BSc with Honours in Mental Health Nursing – 2023 entry

Duration of programme: 3 years (where students join the programme in year 1)

Award on successful completion: Bachelor of Science with Honours

Accreditation: Recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the purpose of
registration as a qualified nurse (mental health).

Location of delivery: Abertay University, Bell Street, Dundee, and placements across Tayside and Fife.

Composition of the programme: 120 SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) credits in first year, and 180 in both of years two and three. Of 480 credits 160 will be for placement modules. The programme runs over three terms in each of three years.

Students complete approximately 58 weeks of placement. Locations are across the Tayside and Fife regions.

Contact hours and workload: Students must complete a total of 2300 hours theory and 2300 in clinical practice to become eligible for NMC registration. Theory components include classroom teaching, online learning, group work, skills training and self-directed study. The programme is delivered through blended learning.

Practice components include supervised clinical practice placements (including specialist or elective placements in year 3), simulated skills practice in our clinical skills suite, and reflective practice groups. Over the course of the programme, ~26% of student time involves tutor-contact activities; the remainder is placement and independent study.

Assessment methods: Assessments include case studies, reflective portfolios, essays, posters and presentations, appraisal of research, exams and observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). Performance on practice is assessed via placement reports.

Academic staff: This programme is delivered by staff in the Division of Health Sciences in the School of Applied Sciences. Staff profiles can be viewed at https://www.abertay.ac.uk/staff-search

Core modules in the programme:

  • Placement and Professional Development
    Essential Skills for Nursing
    Introduction to Mental health Across the Lifespan
    Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology
    Pharmacology and Prescribing
    Physical Mental Health and Wellbeing
    Mental Health Across the Lifespan
    Understanding Interventions
    Interventions – Evidence and Actions
    Public Health
    Working with Complex mental health Needs
    Transparency, Candour, and effective communication in Mental Health Nursing
    Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Working
    Community Working in health and social care
    Person-Centred and relationship centred care
    Leadership and Supervision
    Future Nurse

Other modules that may be offered, but are subject to change over time:

  • ALL MODULES ARE CORE

Developments in the discipline: The content of modules may change over time in consultation with the NMC and to reflect changes or developments in practice or professional requirements.

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