BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship Programme)

This Nursing Degree Apprenticeship will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours necessary for registration as a Mental Health Nurse. The course spans a 48-month period. At the University of Suffolk, we employ a block teaching format, completing each module before advancing to the next.Given that nursing is an ever-evolving profession, a crucial facet of this course involves honing the ability to adapt to new situations and cultivate resilience as a practitioner. The course is divided into theoretical (50%) and practical components (50%). A blended learning approach encompasses both face-to-face teaching and online virtual learning components. Practice learning unfolds across a spectrum of clinical placements within the Suffolk region.The course's design stems from a close collaborative relationship among the University of Suffolk, local Service Partners, and Service Users. Its objective is to nurture your growth to fulfil the criteria for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Registered Mental Health Nurse. This entails embodying appropriate values, possessing requisite knowledge, and demonstrating essential skills in accordance with the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship Standard. Moreover, it involves viewing learning as a lifelong commitment and assuming responsibility for professional leadership and management, both in clinical practice and other suitable contexts.The curriculum has been crafted to adapt to evolving needs, developments, priorities, and requirements, in health, healthcare practice, and education. Graduates will understand the expectation to provide exceptional care within various environments, acknowledging the opportunities and challenges of change. This curriculum also emphasises the leadership role of newly qualified nurses, fostering the necessary skills and motivation.Students consistently share that they undergo transformative personal journeys during the course. The experiences gained are unique to the profession, granting privileged insight into pivotal moments in people's lives. To excel, you must be willing to challenge assumptions, your own as well as others, and consistently question the rationales behind your practice. University education and placement experiences facilitate the acquisition and application of these skills, eventually preparing you to become an autonomous practitioner.This Mental Health Nursing Degree Apprenticeship is offered only to students undertaking the course as part of their employment.Career Opportunities
Upon successful course completion, apprentices will receive a BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing and can register the award with the NMC. This enables work across the UK's NHS, private, or voluntary sectors. The Registered Nurse: Mental Health qualification is recognized internationally, with varying requirements. Mental health nurses serve in GP practices, specialist teams, inpatient, and community settings, plus research and education roles. Post-course, you'd start as a BAND 5 nurse for experience, then choose a preferred area. After qualification, preceptorship provides confidence, role-specific training, and high-quality care assurance for service users.