Nursing (Mental Health), Part-time BSc (Hons)

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Mental health nurse

Course Overview

Our part-time Mental Health Nursing degree course is aimed at current Healthcare Support Workers and will give you the skills and experience to launch a rewarding career in this diverse and essential profession.

Mental health nurses play a vital role in supporting people of all ages and backgrounds at some of the most difficult and challenging times of their lives.

Our four-year degree course in Mental Health Nursing will give you the theoretical and practical knowledge you need to provide high quality, compassionate nursing care to people dealing with mental ill-health as well as support to their families.

You will develop keen interpersonal and communication skills to prepare you for working as part of a team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, community workers, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

We have excellent working relationships with many healthcare providers, so you will have access to a wide range of clinical experiences across south west Wales. These include placements in the NHS and independent sector in hospitals and community settings.

Why Mental Health Nursing at Swansea University?

We have an outstanding reputation for nursing, and are currently ranked:

  • 3rd in the UK for Career Prospects (Assessed under General Nursing, Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • 4th in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 6th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 7th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Times Good University Guide 2026)

Our academic staff are all qualified nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, many of which are also practicing clinicians, ensuring we can provide an exceptional combination of theoretical rigour, professional insight and practical expertise.

We have very strong links with Welsh health boards, opening up clinical placement opportunities for you in a variety of settings in both urban and rural locations. Meanwhile, the nearest hospital shares a border with our Singleton Campus.

If you are a UK student who can commit to working in Wales for two years after graduating, you could get your tuition fees covered in full through the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme, as well as maintenance funding and a reduced rate loan from Student Finance.

 See our NHS Funding webpage to check your eligibility for funding before applying.

Your Mental Health Nursing experience

Our nursing programme is purposefully designed to develop safe, effective, compassionate nurses who are prepared for the realities of modern, multidisciplinary healthcare environments.

You will have access to excellent facilities, including a realistic clinical suite so you can put your theoretical knowledge into practice, in an environment that closely reflects the actual conditions that you will experience when you go on placement in a hospital or community setting.

Nursing students also benefit from having access to SUSIM on both our Swansea and Carmarthen campuses; the largest installation of immersive wall technology in the world. This unique facility means you have the ability to practice key skills and teamwork in a variety of simulated real-life scenarios.

Mental Health Nursing Careers

This programme offers a strong foundation for a lifelong career in nursing, whether in direct patient care, advanced clinical roles, leadership, education or research. Graduates are highly employable, with opportunities to work locally, nationally, or internationally.

After graduating, you will be eligible to apply for Registered Nurse status with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and to register as a nurse for work in the EU and EEA.

UK students will also be able to access NHS funding to meet the cost of training. Those who receive the bursary will need to commit to remaining in employment in Wales in the public/private/independent health and social care sectors for up to two years following registration with the NMC.

The NHS Wales Shared Service Partnership (NWSSP), in agreement with NHS Wales health boards and universities across Wales, has developed and manages a matching process under the Student Streamlining Scheme. At the end of your programme, you will be able to apply for vacancies across Wales through the scheme.

You can expect a starting salary of £28,407 rising to £57,349 for a highly experienced staff nurse. Specialist nurses and practice managers can earn £50,056.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Nursing (Mental Health), Part-time BSc (Hons)