MSc Mental Health Nursing

Please note this course is not available for International Students.

Applicants will normally have achieved a minimum 2.2 honours degree in a health / life or social science related subject, within the last 5 years. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate undertaken 700 hours of healthcare related experience which can be mapped to the NMC progression point one core competencies.

GCSE requirements: In addition to the attainment of a suitable degree, the NMC requires that all applicants must demonstrate evidence of communication and numeracy, and these must be demonstrated via GCSE grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English or Welsh first-language or a recognised alternative.

‘Good Health and Good Character’: The NMC also require that evidence of ‘Good Health and Good Character’ be obtained, and in addition to the supportive reference to the application, the School has adopted the All Wales Good Character reference. Good Character is further assessed by way of a Full/Enhanced DBS report, and these are risk assessed by the partnership in accordance with the School’s policy. Good Health is assessed by the local Health Board’s Health at Work Unit, and students are monitored throughout the programme and supported where required.

Selection processes

• Submission of application. Only applications submitted through our Direct Application portal will be considered.
• Short listing.
• Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to interview.
• Formal interview with interactive group work activities
• Numeracy / medication calculation
• Written essay on seen question – confidentiality and data protection.
• Enhanced DBS disclosure check.
• Occupational health review.
• If successful at interview applicants will be invited to progress to part two and complete and submit their RPL/REPL portfolio. As admission to the programme requires a time frame to allow for the completion of the RP(E)L process, early applications are encouraged. Further details on this process can be obtained following interview.

Selection events and processes will involve lecturers in Mental Health nursing, Health Board clinical staff, service user participants. Participants in the selection processes undergo training and support in diversity and equality as part of their professional development.

Evidence of achievement / Reflective Portfolio

Applicants will be required to complete an RP(E)L reflective portfolio that demonstrates achievement of the Year 1 progression points outlined in the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards for Pre-registration Nursing Education (NMC, 2018). As part of this portfolio, applicants must submit their BSc/BA certificate and a transcript of the modules completed during their degree.

The reflective portfolio should include specific examples and evidence showing how the applicant's healthcare experience demonstrates attainment of the required progression points. This evidence may include examples from practice experiences, study days attended, mandatory training, and references provided by employers. Applicants must also submit a Declaration of Own Work, confirming they have exclusively completed the PRL/RPEL portfolio.

The portfolio will be assessed using the following criteria:

• Authenticity: Does the evidence unmistakably support full achievement of the Year 1 NMC progression criteria?
• Legitimacy: Is the achievement sufficient to meet the required standards for Year 1, as specified by the NMC 2018 Standards?
• Time Frame: Are the claims based on experiences relevant to the current healthcare setting, i.e., within the last 3 years?
• Sufficiency: Is the evidence sufficient to fully demonstrate attainment of the claimed learning and experiences?
• Graduate Skills: Has the applicant demonstrated the expected level of study skills for entry at Level 7?

The portfolio will be reviewed by an academic staff member and assessed as a pass or fail. Where necessary, guidance and support will be provided by staff in the Academic School to assist in completing this requirement.

Further Important Information

• Dyslexia / Disability: Applicants with particular needs in relation to dyslexia or a disability are encouraged to declare this on the front cover of their RPL/REPL portfolio so that this can be considered when reviewing the evidence.
• There are a set number of funded places on this programme are (funding criteria and further information is available on the HEIW website).
• Students who accept a funded place for this course will be required to work within Wales for two years following graduation from the programme.
• Students with disabilities, on application, are supported by the University’s Disabilities Officer and the School’s Disabilities Advisor, and relevant risk assessments undertaken and adaptations where required, explored.
• Where there may be issues relating to Good Character, Good Health, or Disability that require further exploration or investigation, the School and the local Health Board’s Fitness for Practice Committee would be consulted.
• As this is a funded programme by the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) international students will not be able to apply for this programme of study.
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Students successfully completing the MSc Mental Health Nursing are able to register their professional status with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and seek employment as a registered nurse through the HEIW streamlining processes.

Employability rates are high in comparison to other graduates, given the professional competence and qualification in association with a degree. Career opportunities once employed as registered nurse are excellent and can lead to promotion opportunities in clinical practice/specialism, research or education.

Careers Advice

Careers advice is gained from healthcare professionals both in practice and in dedicated careers sessions and NHS Careers has more details of the career opportunities that are available.. You are also eligible to register for the Bangor Employability Award to further enhance career prospects and advice is also available from the Bangor University Careers & Employability Service.  

Throughout the programme, practice placements in acute, community, and specialist mental health services in North West Wales are designed to provide a range of experiences. You will have compulsory theoretical study in addition to clinical placements, all aimed at equipping you for practice. During placements, you will be supernumerary, allowing you to work alongside your practice supervisors and assessors as you participate in the delivery of nursing care.

Support is available from a personal tutor, who is a registered nurse and an academic member of staff, as well as from practicing registered nurses and other professionals during placements. Theoretical and practical work will be assessed through assignments, examinations, presentations, and the Once for Wales Practice Assessment Document and On-going Record of Achievement.