- UCAS course code
- B762
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs)
BNurs Mental Health Nursing
- Typical A-level offer: BCC including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: Course not eligible for contextual offer
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: Course not eligible for contextual offer
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 30 points overall with 5,4,4 at HL, including specific requirements
Overview
Course overview
- Study at a university ranked 2nd in the UK and 6th in the world for Nursing (QS World University Rankings2024).
- Become eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- Gain experience of different clinical areas through practice learning experiences with trusts that offer specialist services, as well as having the opportunity to have a practice learning experience in an alternative setting in the UK or abroad.
- Take a course that has produced many of the country's leading nurse practitioners, researchers and policymakers.
- Have the option to add a year onto your course to complete an integrated master's (MNurs).
Open days
Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying nursing at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 529 4563
- ug.nursing@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/nursing/
- School/Faculty overview
-
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
A-level
BCC, including at least one science from the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care, Applied Science.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
A-level contextual offer
This course is not eligible for a contextual offer. Contextual offers are only available for courses that have a standard entry requirements of ABB or higher. For further information on our contextual admissions please view our contextual admissions page .
Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
- live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
- live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
- have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
This course is not eligible for a refugee/care experienced offer. Refugee/care experienced offers are only available for courses that have a standard entry requirements of ABB or higher. For further information on our contextual admissions please view our contextual admissions page .
UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
- have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
- have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall. 5 , 4,4 in Higher Level subjects including at least one science related subject from Biology, Chemistry, Sports and Health Science or Psychology.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
GCSE/IGCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including a minimum of five GCSES at grade 4 (C). These must include English Language, Mathematics and Science. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our a cceptable equivalent English Language qualifications
or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
We do not accept Functional Skills 2 or equivalent qualifications in place of GCSE English and Maths.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Country-specific entry requirements
English language requirements
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 4/C, or;
IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking and 6.5 in writing;
An acceptable equivalent qualification, or;
An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Relevant work experience
As nursing involves many skills, work experience from a range of areas is relevant - but not mandatory - to this course, including paid employment or voluntary work.
This may include direct experience in a healthcare setting and/or other settings that involve the use of communication skills.
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
As per the government announcement, all UK nursing students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back. The funding will be given to all new and continuing degree-level nursing, midwifery and many allied health students from September 2020. More information can be found on the NHS website.
Please note, eligibility criteria for the new funding will be the same as the wider NHS Learning Support Fund payable to students ordinarily resident in the UK and studying at a university in England. Find out about the financial support available to students starting at Manchester.
Find out about the financial support available to students starting at Manchester.
The Catherine Chisholm scholarship is also applicable to students from this course. Find out more details on the scholarship page .
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Please refer to the application process page for further guidance on:
- how to apply
- how your application is considered
- personal statement guidance
- interview requirements.
The following links provide further information:
Vaccination
Previous guidance regarding mandatory vaccination for Covid for courses with a clinical or healthcare placement has been paused, in line with government advice. However both NHS England and NHS Improvement view getting vaccinated for healthcare staff and students as a professional duty. We therefore continue to highly recommend all students on this course to take up their COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as they are eligible.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )
Returning to education
Fitness to practise / health requirements
All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (completed prior to registration). The health screening comprises completion of a detailed health questionnaire by the applicant and also a medical appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department.
In order to be admitted and continue on the course, you 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.
- Tel: +44(0)161 275 2858
- Email: mailto:waterlooocchealth@manchester.ac.uk
Disclosure and Barring Service check
Deferrals
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
Our BNurs/MNurs Mental Health Nursing course will help you become a skilled and highly sought-after graduate nurse specialising in caring for mental health patients in a range of settings.
You will split your time equally between learning theory on campus and applying your knowledge to practice alongside other health professionals in a range of healthcare settings .
You will receive support from both our staff and your fellow students throughout your time at Manchester, as well as from experienced colleagues in practice.
As a graduate, you'll have the choice of practicing as a nurse, going into a specialist or a leadership role, or undertaking further study, research opportunities or teaching.
The BNurs award is for the three-year undergraduate course. Depending on your performance in Years 1 and 2, you will have the opportunity to apply to extend your studies by a year to undertake an integrated master's in nursing. This will also involve an additional year of tuition fees.
By choosing to complete the integrated master's, you are preparing for career progression within nursing by developing your leadership and research skills.
The integrated master's will deliver units at postgraduate level, developing your skills in critical engagement with issues at the forefront of your chosen field of nursing. You will learn how to critically examine, reflect and develop new insights, contributing to nursing research, education and clinical practice agenda through your research study.
Special features
Superb reputation
Manchester has been ranked 6th in the world and 3rd in the UK for Nursing (QS World University Rankings 2022).
Simulation training
You will engage in simulation in our clinical skills laboratories and skills focussed workshops
Varied and high-quality practice learning environments
You will experience a range of practice learning opportunities across a range of care settings with support from experienced practitioners, including trusts offering specialist services. You may also choose to take the opportunity to gain experience elsewhere in the UK or even overseas in Year 2 of the course. All other practice learning experience will take place in the Manchester region.
Student-focused course
You will learn how to apply theory to practice through our course's 50:50 split of on-campus learning and practical experience, ensuring you receive the tutor support you need while also consolidating your knowledge of nursing theory.
Family-friendly learning
Addressing the philosophy of Athena SWAN, we look to minimise early starts and late finishes and ensure - where possible - that public holidays are included in your annual leave entitlement.
Additional course information
You will spend 50% of your learning time in a clinical practice environments gaining insight into what it is like to work within the modern health service, developing clinical knowledge, skills and confidence as a key member of the professional healthcare team.
We have excellent working relationships with local NHS Trusts in Greater Manchester and the north-west.
See the practice learning page for more information.
Teaching and learning
Our course is designed to include both theory and practice, linking the most current research-based knowledge with practice in a student-centred approach.
You will engage in 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.
Dedicated student support
We offer dedicated student support to all of our students, helping you to handle the demands of both academic work and practice learning.
See the student support page for more information.
We adopt a blended learning approach, which means that you will spend time on campus, as well as learning online, and undertaking directed study with support from unit staff. Your learning in the first year approximates to: 50% in clinical practice, 20% in synchronous learning (either online or on campus), 30% directed and independent study.Coursework and assessment
Learning is divided into a number of units in each year. The content and assessments for each unit are planned and delivered by a small team of lecturers with the relevant expertise related to those topic areas.
Unit assessments vary and include written and multiple-choice exams, essays, case studies, poster presentations and online work.
Most units of learning also include the assessment of relevant skills in practice, which are carried out by practice assessors and practice supervisors.
To complete the course, you are required to pass all theory and practice assessments.
Course content for year 1
In your first year you will examine core aspects of nursing knowledge in lectures and fields-specific seminars.
You will also develop your interpersonal communication skills, which will be recorded and monitored in your personal development portfolio throughout the course.
Practical skills will be developed through our practice on campus and two further practice learning experiences in Greater Manchester and the wider north-west. All practice learning experiences are supervised by a member of clinical staff who will assess your practice and liaise with a member of academic staff who will act as your Academic Assessor in Practice.
You also have the opportunity to undertake spoke learning experiences. These are short and discrete opportunities for practical experience to help you learn about other fields and aspects of nursing practice. These take place within your practice learning in Year 1, 2 and 3.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
NURS10021 | 10 | Mandatory | |
NURS10030 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS10042 | 10 | Mandatory | |
NURS10052 | 10 | Mandatory | |
NURS10061 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS10072 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS10082 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS10091 | 10 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 2
In Year 2 you will develop further your knowledge of:
- the application of biosciences to nursing practice;
- the development of your field-specific knowledge and skills.
You may also choose to personalise your learning by selecting two discovery units from a menu of choices (limits apply). Please see the list below for optional units.
You will continue developing your portfolio of learning this year, reflecting on how you can improve your skills.
There will be three placements in practice learning environments in Year 2, which involve caring for individuals from your field of practice in a variety of settings.
You will also have the opportunity to state a preference for one practice learning environment type within Greater Manchester that is related to education, research, or leadership and management.
Alternatively, you can undertake a practice learning experience in this placement outside Greater Manchester, either in the UK or overseas.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
NURS23100 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS23132 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS23141 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS23142 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS23310 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS23102 | 10 | Optional | |
NURS23111 | 10 | Optional | |
NURS23112 | 10 | Optional | |
NURS23121 | 10 | Optional | |
NURS23122 | 10 | Optional | |
Displaying 10 of 15 course units for year 2 | |||
Display all course units for year 2 |
Course content for year 3
Year 3 is about consolidating your knowledge and building confidence for practice. While studying on campus and undertaking three practice learning experiences you will continue to reflect on your learning and practice through your portfolio.
In Year 3 all units are mandatory, with the exception of Advancing Care - The Social and Political Context of Health and Social Care. This unit is completed by students progressing to the MNurs in place of clinical learning experience 3.
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
NURS31301 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS31311 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS31312 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS31322 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS31360 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS31362 | 20 | Mandatory | |
NURS31342 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 4
This is a 120-credit course that will involve studying a mixture of units at postgraduate level (following a bridging undergraduate theory unit in Year 3 that will prepare you for higher level study).
All units are mandatory for successful completion of the MNurs.
The taught components of the course allow you to develop your knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of nursing, clinical practice, education, and improve your leadership skills.
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
NURS41000 | 45 | Mandatory | |
NURS41002 | 15 | Mandatory | |
NURS41010 | 30 | Mandatory | |
NURS41012 | 15 | Mandatory |
What our students say
The best thing is the clinical experience and putting theory into practice. Getting to meet members of the public and make a difference to their lives is so rewarding.
Louis Southall
Find out more about what it's like to study at Manchester on the Biology, Medicine and Health Student Blog .
Facilities
We have extensive facilities in place to support you throughout your studies, including skills laboratories and workshops, as well as online resources and the vast wealth of information in the University's library.
See more information about our nursing learning facilities , or find out more about the University's facilities for all undergraduates.
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk
Students are encouraged to contact the disability support office either before accepting an offer from the University of Manchester or as soon as possible thereafter in order to avoid delays in getting help and assistance.
Careers
Career opportunities
We aim to enhance your employability throughout your time with us to make sure you are well prepared for the jobs market. 96% of our graduates go on to work or further study after completing the course.
Students completing our programme are highly valued by local employers. There are numerous employment opportunities available within NHS Trusts and other healthcare 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. Find out more on the NHS Health Careers website .
Careers advice
During the course, you will have access to dedicated academic employability staff with extensive professional contacts who bring students and NHS employers together.
Employability events
You will be able to attend a variety of targeted careers events throughout the course.
Accrediting organisations
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.