Of late, there has been a growing demand for mental health nurses across the UK. The result? There is a boom in mental health nursing courses. Universities are competing with each other to offer competitive courses that are specifically designed to develop the skills and knowledge needed to assist patients in leading happy and healthy lives. If you are looking for courses in Mental Health Nursing, but are not sure which one is best for you, here is a quick rundown of the best universities in the UK, with their UCAS points, and their ranks in the University League Table, and the Nursing League Table.
The rise in demand for mental health nurses
The entire nursing workforce in the United Kingdom is currently understaffed. Though there’s been a subtle influx of new Nurses in recent years, the need has not yet been met, and approximately 20% of the vacant nursing positions within the NHS are in mental health nursing. This demonstrates unequivocally that professional Mental Health Nurses are in high demand.
Mental health nursing is a rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference. Every year, one in every four people suffers from mental health problems, and this course prepares you to work with service users, their relatives, and caregivers to help them recover.
If you’re thinking about becoming a Mental Health Nurse, there are several reasons why it might be a better fit for you than other areas of nursing. One advantage is that it is a growing and evolving area of nursing that is assisting people in an increasing number of ways.
How to become a mental health nurse?
To become a Mental Health Nurse, you must first complete a Nursing and Midwifery Council-approved degree in mental health nursing (NMC) or in simple terms should have mental health nursing BSc course. To do so, you must meet certain university entry requirements. These can differ from institute to institute, so make sure to check before applying to your preferred one.
Traditionally, they are as follows:
- 5 GCSEs (minimum) at C (4) or higher, including English, Maths, and Science.
- 2 A Levels (minimum), including Biology or Human Biology.
- An A Level in Psychology or Sociology is also advantageous.
If you do not have the above qualifications, other equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Most universities in the UK now accept Functional Skills qualifications in place of certain GCSEs. Access to Higher Education Diplomas, which provide a Level 3, A Level equivalent qualification, is also available.
Best 5 universities to study mental health nursing courses in the UK
University of Southampton
UCAS points – 120 – 128
University League Table – 13th
Nursing League Table – 7th
The University of Southampton is an excellent place to pursue a mental health nursing degree. Southampton is a nursing world leader, and you will be taught by highly regarded educators and researchers. Bachelor of Science Nursing degrees are divided into three core specialisations (Adult, Child, and Mental Health), and its four-year integrated master’s programmes offer a variety of dual fields that combine two of the three specialisations. Practice placements are typically conducted in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in a variety of hospital and community settings across six trusts.
University of Birmingham
UCAS points – 120 – 128
University League Table – 14th
Nursing League Table – 14th
The University of Birmingham is another popular choice for mental health nursing courses due to its strategic location in central England. The Complete University Guide 2021 ranks it ninth in the UK for Nursing.
In the first year, the mental health nursing programme provides broad general knowledge. In year two, you begin clinical modules specific to your field of practise with a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence. “Delivered in collaboration between the university and renowned Birmingham healthcare organisations, this course prepares you for safe and contemporary practise as a registered mental health nurse and future employment.”
University of Manchester
UCAS points – 104 – 117
University League Table – 17th
Nursing League Table – 4th
With its high standards and excellent reputation, the University of Manchester ranks among the top three best nursing universities in the United Kingdom. All BSc mental health nursing degree students benefit greatly from placements alongside other health professionals. This, along with Manchester’s diverse selection of specialist hospitals, distinguishes and attracts many future nurses.
University of Surrey
UCAS points – 88 – 136
University League Table – 18th
Nursing League Table – 3rd
Many nurses recommend the mental health nursing course offered by the University of Surrey. The Complete University Guide 2021 ranked the course fifth in the United Kingdom.
With staff engaged in research and students having access to the university’s multi-million-pound campus facelift (including the new state-of-the-art Surrey Clinical Simulation Centre), it is an excellent place to begin a nursing career. It also allows you to spend half of your training in clinical placements, where you can practise your skills under the supervision of qualified practitioners.
London’s King’s College
UCAS points – 32 – 120
University League Table – 22nd
Nursing League Table – 10th
King’s College London is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, the world’s first nursing school that is permanently linked to a fully functioning hospital and medical school. As a nursing student, you will have the opportunity to work in world-renowned London hospitals (such as King’s College Hospital, Guy’s, and St Thomas’) as well as hospitals in East Asia or Africa: Website
Queen’s University Belfast
UCAS points – 104 – 136
University League Table – 24th
Nursing League Table – 6th
Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group of leading research universities in the United Kingdom. Its historic campus, complete with cutting-edge facilities, is located in the heart of Belfast, an affordable city.
Queens is dedicated to preparing students for the future and offers international students dedicated career support to help them reach their full potential.
The BSc mental health nursing degree is a three-year degree programme integrates theory and practise, preparing our students to be world-class Mental Health Nursing practitioners. Beginning in February 2024, students will spend 50% of their time at university learning the most recent nursing theory and clinical skills, and 50% of their time with one of our internationally recognised training partners in a variety of clinical and community settings across Northern Ireland.
With highly trained lecturers actively involved in areas of specialisation practise and a highly-regarded personal tutor system for student support, the university was acclaimed to offer Best Student Experience in 2021 at Student Nursing Times Awards.
Winding up – start your career with the right locum recruitment partner
No matter where you graduate from, if you have made up your mind to pursue your career in temporary nursing, then you should kick off your career with a placement partner who understands you better. JP Medicals is one such locum recruitment agency partner in the UK that has a wide range of mental health nursing jobs with exciting benefits and attractive features. Contact the team to get started with your dream career.
