Primary, Community and Social Care Nursing (Mental Health) Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

This sector-leading Primary, Community and Social Care Nursing (Mental Health) BSc(Hons) has been designed to prepare you for a rewarding career supporting people, families and communities experiencing mental ill health across primary care, community and social care settings. Aligned with the NHS 10 Year Plan and wider healthcare priorities, the course reflects the growing need for mental health services that focus on prevention, early intervention, recovery and delivering care closer to home. 

If you're compassionate, curious and motivated to make a difference to people's lives, this course will help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to support individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health needs. You'll learn how to work collaboratively with people, families, carers and other professionals, helping individuals make sense of their experiences and supporting their recovery, wellbeing and independence. 

Mental health nursing involves working with people who may experience conditions such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and personality disorders, as well as those who do not identify with formal diagnostic labels. Throughout the course, you'll develop strong communication, therapeutic and decision-making skills, while building confidence in person-centred care, evidence-based practice, leadership and multidisciplinary working. 

On successful completion of the course, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Nurse (Mental Health), opening the door to a wide range of career opportunities. 

Why study Primary, Community and Social Care Nursing (Mental Health) BSc(Hons) 

* Over 95% of students on the BSc Nursing course who participated in the 2025 National Student Survey agreed that academic support on this course was high quality. 

* Alongside building your theoretical knowledge in lectures and seminars, you’ll be able to focus on your practical skills through simulation and group work at the University’s Daphne Steele Building on the National Health Innovation campus, which allows our Mental Health Nursing students to benefit from specialist, clinical simulation facilities.

* On the course, you’ll practice and develop your skills through allocated clinical placements in a range of statutory, private, voluntary, and student-led service. 

Our Public Partnership Group (PPG) and Health and Wellbeing Academy work together to support your development as a compassionate, person-centred professional. You’ll engage with service users and carers through lectures, discussions, and simulations. Their lived experiences will help to build your communication skills, empathy, and the critical thinking needed to deliver outstanding care across diverse communities. While our Health and Wellbeing Academy offers hands-on placement opportunities through initiatives like Get Set Goal and Restart a Heart. These experiences will help you build skills in communication, public health, leadership, and teamwork while making a real impact in the community. 

Students studying this course may be eligible to receive a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each year. Further information is available on the NHS Learning Support Fund website. 

Not quite ready to start Primary, Community and Social Care Nursing (Mental Health) BSc(Hons)? Successful completion of our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree will equip you with the foundation knowledge to study Mental Health Nursing.