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Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Nursing (Mental Health) with Integrated Foundation Year
Our Integrated Foundation Course prepares you for a nursing degree by exploring modern biology, healthcare, and nursing science. With experiential learning, early intensive assessment, and feedback, it enhances understanding of health services.
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
Simulation and support
At Plymouth, our cutting-edge simulation suites let you immerse yourself in healthcare environments, so you can confidently practise complex clinical scenarios in a safe and supportive setting.
Real experience where it matters
You will gain diverse practical experience by working with healthcare providers across coastal and rural communities in the South West, giving you first-hand knowledge of challenges in healthcare, working as a valued member of the team.
Shape future healthcare
You'll get the opportunity to study with students from other healthcare professions, giving you insight into how real teams come together to care for people. Play your part in shaping contemporary healthcare initiatives and latest research to shape the future of mental health.
About
Our Integrated foundation course prepares you for the undergraduate degree in nursing. Through a focussed learning experience, you will examine the science and practice of modern human biology, biomedical/healthcare and nursing science. With a focus on experiential learning, intensive and early assessment with rapid feedback this course will support your learning and understanding of the broad spectrum of health services and how they interlink across the NHS.
Miss Sarah Howes
Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing (Education)
Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing (Education)
What is a foundation year?
A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
Further information on
University of Plymouth courses with Foundation years
.
A foundation year is for you if...
- You would like to build your confidence to study at university level.
- You want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
- Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
- You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
- You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
- You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
This course is for you if...
you're committed to making a profound impact on individuals' mental health
you are good at building relationships with empathy
you're keen to develop clinical and communication skills for mental health care
you're a team player ready to shape positive change for people through healthcare
Details
Progression routes
This programme offers an opportunity to gain a Bachelor of Nursing starting at year zero as an Integrated Foundation Year.
Students undertaking the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) with Integrated Foundation Year programme will normally progress to
BSc Nursing (Mental Health) with Integrated Foundation Year
.
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health).
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health).
Year 0
This programme offers an opportunity to gain a Bachelor of Nursing starting at year zero as an Integrated Foundation Year.
Students undertaking the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) with Integrated Foundation Year programme will normally progress to
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health).
Core modules
BHCS001
Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics
20 credits
This module will provide an introduction to microbiology and the human immune system. Students will learn the fundamental biology relating to bacteria, helminths, viruses and fungi. And also develop an understanding of how our immune system has evolved to combat infection. The module will also explore methods to control microbial contamination and therapeutic strategies to prevent disease.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BHCS002
Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences
20 credits
This module examines the role of science in addressing key contemporary issues in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences. The module aims to take an integrative approach, aiming to develop in students both a critical appreciation of the ways in which issues in Human Biology can be approached and resolved, and to develop an understanding of the skills and attributes needed for effective study of such issues at undergraduate level.
100% Practicals
FMD001
Molecules to Cells
20 credits
This module introduces key concepts involved in cell regulation including genetic inheritance, metabolism and protein expression. The important role of enzymes in the control of biochemical pathways will be introduced, as will an introduction to cell signalling. Cellular organisation within different tissues will also be outlined, enabling students to recognise links between structure and function. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
FMD002
Introduction to Human Physiology
20 credits
This module will provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Using example systems, it will emphasise relationships between structure and function and examine homeostatic regulation in these systems. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.
50% Practicals
50% Examinations
FMD004
Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning)
20 credits
This module is designed to enable learners to develop key skills required for working in multidisciplinary teams. Students will be encouraged to work with their colleagues to manage tasks and tailor learning according to their own particular discipline
100% Coursework
SOHP001
Learning Skills for Health and Social Care Professions
20 credits
This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education by developing an independent, reflective and managed approach to learning and professional development.
100% Coursework
Year 1 - BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)
Your first year introduces you to being an accountable professional, whilst developing the knowledge and skills required to become a confident, academic and independent learner. You will gain an understanding of human development, key body systems and their relationship to nursing care. A range of effective therapeutic interpersonal skills to promote engagement and helpful collaborative person-centred conversations will be nurtured within the theory and the two practice components during the year. You will be introduced to the importance of assessing, planning, providing and evaluating health and wellbeing in a broad range of contexts. You will learn and develop the values, knowledge and skills required for the successful achievement of the standards of proficiency required for the first NMC progression point. Modules will have field specific application.
Core modules
NRS410
Being an Accountable Professional
20 credits
This module will introduce students to the nursing profession, professional standards, the use of evidence and the role of social media in health care practice.
100% Coursework
NRS411
Communication and Therapeutic Relationships
20 credits
This module supports students to develop basic, person-centred communication skills enabling them to engage effectively with individuals and their families/carers utilising a range of collaborative interpersonal skills and adopting therapeutic and ethical frameworks that can be applied in health and social care.
100% Coursework
NRS414
Applied Human Biology Across the Lifespan
20 credits
This module will develop students' understanding of human development, key body systems and their relationship to nursing care.
100% Examinations
NRS416
Assessing and Planning Nursing Care
20 credits
This module introduces students to assessing health and wellbeing, it explores different models of understanding health, ill health and the interconnection between physical and mental health. It enables the student to work in partnership to plan and evaluate nursing care for a variety of health conditions and needs.
100% Coursework
NRS419
Providing and evaluating care
This module introduces the student to the values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice in a range of settings.
HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1
Year 2 - BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)
In your second year you will be introduced to research methodology and methods in order to develop your knowledge of the application of research-based evidence to professional practice. You will study the pathophysiological processes involved in commonly encountered health conditions to support nursing interventions. Your knowledge and understanding of co-ordinating care for complex health needs will be developed, as well as in relation to public health, policies and legislation. You will become a knowledgeable practitioner with an understanding of pharmacology and safe practice in the management of medicines. The theory and two practice components of the year will develop your values, knowledge and skills required for the successful achievement of the standards of proficiency required for the second NMC progression point. Modules will have field specific application.
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Final year - - BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)
Year three allows you to critically explore the concepts of management, leadership and working in teams. You will extend your knowledge around critical appraisal and the importance of research evidence to professional practice. Within four field specific modules you will develop knowledge and skills in a range of key therapeutic approaches for working with people with serious mental health problems or complex needs, and appropriate service approaches. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the ‘lived experience’ of those engaging with mental health and social care services and develop your competence in nursing clients with complex needs in a range of care settings. You will build on and develop the values, knowledge and skills required for the successful achievement of the final NMC progression point. Your final module will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to perform as a capable and autonomous practitioner, fit for registration in your field of nursing practice.
Alternative pathways
As the largest provider of nursing courses in the South West, we pride ourselves on enable access to training whatever stage in your life you decide to pursue a career in nursing.
Our range of mental health nursing courses have been designed with your career and the future needs of the NHS in mind.
Discover our full range of nursing courses including child health, adult health and midwifery.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Hands-on learning
We are committed to shaping you into the best health professional you can be. We understand that future nurses must understand the 'why', 'when', and 'how' behind their actions to ensure patient safety and well-being. This requires blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills, which can be developed during placement practice and simulated practice.
Our Clinical Skills Simulation Ward provides a supportive environment for learning new skills without the pressure to get it right first time. You can practice at your own pace with guidance from lecturers, registered nurses, healthcare professionals, and peers. Interprofessional simulation sessions allow collaborative practice with other healthcare students, providing you with the opportunity to experience and learn from situations that may not occur very often, that you will want to become proficient in.
Working in the clinical skills labs is incredibly useful and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the skills sessions. The lecturers seem genuinely invested in our learning, and this really comes across in the labs. Due to the nature of the simulation there is absolutely no pressure to get it right first time, and this helps take the stress out of learning.
Stuart
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) student
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) student
Work alongside other healthcare students
Teamwork is essential for success in health and social care and many other careers. Interprofessional learning is all about working and learning together with people from different areas of healthcare. It helps you build valuable skills for the future.
The
Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre
supports interprofessional learning, giving students chances to work with others across different healthcare fields including radiography, dietetics, dental surgery, psychology, and child nursing. By learning together, students become confident and ready to step into their careers from day one.
It is great to know how to ensure all of our professions can work effectively together. This benefits the service user and staff.
Healthcare systems always require improvement, it’s easier to know how to improve your area if you know how other areas work too.
Real-world experience
Placement experiences take place throughout your degree with 50% of your course spent in clinical practice. Our strong nursing community has built solid relationships with placement providers across the South West and we're able to allocate placements across a range of specialities in the community as well as hospitals.
Alongside your allocated placements we offer the opportunity to take a three week optional placement of your choice (which still counts towards the required 2,300 required placement hours). You could choose to gain some experience in a specialist area such as emergency care or a forensic setting, you could even choose to travel overseas; our students have taken placements in locations such as Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
My favourite part of the role is when you see clients’ lives improving. Placements can be challenging and emotionally draining, but when you see someone making steps in their recovery it’s so rewarding.
Ben
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) graduate
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) graduate
I don't want to glamourise my past, but I refuse to be ashamed. I can show others that there's hope, even when things feel dark. My scars are part of my journey; through them, I can offer hope to others. However, you must strike a balance between professionalism and empathy.
University of Plymouth student nurse Eleanor explains how dealing with her own mental health issues has given her a unique perspective to help patients.
Learn from experienced healthcare professionals
We pride ourselves on our cutting-edge, research informed curriculum which ensures that you are equipped with the latest evidence, as well as the research skills to support patients’ recovery.
Our staff are registered nurses engaged in active research, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience into the classroom, which you will apply in clinical practice.
Mrs Kay Lobo
Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing
Miss Sarah Howes
Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing (Education)
Mrs Mary O'Toole
Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing (Education)
Join our nursing society 'NurSoc'
We understand that nursing is a demanding course that makes it difficult to find time to have a life outside of it, especially whilst on placement. NurSoc is there to build a community for student nurses and provide opportunities to socialise and unwind outside of the course. We have a calendar of social events that’s scheduled around commitments to the course, and wellbeing activities designed to give you the break you need.
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Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
The University of Plymouth offers a wide range of placement areas that can help broaden your choice of jobs if you are unsure what area to work in, as mental health offers a wide variety of employments.
Laura
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) graduate
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) graduate
Studying nursing at the University of Plymouth will enable you to commence a rewarding career within the health sector. With an ongoing demand for nurses across the UK, employment prospects for nursing graduates remain very good.
As the healthcare sector moves towards more integrated, home and community-based services, the range of opportunities available for newly qualified nurses has never been greater. Our nursing graduates work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, GP practices, hospices, specialist units and in community teams supporting patients in their own homes. In addition to the NHS, there is a large private healthcare sector. Further opportunities exist in prisons, the armed forces and overseas.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
£18,650 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement activities.
Free educational resources
To help, financially, with your transition into life as a student of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, the University provides the following:
- we bear the cost for Occupational Health clearance and for Disclosure and Barring Service checks, which are a condition of any offer of a place on the programme. This potentially saves applicants in the region of £195–£245 (circa £45 for DBS checks, and £150–£200 for Occupational Health) although in some cases the costs can be much higher
- we supply e-learning resources to all students on the programme
- we supply three tunics and three pairs of trousers, for use in the clinical environment, worth circa £60
- the ‘Medincle’ medical spellchecker software is provided free of charge
- books from the Skills for Health Training Package are provided for each student.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
You may be eligible for a £5000 NHS training grant
The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students. It is supplementary financial support to the mainstream student loans system and is intended to support students whilst they train and gain professional registration. The training grant is for at least £5,000.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Secure your place this September
Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the University of Plymouth.
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
32 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English, and Science. Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics. Please note we do not accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English, or Key Skills in Maths or English, or Adult Literacy/Numeracy.
A levels
32 points to include a minimum of two A levels.
BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
PPP – Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass an Access to HE Diploma – Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.
T level
Pass overall. Health or Science pathway is preferred but any subject considered.
International Baccalaureate
24 points overall. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered. English, Mathematics, and Science accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level = 4, standard level = 5
Other
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C at GCSE level).
Extended entry requirements
- In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is required. Ideally this should be one of the qualifications listed here, but the admissions team will assess on a case-by-case basis.
- Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
- We will require an academic reference and an employer reference as part of the application process.
-
Attend an interview. - You must pass
disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course. - If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C/4 or above you will have to achieve an IELTS (or equivalent qualification) at the grade of at least 7.0 (at least 6.5 in all elements sections). See our
English language requirements . - Students must be 18 years old or over by 31 December in the first year of the programme.
Deferred entry
Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Further information
Prospective nursing students are expected to attend an interview, and complete satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare and disclosure and barring processes, before the start of your course.
Enhancing your application
Meeting the academic minimum does not guarantee you a place, you need to make sure that you are strong across all sections of your application form.
Read more about enhancing your application
.
Interview days
Once your application has been received, we will consider your application to help us reach a decision. If successful at the initial screening stage, you will be invited to an interview. The majority of health courses interview applicants, as this is a requirement of many health regulatory bodies. This applies to all Universities and is vital to the progression of applications.
Interviews enable:
- you to give the best account of your skills, experience and character.
- us to decide whether you will thrive in the University of Plymouth’s culture.
- us to explain more about the University, programme and how we work with our students.
Screening
All offers are subject to
satisfactory screening
in terms of your health, welfare and disclosure and barring processes, before the start of your course.
NHS constitution
University pre-registration programmes for health professionals are required to select their applicants using a ‘values based’ approach. As part of this process, your UCAS personal statement should include evidence of your personal commitment to NHS values laid out in the NHS constitution.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
B769
B769
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
32 UCAS points
32 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
B769
B769
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
4 years
(with placements)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Other routes to this course
If you do not have the required qualifications for this course, you may be able to gain them through the
University of Plymouth International College (UPIC)
.
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.