Content includes NHS mental health policy and integrated care systems, organisational culture, stigma and systems thinking. You will apply knowledge of finance, resource allocation and safe staffing, and lead for equity, inclusion and human rights. Collaboration and Communication You will develop interprofessional leadership skills, understanding team dynamics, conflict resolution, de‑escalation and negotiation in high‑pressure environments, and lead through therapeutic communication, presence and advocacy. Change, Innovation and Improvement The module addresses quality improvement, service transformation, digital mental health and technology‑enhanced care, while building resilience, adaptability and psychological safety in leadership.

Aim of the module This module prepares you for autonomous professional practice as a Registered Mental Health nurse. It focuses on leadership, complex decision-making, facilitating learning of others and advancing clinical skills. You will demonstrate proficiency in coordinating care, managing risk, and leading quality improvement initiatives, ensuring readiness for registration and transition to practice. What will I cover in the module? This is a practice module comprising placement learning. Your practice will be continuously assessed using the Practice Assessment Document (EPAD), through which you will demonstrate consistent achievement of NMC‑defined proficiencies, effective communication, professional judgement, responsibility and autonomy appropriate to entry to the profession. Successful reflection, feedback, and assessment processes will support your progression through Part Three, culminating in readiness for professional practice and entry to the register.