Nursing: Mental Health Nursing (3 Years) [BNurs]
Year of entry: 2013

The BNurs degree programme extends over three years and enables students to specialise in one of three fields of nursing practice: adult nursing, mental health nursing or child nursing. Students must choose their desired field prior to starting the programme.

Students study the theoretical basis of nursing practice and a range of theories of human functioning drawn from behavioural, social and biological sciences. Emphasis is placed on the importance of competence in clinical nursing practice combined with in-depth knowledge and evidence-based decision making skills.

Clinical practice placements

The development and assessment of nursing competencies in clinical practice is a key feature and requirement of the programme. Throughout the programme, students will learn what it is like to work within the modern NHS, developing clinical knowledge, skills and confidence as a key member of the professional healthcare team.

The School maintains excellent working relationships with local NHS Trusts in Greater Manchester and the wider North West, and students will undertake a range of practice placements in both community and hospital settings. Clinical staff based within practice placements and academic staff from the School are available to support students with their studies whilst on placement, and to assist and guide should any difficulties arise.

Fifty percent of the programme is undertaken in clinical practice and students will be required to follow shift patterns in clinical placement areas where they are working. This will include early shifts starting from 7.00am and late shifts, sometimes finishing at 9.30pm. Clinical placements will usually be within the Greater Manchester regions but on occasion may be further afield. Students will be expected to travel to their placement to work a normal shift pattern.

Students will also be required to work some weekends and some night duty during the 3 years. Annual leave entitlement is set in advance by the University and is non-negotiable. However, it does include time off over Christmas, New Year and Easter.

During clinical placements, students are supervised by qualified health professionals and are allocated a named mentor. Their role is to support students in practice-based learning and to assess their developing knowledge and skills against required competencies. In order to gain sufficient time in practice, the programme is 38 weeks per year and extends beyond the normal university semesters.

The programme prepares students to practise effectively in a variety of professional child nursing settings. This well-established programme has a national and international reputation for excellence, and has produced many of the country's leading nurse practitioners, researchers, academics and policy-makers.

 A map of some of our main locations for practice placements can be viewed at the link below:

• Map of our clinical placement sites

In order to try and minimise the amount of travelling Nursing students need to undertake, from 2011, the BNurs has introduced a trial of placement zones:

• Placement zones

To provide opportunities for students to develop the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills to become visionary thinkers, with the potential to lead future developments in nursing research, education, policy and practice at local, national and international levels.

A sound clinical training combined with a high level of academic study will enable students to practise in a variety of professional mental health nursing settings.

Aspects of nursing theory and practice core to all fields of nursing are spread across the three years with the emphasis on the chosen specialist field increasing in each year. There is also some shared learning with students from other disciplines such as social work and the professions allied to medicine.

The Mental Health nursing programme prepares students with the knowledge and skills to practise effectively in a variety of mental health nursing settings. Academic study is combined with supervised clinical practice in a range of nursing settings with clinical experience increasing in each year of the programme.

As well as an academic qualification, successful students also receive a Registered Nurse qualification that allows them to practice in a wide variety of Mental Health Nursing settings.

Students are admitted to a field specific course although a significant amount of learning will be delivered across fields during the first year of the course. Field specific units will also be studied.

In year 1, all students will study course units needed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to study the academic and theoretical basis of nursing. Considerable emphasis will be placed on the biomedical (anatomy and physiology, pharmacology. Microbiology), social and psychological underpinnings of nursing practice. Students will also have the opportunity to study how research is used in nursing practice and how epidemiological and public health data can influence health care services. Interpersonal communication skills will be a key feature of the first year curriculum. An ongoing personal development portfolio will record your development during the three years of the programme.

Students will normally undertake two clinical placements in this academic year in a variety of settings (the community, hospitals, nursing homes) and these will be within the Greater Manchester area and at times the wider North West. All placements are supervised by a mentor who will assess your practice. Spoke placements (short and discrete opportunities for practical experience) will enable students to develop insights into other fields of nursing practice. Some clinical skills will be taught in the clinical skills laboratory in the university.

Equal importance is given to theoretical and practice assessments.

Year 2 of the course has a greater emphasis on field specific studies. You will study nursing intervention and evaluation, the basis of professional and ethical practice, altered pathology, applied pharmacology and health psychology. Practice placements for students will involve caring for individuals in a variety of settings.

Year 2 may typically be characterised by placements and study days. A typical week might include 2 university based study days and 3 days in clinical practice. Students will continue to develop their portfolio of learning allowing them to reflect on their developing skills.

Towards the end of year 2 of the programme, there may be some opportunity for students to opt to complete an elective placement, overseas or in a different UK setting (subject to opportunities and approval by the Programme Director). Where students opt for this they must self-fund any additional costs.

In year 3 the focus will be to consolidate learning and to build confidence for practice. Students will study medicine management and clinical decision making. A dissertation will be a key feature of year 3 and will be a student generated study relevant to their developing practice.

There are 3 clinical placements in the third year: building confidence in nursing, managing complex care and leadership and management which will prepare students for the transition to qualified adult nursing status. Increasing amounts of time are spent in the practice area in the third year.

Students will continue to reflect on their learning and practice through their reflective portfolio.

As a contribution to living and travel costs, UK students starting on NHS funded programmes after 1st September 2012 can apply annually for an NHS bursary. For further details, see: NHS Student Bursaries . (NHS Business Services Authority website; The University of Manchester is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.)

Students may also apply for a student loan. Loans are normally reduced for midwifery students as they have had their fees paid by the NHS.

You may also qualify for other grants and bursaries from your local education authority or from the University of Manchester. For information about the University of Manchester's bursaries and awards go to:

• Opportunity Manchester Scholarship

Many students are dependent on financial contributions from their family so it is important to consider what you living costs might be. For information about accommodation options for University of Manchester students, visit:

• Accommodation

Travel costs for placements can be expensive and should be included in your calculations. The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive can help you estimate possible public transport travel costs to different sites. If you qualify for a means-tested NHS bursary, you may also be able to re-claim some of your travel costs.

The programme is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the UK regulator for nursing and midwifery professions. The primary purpose of the NMC is protection of the public. It does this through maintaining a register of all qualified nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses eligible to practise within the UK and by setting national standards for their education, training and conduct.

Please note:   Students must successfully complete the course and register with the NMC within five years of commencing the course.  The five years will include any period of interruption.

Graduates from the BNurs programme have taken up a wide variety of positions in nursing in the UK and overseas. Career prospects are excellent, with significant opportunities for further professional development and specialisation.

There are numerous employment opportunities available within NHS Trusts and other mental health-care settings for newly qualified staff. A UK registered nursing qualification is recognised in many countries around the world, and therefore provides potential opportunities for travel and work abroad. The NHS Careers website has more general information on careers in Nursing. (The University of Manchester is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.)

'The best thing about being a student nurse is the friendliness and continual support, both within the group and from members of the school staff.' (Sophie May, 3rd year BNurs student nurse).

Course open days are held throughout the year, further details are published on the website nearer the time. University-wide open day information can be found at:

• Open days

The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at The University of Manchester is recognised as one of the leading research departments in such schools in the UK, Europe and internationally.

Researchers in the School are committed to conducting high-quality applied research that provides the evidence to improve care and shape services.

The University of Manchester's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work was placed top of the table for nursing and midwifery research in the UK in the 2008 UK Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

The School entered the highest number of research active staff in the UK and 85% of the research undertaken by these staff was rated as 'World Leading' and 'World Class'. This result, together with the excellent outcomes of the most recent QAA review of Teaching and Learning in the School, is important for all students choosing to study Nursing at The University of Manchester.

It means students can be assured that by choosing Manchester they will experience the benefits of outstanding teaching and learning in a high-quality, research-rich environment and a qualification of which they can be truly proud. Students undertaking programmes within the school are exposed to teaching from internationally and nationally acclaimed research active staff undertaking cutting edge research into different aspects of health and social care.

• Nursing: Adult Nursing (3 Years) [BNurs]
• Nursing: Child Nursing (3 Years) [BNurs]

BCC (including at least one science e.g. Biology, Chemistry or Psychology) and GCSE requirement which must include English, Science and Maths at a minimum of Grade C or above with the overall GCSE profile being at least 5 GCSEs Grade B or above. We no longer accept equivalents to GCSE for English and Maths.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes.

GCSE requirement must include English, Science and Maths at a minimum of Grade C or above with the overall GCSE profile being at least 5 GCSEs Grade B or above. We no longer accept equivalents to GCSE for English and Maths.

The University welcomes applications from students studying Functional or Key Skills qualifications and recognised the value of updating essential skills. However, for this programme, these qualifications are not accepted as substitutes for GCSE English or Maths.

29 points overall and GCSE requirement which must include English, Science and Maths at a minimum of Grade C or above with the overall GCSE profile being at least 5 GCSEs Grade B or above.

GCSE English at grade C or above.

B3 B3 C2 C2 at Higher. A2 A2 at ordinary normally including at least one science (e.g. Biology, Chemistry or Psychology) and must include English, Maths and Science Grade C3 or above (Higher or Ordinary).

Grades BBCCC. The School requires applicants to have gained the equivalent of GCSE C or above in a minimum of five subjects including Mathematics, English Language and a Science in Standard Grade or Intermediate 2.

Grades BCC - normally including at least one science or science-related subject (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Psychology) and must include English, Maths and Science Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3 or Intermediate 1 or 2.

Core plus two A levels at grade BC - normally including at least one science (e.g. Biology, Chemistry or Psychology) and GCSE requirement which must include English, Science and Maths at a minimum of Grade C or above with the overall GCSE profile being at least 5 GCSEs Grade B or above.

Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications. Applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all such applicants will be considered on an individual basis. Contact the University for further information.

Due to the fact that the programme is funded directly by the UK NHS, places are only available to students who qualify for 'home student' status.

Health related. Must achieve a minimum of 100 credits awarded at Distinction, 70 at Merit and the remaining 10 credits at Pass or above (including distinctions in Anatomy and Physiology and Communication Skills) and GCSE requirement which must include English, Science and Maths at a minimum of Grade C or above with the overall GCSE profile being at least 5 GCSEs Grade B or above. We no longer accept equivalents to GCSE for English and Maths.

The School welcomes applicants completing an Access to HE course in a health or science related subject. However, other factors including additional educational achievements, life experience and skills will also be assessed on an individual basis. QAA's normal requirements for diploma applicants are 60 credits with 45 at level 3 and the remainder at level 2.

Applicants must also have GCSE English, Mathematics at grade C or above and a Science. We no longer accept equivalents to GCSE for English and Maths.

Access to HE (graded from 2010)

Of the 45 credits at level 3, 30 must be at distinction grade and the remaining 15 credits at merit grade. Also, 30 of the 45 level 3 credits must be in science or health-science related subjects.

Applicants must also have GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at grade C or above. We no longer accept equivalents to GCSE for English and Maths. We also consider other factors on an individual basis, such as additional educational achievements, life experience and work related skills.

The University welcomes applicants with the AP qualification. Such applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Health Related Foundation Degrees

We accept Health related Foundation Degrees as an entry route to our nursing degree. Applicants must complete the foundation degree (Levels 4 and 5) with an overall distinction grade. Applicants must also have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C or above and ideally a Science GCSE at grade C or above. We do not accept equivalents to GCSE English or Maths. Other factors are also considered on an individual basis, such as other educational achievements, professional qualifications, life experience and relevant skills.

What information should I include in my UCAS personal statement?

Be honest about yourself when completing the personal statement. It is acceptable to write about situations where you did not achieve as well as you hoped, as you can indicate what you have learnt from the experience. If you have previously studied on nursing or other healthcare courses but did not complete the programme, please tell us as this will have been part of your personal development. You should be totally honest about declaring any previous convictions or cautions no matter how long ago or how minor the offences. Declaration will not affect your application at this stage but later identification of undeclared issues may do so.

Be accurate in relation to your academic qualifications. We ask to see original certificates or other evidence of these achievements before we offer a place. We recommend that you apply for copies of any lost documents.

Be careful as you complete your form. We receive thousands of application forms and read them all with due care and attention. Any application that is incomplete, written in poor English or contains errors will not be considered.

In order for us to consider your application and recommend that you attend for interview, your personal statement must make reference to the following areas:

1. A sound rationale for your choice of nursing and particular field (adult, child or mental health)
2. A summary of how your academic learning so far will help you to study in higher education (for example time management skills, subjects etc)
3. A statement about work related skills (gained through either paid employment or voluntary work) demonstrating the experiences you have had which could be transferable to a career in nursing (for example, dealing with the public, customer service etc). Please note that it is important that you detail the skills you have acquired (for example specific communication skills)
4. An understanding of and an ability to appreciate the needs of others (for example supporting peers, understanding cultural differences

What sort of reference should I include?

Your application should usually be supported by a reference from your most recent educational institution which may also make reference to the criteria set out above. If you have not been studying recently, you may supply a reference from an employer.

In order for us to consider your application and recommend that you attend for interview, your personal statement must make reference to the following areas:

1. A sound rationale for your choice of field within nursing (adult, child or mental health)
2. A summary of how your academic learning so far will help you to study in higher education (for example time management skills, subjects etc)
3. A statement about work related skills (gained through either paid employment or voluntary work) demonstrating the experiences you have had which could be transferable to a career in nursing (for example, dealing with the public, customer service etc). Please note that it is important that you detail the skills you have acquired (for example specific communication skills)
4. An understanding of and an ability to appreciate the needs of others (for example supporting peers, understanding cultural differences

Your application should usually be supported by a reference from your most recent educational institution which may also make reference to the criteria set out above.

Your application will be considered by at least two members of the recruitment staff in the School and a score will be allocated to points 1-4 above. Candidates achieving the threshold mark will be invited to a group interview. Successful candidates will be offered a place based on the combined application and interview scores.

All offers of a place will be subject to confirmation of residence status, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and completion of a health questionnaire. The health screening comprises completion of a detailed health questionnaire by the applicant and their General Practitioner and also a medical appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department. Failure to return this form before the start of the course may result in the offer of a place being withdrawn from the student.

All shortlisted applicants will be required to attend a group interview.

Interviews are scheduled from October through to May and will take the form of a group interview of up to 10 candidates lasting for one hour. You will be interviewed by a member of academic staff, a service user or carer and a practice based colleague. You will also be required to complete a standardised online numeracy test which will take about one hour and an English written test lasting approximately 30 minutes. The offer of a place will be based on your performance during the interview and the scores from the numeracy and written tests.

If you have a disability that you think will affect your ability to participate in any of these activities, please tell us about these when you confirm your intention to attend for the interview.

Due to funding arrangements and NHS contracts international students cannot currently enrol on this course.

All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening and an Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (completed prior to registration). The health screening comprises completion of a detailed health questionnaire by the applicant and their General Practitioner and also a medical appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department.

In order to be admitted and continue on the programme students must be deemed as medically fit for both practice and theory by the Occupational Health Department. If you have any concerns about a health condition/issue and its impact on your ability to undertake the course please contact the Occupational Health Department as early as possible in the application process.

Telephone: +44(0)161 306 5806

Email millocchealth@manchester.ac.uk

If your application is successful, the School requires you to comply with an Disclosure and Barring Service(DBS) check. The health screening comprises completion of a detailed health questionnaire by the applicant and their General Practitioner and also a medical appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department. For further information, including the process used by the School in the case of positive disclosures, visit: DBS checks (PDF, 104 KB)

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

The School aims for excellence in learning and teaching. The strategies used to support teaching and learning are based upon the best possible integration of theory and practice, linking the most current research based knowledge with clinical practice in a student-centred approach.

Teaching and Learning methods include problem-based learning, skills laboratories and computer-based learning, as well as the more traditional lecture and seminar based formats. Lectures take place in a large group with small group teaching for seminars. Some University study days may include taught sessions up until 6pm.

The practice element of the course is afforded equal status to the theoretical work and practical placements are undertaken in a range of hospital and community settings in Greater Manchester, and at times in the wider North West area.

Modules are assessed by a variety of methods including examinations and a variety of types of essays and written care studies. In practice placements, students work with qualified mentors who assess achievement of practice-based outcomes and competencies. To complete the programme, students are required to pass all theory and practice assessments.

The School of Nursing Midwifery and Social Work is based in a new state-of-the-art building housing seminar rooms, IT facilities, clinical and interpersonal skills laboratories and lecture theatres.

The wider facilities of the University are of an excellent standard, with one of the best library collections and resources in Europe.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Support Office. Email: disability@manchester.ac.uk