Mental Health Nursing with foundation year

This degree combines theory and practical learning to lead you towards professional registration and a rewarding career as a mental health nurse.

You can choose to study this course in Coventry or Scarborough.

Foundation Year
The foundation year course helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. In addition, you will also explore fundamental knowledge in areas such as anatomy, physiology and pathology, professional practice and approaches to health and wellbeing.

Coventry location: The foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from the Coventry University campus.
Scarborough location: All years will be delivered from the CU Scarborough campus.

Degree
Mental health nurses work with a diverse range of people across a variety of settings including community and primary care, charities, in-patient, forensic and specialised services.

Proficient in treating physical health needs, mental health nurses focus on establishing therapeutic relationships with individuals and their support networks. They aim to ensure that individuals are actively involved in decision-making processes related to their own care.

This course aims to equip you with the skills to respond to individuals in distress or crisis, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and advocate for the holistic health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations.

We understand that everyone learns differently, so this course will consist of structured teaching sessions which can include:
• Successful completion of this course makes you eligible to apply for professional registration as a mental health nurse with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) (please see Accreditation section for more information).



• Learn to collaborate and thrive as a mental health nurse across and within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate safe, evidenced-based care delivery.



• Study one academic module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.



• All eligible learners on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the government of £5,000 per year. You can apply for additional payments if you incur childcare costs.



• Your learning on placement will take place in diverse practice-based learning environments where you will apply your theoretical knowledge to the real world.



Why you should study this course
If you are compassionate, enthusiastic and committed, we can support you in developing the skills to deliver professional, evidence-informed care that truly impacts people’s lives.

Foundation Year
• Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.



• Provides a grounding in key areas of anatomy, physiology, health and wellbeing.



Degree
• Our approach supports you to develop a strong sense of professional identity and accountability from day one.



• Develop your confidence and skills in preparation to lead, influence and supervise others.



• Delivered by a team that includes highly skilled, knowledgeable, nursing and allied health professionals.



• Develop your digital fluency, curiosity, critical and reflective thinking.



• Access to success coaches, placement supervisors and specialist support for mathematics and academic writing.



Gain the skills and experience to transform lives, communities and the future of healthcare delivery. We aim to empower you to become a stand-out healthcare professional, capable, competent and confident in your field and role within the wider healthcare team.

While continuously developing your sense of professional identity as a mental health nurse from day one, you'll also collaborate with learners from other School of Health and Care fields, learning in an environment that puts inclusivity, diversity and dignity at its heart.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Coventry University, part of Coventry University Group, is a modern, globally connected university with a mission to create better futures. Founded in 1843 through innovation and enterprise, they continue to work closely with industry to equip their graduates with the real-world skills and creative thinking they need to make a difference.

Coventry is also a Top 5 Student City in England (QS Best Student Cities Index 2026), and they guarantee accommodation if you apply through Clearing. With campuses across Coventry, London, Scarborough, Dagenham, and Greenwich, you can choose to study where it suits you best.

They're rated overall Gold in TEF 2023, recognising the quality of their teaching and student experience. From academic and wellbeing support to their Phoenix+ programme of employability activities and dedicated Success Coaches, they’re with you every step of the way.