Nursing (Mental Health) - Msc
The MSc for the mental health field of nursing will develop nurses who underpin their practice with best evidence and have the ability to practise using high-level interpersonal and clinical skills within a recognised, values-based framework, which promotes recovery. As mental health awareness becomes increasingly prevalent in society, we prepare students to work with individuals of all ages, with a range of mental health experiences, in diverse settings.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time
Fees for 2023/24 academic year
-
UK Full Time - £9,250 per year
International Full Time - £19,900 per year
Duration of study
- 2 years
Please note: this course is no longer accepting applications from international students for September 2023 entry
Why study Nursing (Mental Health) at Keele University?
Course summary
If you're a highly motivated graduate with care experience who wishes to become a registered mental health nurse and gain an MSc in an accelerated two year timeframe, the MSc Nursing graduate entry programme is perfect for you.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) introduced new educational standards, which identified the importance of parity between mental health and physical health care (NMC, 2018a). The Mental health nursing field welcomes this and recognises that the lifespan of people with mental health problems is shorter compared to the general population (DH, 2011; Nash, 2010). The mental health field will develop a nurse who is culturally competent, empowered and able to work in partnership with service users, their families and the wider community.
The programme builds your academic skill sets, professional responsibility and technical complexity related to patient care throughout the two years. Successful completion of this innovative programme will ensure you will meet the registration requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
The programme meets the NMC standards for pre-registration nursing education. The NMC (2018a) reviewed their standards with the publication of 'Future Nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses' and this programme reflects the comprehensive range of subject knowledge, clinical skills and leadership required of the registered Nurse from September 2020. This programme also meets the requirements of the Higher Degree Apprenticeship Nursing Standard approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE, 2018). Higher Education (HE) quality standards through Quality Academic Assurance Standards (QAA) are also met through the Higher Education Credit Framework for England bodies (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, 2018; 2021). In addition, the programme philosophy addresses contemporary challenges faced by health care practitioners in providing effective clinical care, recognising the key issues developed out of Compassion in Practice (Commissioning Board Chief Nursing Officer and Department of Health Chief Nursing Adviser, 2016) and the NHS Long Term Plan (NHS, 2019).
The Keele ‘Future Nurse’ MSc Nursing programme has been designed to meet the seven NMC platforms, which underpin pre-registration nursing education (NMC, 2018a). These require you, regardless of your chosen field, to demonstrate core knowledge, skills, standards, behaviours to meet people’s needs, as well as field-specific knowledge and skills as required in either adult, children’s, learning disability or mental health nursing. Two NMC annexes (A and B) detail extensive communication skills and clinical procedures, which are also included in the programme:
- Platform 1: Being an accountable professional.
- Platform 2: Promoting health and preventing ill-health.
- Platform 3: Assessing needs and planning care.
- Platform 4: Providing and evaluating care.
- Platform 5: Leading and managing nursing care and working in teams.
- Platform 6: Improving safety and quality of care.
- Platform 7: Co-ordinating care.
- Annexe A: Communication and relationship management skills.
- Annexe B: Nursing Procedures.
We aim to facilitate your development to become one of the best post-graduate nurses in the country. To achieve this you will develop a skill set which includes:
- Deliver safe, competent, evidence-based nursing practice
- Adopting professional values, attitudes and behaviours
- Developing your interpersonal skills
- Effective team-working
- Improving management and leadership skills
- Demonstrate competence in research and be able to successfully manage a project
Next Steps
Course structure
Year 1 (Level 7)
|
Compulsory modules |
Abbreviation |
Module Code |
Credits |
Trimester |
|
Nursing Care in Context and Health Promotion |
NCCHP |
NUR-40095 |
30 |
One/Two |
|
Masters Clinical Nursing Practice 1 |
MCNP1 |
NUR-40107 |
15 |
One/Two |
|
Research Methods in Nursing |
RM |
NUR-40097 |
15 |
Two/Three |
|
Applied Pharmacology and Safety Msc |
P&S |
NUR-40099 |
15 |
Two/Three |
|
Masters Clinical Nursing Practice 2 |
MCNP2 |
NUR-40109 |
15 |
Two/Three |
Year 2 (Level 7)
|
Compulsory modules |
Abbreviation |
Module Code |
Credits |
Trimester |
|
Dissertation |
Dis |
NUR-40105 |
30 |
One/Three |
|
Masters Clinical Nursing Practice 3 |
MCNP3 |
NUR-40111 |
15 |
One/Two |
|
Leadership in Nursing Practice |
Lead |
NUR-40103 |
15 |
One/Two |
|
Clinical Judgement and Decision Making |
CJ&DM |
NUR-40101 |
15 |
Two/Three |
|
Masters Clinical Nursing Practice 4 |
MCNP4 |
NUR-40113 |
15 |
Two/Three |
The list of modules are indicative and we expect to offer the same modules, however this may change due to staff availability. If the modules change we will inform you during the admissions process.
Nursing Care in Context and Health Promotion
The aim of this module is to build upon the graduate entry nursing student's previous health care related knowledge and skills and develop a critical awareness of current philosophical, theoretical, ethical and legal perspectives and parameters and new insights which are at the forefront of nursing practice for the health and well-being of people. To provide an overview of prevention of ill-health and health promotion in relation to epidemiology, demography, genomics, global patterns of health and wellbeing outcomes and how these impact on life choices.
This module introduces concepts of the wider determinants of health, underpinning factors relating to health and wellness across the lifespan, and the role of the nurse as a health promoter. Students will study these topics relating to physical and mental health in society and community as a whole, as well as focusing on their own field of nursing. Promoting health is a key feature of the nursing role across all fields and forms one of the seven platforms for pre-registration nursing education (NMC 2018). Students will be able to apply the knowledge gained in this theory module to their practice settings, and to their career as a qualified nurse.
Research Methods in Nursing
Research Methods in Nursing (15 Credits)
The aim of this module is to develop students’ knowledge to be questioning, critical, reflective thinkers who can confidently discuss, share and apply evidence-based findings with others to make evidence-informed decisions in all situations and challenge practice when required.
This first year nursing module will enable students with an undergraduate degree to transfer and further develop research skills to support evidence based decision making in nursing practice. Within the module, published literature will be explored specific to the student’s field of nursing and area of interest. This module focuses on the important topic of evidence-based practice in nursing. Knowledge and skills used in nursing need to have an evidence base to be safe and effective for people with healthcare needs requiring nursing care. This module will enable students to critique nursing studies to understand what constitutes robust research in nursing and how this applies to their field of nursing practice. The knowledge and skills gained in this module will support the student in the final year of their studies when they will undertake a dissertation, and as a qualified nurse to enable them to ensure care is evidence - based, and challenge this as required.
Applied Pharmacology and Safety
Applied Pharmacology and Safety (15 Credits)
This module will enable students to gain a deeper understanding into aspects of pharmacology and concepts of safety and quality in caring for people. Students will learn about differing roles within the Multidisciplinary team (MDT) in relation to prescribing and accountability and responsibility of the nurse. Students will gain insight into the importance of quality improvement risk assessment and how they can influence care through clinical skills, critical discussion and practice experiences. Students will be involved in MDT discussions about medication and treatment plans and introduced to the differing roles of healthcare professionals within prescribing in placement. Students will have opportunities to reflect on critical incidents in practice and make links to their reflective practice. Students will take part in inter-professional education during this module with other students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences to aid mutual learning about each other’s roles in healthcare.
Clinical Judgement and Decision Making
Clinical Judgement and Decision Making (15 Credits)
This second and final year module focuses on the key nursing skills of appropriate clinical judgment and decision-making in nursing practice which are core to the role of the competent registered nurse. Students will develop their knowledge of assessment tools to assist them in making safe judgments about people’s healthcare needs relating to their field of nursing. Students will also learn about how major or serious incidents in practice are managed, and how critical incidents and complaints about care are investigated.
Leadership in Nursing Practice
Leadership in Nursing Practice (15 Credits)
This module will enable you to gain further knowledge and understanding relating to the theoretical principles of leadership and management, reflecting on your own leadership qualities and behaviours. It also focuses on the cost effectiveness of the provision of nursing care, and how a business case would be developed to support the funding of an initiative in nursing practice.
Leading and managing nursing care effectively is a key feature of future nursing practice as a registered nurse, and forms one of the seven platforms of pre-registration nursing education (NMC 2018). You may take part in inter-professional education during this module with other students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (subject to Faculty confirmation) to aid mutual learning about each other’s roles in healthcare.
Dissertation
Dissertation (30 Credits)
This second year module contributes towards the MSc Nursing award and eligibility to register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council. Students will be encouraged to explore and appraise interesting topics of their choice based on their experiences that will enhance nursing practice in their field of nursing. The focus is on developing students' ability to work independently to confidently synthesise literature findings to make recommendations for practice toward their field of nursing. The future registered nurse needs to understand how quality and effectiveness of nursing care can be evaluated in practice, to be able to improve service delivery and people’s experience of healthcare.
Masters Clinical Nursing Practice 1,2,3,4
Masters Clinical Nursing Practice 1,2,3,4 (15 Credits per Modules)
The first practice module of the MSc nursing programme enables the student to further develop their knowledge and skills in a clinical practice setting relating to their field of nursing, managing more complex health needs and the care of a group of people, prioritising health needs, and recognising opportunities for health promotion. Students are supported by a supervisor and are assessed in practice by a separate practice assessor, and reviewed by an academic assessor.
The second practice module of the first year of the MSc nursing programme enables the student to further develop their knowledge and skills in a clinical practice setting relating to their field of nursing, managing more complex health needs and the care of a group of people, prioritising health needs and undertaking medicines management. Students are supported by a supervisor and are assessed in practice by a separate practice assessor and academic assessor. This module prepares the student for future practice modules to enable them to progress through the nursing programme.
The third practice module in the second and final year of the nursing programme enables the student begin to consolidate their nursing practice, focusing on leading nursing care for people with complex needs, managing teams to support a group of people, prioritising needs and delegating appropriately, applying research to evidence-based practice, and using safe clinical judgment and decision-making in their clinical placement. Students will also reflect on their presentation skills in practice. Students will develop the nursing knowledge, skills and behaviours to become the accountable professional future registered nurse required by the NMC (2018)
The fourth and final practice module of the second and final year of the nursing programme enables the student to consolidate their nursing practice, focusing on leading nursing care for people with complex needs, managing teams to support a group of people, prioritising needs and delegating appropriately, applying research to evidence-based practice, and using safe clinical judgment and decision-making in their clinical placement. Students will also reflect on their own leadership qualities in practice. Students will consolidate the nursing knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to become the accountable professional future registered nurse required by the NMC (2018)
Next Steps
Entry requirements
The MSc Mental Health Nursing programme recognises that prior learning and experience is integral to the student’s learning.
Academic entry requirements
- A first honours degree (normally 2:2 or above) in any subject
- English Language and Maths GCSE at grade A* - C (discuss with admissions team if you have equivalent qualifications)
- We welcome applications from international students. You can find more information on studying at Keele as an international student, here.
- Any overseas qualifications should be equivalent to UK qualifications which meet our entry requirements. If you have completed your degree outside the UK, we will require a clear copy of your degree documentation to ensure NARIC comparability. Please note that all applicants who are invited to interview will be required to present their original degree documentation.
- If English is not your first language, IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 7.0, including least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking sections. The University may be able to accept alternative English Language qualifications from applicants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) on a case by case basis in line with the appropriate Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) guidelines.
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate a minimum of 675 hours practical experience (paid or unpaid) in a health care setting.
- Please note that you will be required to have obtained the academic entry requirements before applying.
- If you do not have all the advertised entry requirements please contact us to discuss your graduate studies and care experience on an individual basis at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Additional entry requirements
- All applicants are required to make a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) claim to demonstrate how their previous care experience and graduate studies have equipped them to undertake an accelerated nursing programme.
Applicants are required to provide a portfolio of evidence and to confirm the relevance of your theoretical knowledge and practice experience, applicants are required to map their evidence to the programme learning outcomes, NMC Platform Proficiencies.
A recorded presentation will be provided to assist you with the RPL requirements following successful interview.
- All applicants must be of good health and good character.
- A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or overseas police check, and health checks are required for all applicants whom are successful at interview.
English language entry requirement for international students
If you do not meet the English language requirements, the University offers a range of English language preparation programmes.
During your degree programme you can study additional English language courses. This means you can continue to improve your English language skills and gain a higher level of English.
Next Steps
Fees
In addition to costs for textbooks, inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines we anticipate the following additional costs:
Travel for placements
A student’s geographical location, when possible, is taken into account when allocating to clinical placements and, whilst efforts are made to limit student travel, it is not possible to guarantee that placements will be in particular locations and students may be required to travel some distance for their placements. Clinical placements currently in use by the School of Nursing and Midwifery are within a 50 mile radius, most being 30 miles or less, from the university. Travel Expenses may be claimed in accordance with information from the NHS Learning Support Fund guidelines.
Uniform
Students may be required to purchase a set of tunics and trousers from our designated supplier to adhere to the School Uniform Policy. This may cost in the region of £60-80. You will need to provide your own appropriate footwear for placements as per the School Uniform Policy, and it is recommended that you purchase a fob watch.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Clearance
Subscription to the Disclosure and Barring update service is a requirement and currently costs £13 per year which students pay online at the start of each academic year. The initial DBS application cost is financed by the school.
Occupational Health Clearance
Students registering on the MSc Adult Nursing programme are required to have a health fitness report provided by the University’s Occupational Health Service. As part of this process you are required to complete a health questionnaire. You will be required to have the following immunisations if you have not already had them - Hepatitis B (x3), MMR (x2) and BCG. MMR vaccines are available free of charge at your GP surgery and we strongly advise you have these if needed and can provide documented evidence of vaccination. Appointments will be arranged for any outstanding vaccines once you have commenced your course. You may be required to make a contribution towards the Occupational Health and vaccination requirements of the programme.
ID Card
Placement providers may charge a fee for ID/security cards.
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
Funding
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2023 start date falls in the 2022/23 academic year. Please see the 2022/23 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2023.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
Next Steps
Your career
Upon successful completion of this course you will be a qualified, capable postgraduate nurse ready to work in your chosen specialism. You will have developed competency in assessing, delivering and managing nursing care and be able to confidently support your nursing practice decisions with a robust evidence base. You will have the research and leadership skills to work as a leader and change agent.
You will graduate with an MSc and key sets of clinical, interpersonal and research skills, ready to register as an adult nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You will have the opportunity to find employment in a range of settings in the UK or internationally. Nursing work can be diverse and in planning your future career you may wish to follow one of the following career pathways: Practitioner, Educator, Researcher or Manager.
Preparation for nursing practice encompasses learning in the spheres of knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours. It is recognised that evidence based knowledge is required for safe and effective nursing practice and as such programme content is driven by the NMC Future Nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses, QAA Academic and Practitioner Standards for nursing alongside the QAA Master’s Degree Characteristics (NMC, 2018; QAA, 2010). The programme builds in terms of academic skill sets, professional responsibility and technical complexity throughout the two years.
Next Steps
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching
The course structure ensures you study a range of modules that are highly relevant to mental health nursing. During your two year programme you will study 10 core modules.
The programme is divided between theoretical learning and practice learning modules, underpinned by the NMC Standards (NMC, 2018a). You will be assessed in all theory and practice modules and this will contribute towards you overall degree classification. Your programme will be split 50% theory and 50% practice to allow you to achieve the 2,300 theory hours and 2,300 practice hours for the course (inclusive of the RPL). You will undertake 90-credits of compulsory modules for each year for the duration of the two-year programme and all modules will be assessed at level 7. We have adopted the HEE Maximising Leadership Learning in the Pre-Registration Healthcare Curricula strategy (2018) and our curriculum threads- Focus on self, Working with others and Improving healthcare, into each year of the programme and is aligned to the Module.
In your first year you build and expand on the fundamentals of nursing practice including essential care and learn how to work in a professional setting. You also explore the concepts of nursing care in context, health promotion, pharmacology and develop a research plan for your dissertation.
In your second year you build on your experience and develop your skills in caring for patients with higher acuity requirements using clinical reasoning skills. You will develop leadership skills in practice, take on more responsibility and leadership in preparation for your professional transition from student nurse to registered professional. You will be prepared to manage complex nursing care to enhance the safety and quality of the patient experience. You will complete your dissertation project demonstrating the detailed application and findings of your study.
In your programme you will sometimes be expected to role play and engage in simulated clinical scenarios with other students, such as the practice and observation of practical skills in physical contact with other students. For some specific practices, this may necessitate modification of dress - e.g., to shorts and t-shirt. These activities will be conducted in a professional, safe, respectful and culturally sensitive way, under the supervision of academic staff, according to a defined protocol.
Assessment
The programme utilises an enquiry-based learning approach which builds on your existing skills for learning and is underpinned by a student centred philosophy. It also encompasses shared learning with other disciplines and professions, developing your clinical leadership skills and preparing you for practice.
As with all our courses, you can expect to experience a stimulating blend of learning activities, from practice learning, simulation, problem based learning, tutorials, lectures and clinical skills workshops through to innovative web-based activities and inter-professional learning.
Each module will encourage you to demonstrate deep learning that includes subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills. Service user involvement in the programme will ensure that the concept of person-centeredness is explicit.
We have a wide variety of innovative assessments that will develop and enhance your graduate skill set. These may include report writing, simulated activities, an MCQ exam, case studies, presentations, reflective writing, developing a research proposal, and undertaking a Masters dissertation.
Next Steps
Keele Postgraduate Association
Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.
Our expertise
All current teaching staff hold active NMC registration as either a nurse or midwife; those from other Schools who contribute to the programme are registered with the appropriate professional body. The majority of staff have recordable teaching qualifications or are working towards achievement of this. Moreover, they have extensive experience of teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level and many are external examiners at other universities. Some staff have dual qualifications.
Staff are actively encouraged to hold honorary contracts with health care provider organisations and to utilise this to ensure they remain updated with contemporary issues within their own field. A number of staff have additional roles or memberships with external organisations for example, NMC Reviewers, External Advisors to other HEI's, Member of RCN Education Forum, Members of HEE leadership in pre-registration nursing group, Journal reviewers, Member of NHS Ethics Committee, Supervisor of Midwives, Local Provider Committees and charitable organisations.
The School has a significant number of staff that hold PhDs and Professional Doctorates with a number of staff currently studying at doctorate level. A number of staff have Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and many staff are working towards this. Staff are actively involved in research across the School and belong to one of the School's four research groups. Honorary lecturers, visiting lecturers and leading clinicians are integral to the delivery of modules within the programme and are utilised where appropriate. In addition, the School has a number of clinical staff on secondment to the School.
Next Steps
Facilities
Learning in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Keele is enhanced by superb classroom facilities, an excellent Health Library, computer suite, and established relationships with local primary and secondary health care providers. The programme will utilise an enquiry based learning approach which will build on both your existing graduate skill set and your past experience of working in a care setting. The programme will focus on quality care delivery, clinical skills, leadership and will be designed to be both research intensive and research informed.
To complement your University studies, we offer a diverse range of clinical placements across community and hospital settings to work with patients accessing health services.
Next Steps