Nursing (Mental Health) with Foundation Year
If you are a caring and compassionate individual, our BN (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) with Foundation Year degree will help you become a skilled and highly sought-after graduate nurse, specialising in caring for people of all ages with mental health needs.
Course overview
This 4 year integrated degree provides a route to nurse registration for those who do not have the required qualifications to access the BN Nursing directly. It is attractive to mature learners who may have been out of education for some years or for those who are unable to demonstrate the required skills or knowledge to start their study at level 4. It will provide the skills, knowledge and confidence to progress to the Degree in nursing.
Placing the needs of patients and carers, students and mental health nursing practice at its centre, this is a dynamic and interactive professional course. We will support you to realise your potential to become a compassionate, competent and autonomous nurse who is able to deliver and lead mental health nursing care within an ever-changing health and social care environment.
The course enables you to develop and display the values required in modern healthcare: working together with patients; respect and dignity; commitment to quality of care; compassion and improving lives. It also addresses contemporary challenges such as the ageing population, increasingly prevalent long-term health conditions and public health.
Drawing on the most up-to-date research and evidence, you are supported to develop not only your nursing skills but also the graduate attributes required to succeed in the modern workplace.
In your first year, you will be based on campus. As you progress on from your first year, your time will be split equally between learning theory on campus and applying your knowledge during placements alongside experienced professionals. You study a range of academic core modules and field modules based on theory and practice experiences. As you progress through the course, programme content becomes increasingly complex as your knowledge grows.
Accreditation
The University of Winchester is an Approved Education Institution (AEI) by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). On successful completion of this 4‐year programme you will be eligible to seek admission to part 1 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 4 years full-time
Apply
Typical offer
32 points
Fees
From £9,535 pa (Foundation year)
Course features
- Make a difference to people’s lives and learn how to optimise their care in a safe and stimulating environment
- Learn from supportive and accessible lecturers and gain real insights from experienced and registered professionals
- Bring your learning to life through practice placements with partner organisations under the supervision of experienced nurses
- Develop excellent communication skills, clinical knowledge and leadership skills to prepare you for your future professional life
- Be eligible to seek admission to part 1 (Adult) of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register on successful completion of this four-year programme
- Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
Course details
Work placements
Work placements are a mandatory part of this course and account for approximately 50% of the programme after the completion of the first year.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars, you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
The course uses the NHS Leadership Academy Maximising Leadership in the Pre-Registration Healthcare Curricula Framework to build leadership skills through a spiral curriculum
Digital Literacy
Digital and technological literacy is a requirement for entry to all nursing programmes. In healthcare it is now seen as a vital tool and is used for managing patient records, assessment, research and education. It is also the most common and the preferred way we communicate with students on our programmes.
Applicants are required to apply through the UCAS system and all information exchange until the starting the programme (such as interview arrangements, responding to offers and pre-course preparation) will be via digital platforms. The prospective student’s engagement in this activity will reflect the fundamental digital literacy requirements, which will then be developed through the programme itself. Students will be supported in the university to access learning opportunities using online and blended learning, as well as utilising digital platforms to prepare for and submit assignments. The University of Winchester provides 24 hour access to its library and IT facilities and all students will be allocated a university email address. Further support and information can be found via the student handbook.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 3):
Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours
Placement: 0 hours
Year 2 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 183.5 hours
Independent learning: 720.5 hours
Placement: 596 hours
Year 3 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 170.5 hours
Independent learning: 602 hours
Placement: 760 hours
Year 4 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 155 hours
Independent learning: 510 hours
Placement: 963 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester and the adjacent Royal Hampshire County Hospital site.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 0 (Level 3)*:
60% coursework
13% written exams
27% practical exams
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
62% coursework
25% written exams
13% practical assessment
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
87% coursework
13% written exams
0% practical assessment
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
87% coursework
0% written exams
13% practical assessment
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
More information coming soon.
More information coming soon.
More information coming soon.
More information coming soon.
Modules
The aim of the module is for students to explore human anatomy and physiology across the lifespan and begin to understand the physiological, structural, behavioural, and functional changes associated with selected pathology and disease progression in key systems. They will begin to apply this to their own field of nursing practice through seminar sessions.
The module will introduce the student to the basics of pharmacology and medicines management, which will be developed as they progress through the programme. Finally, the module explores key theories within the behavioural sciences to build an understanding of people’s lived experience of health change, well-being, and functioning, and how these impact on their relationship with the health care system and wider society.
This module engages students with the basis of health promotion and builds on their learning in relation to the behavioural sciences. Determinants of health and needs analysis will then progress into the study of health and social care policy, epidemiology and public health, education and influencing health behaviour and the challenges for implementing health promotion activities for different people groups. The behavioural sciences will encompass models of behaviour change, effective communication, social stress, support and caring. The module will enable students to recognise different styles of leadership and begin to identify their own within a group learning environment.
More information coming soon.
Modules
The aim of the module explores the physiological, structural, behavioural, and functional changes associated with co-morbid pathologies and disease progression in the identified systems. It will also introduce systems not taught in year 1.
The module will continue to develop knowledge of pharmacology and medicines management. Finally, the module will expand on the behavioural sciences learning across year 1 to develop the student’s ability to utilise therapeutic approaches to promote wellness and recovery.
This module builds on Foundations of Nursing Practice in year 1, focusing in on meeting the acute/crisis and longer-term needs of people presenting to mental health services across the lifespan, accounting for their physical, psychological, social, and cultural contexts. Building on the skills developed in year 1, students will hone their skills in searching and critically analysing research literature and policy, considering findings in relation to the reality of practice environments.
This module introduces you to Part 2 of the Practice Assessment Document (PAD), which requires apprentice/student nurses to more actively participate in care delivery with minimal guidance and perform with increased confidence and competence. This module carries hours above those recommended against its credit value in order to fulfil the requirements for NMC registration. This module will also enable you to build on the learning achieved in Practice Experience 4 and complete the Part 2 requirements set out in your Practice Assessment Document (PAD).
This module will develop apprentice/students’ knowledge and understanding of practice inquiry and the service improvement process, contextualised within a chosen module ‘pathway’ (4/5 will be offered, with the flexibility to change between years as new health care issues/innovations emerge). They will be exposed to a range of tools/approaches to change and quality improvement used within healthcare.
It will give apprentices/students the opportunity to systematically search for and critically appraise evidence from studies and information to support their final year project proposal. This proposal will be presented in the form of an academic poster or other form of media.
Modules
This module builds on Foundation Level Nursing Practice in (Year 1) and Developing Nursing Practice in Mental Health (Year 2) focusing on the multifactorial needs of people who access mental health services and the role of the mental health nurse in supporting them in living well. Students will further develop their ‘toolkit’ of therapeutic approaches to provide targeted and effective interventions that meet people’s individual needs. The module will also focus on psychopharmacology and prescriber ‘readiness’ as a NQN.
This module will allow apprentices/students to develop and apply their learning from their Practice Inquiry module (year 2) and apply it by completing their own project. The inquiry project may take different forms depending on the student’s and programme requirements. Apprentices/students will conduct and manage their own project but will be supported through group work and a mentor/supervisor.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff points required: 32
The UCAS tariff points can come from 1 A-level (grade C or above) or an equivalent qualification. You will also need:
- GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above
- A clear commitment to pursuing a career in nursing
- To be at least 18 years old
However, all applicants will be judged on their individual merits and we may take other skills, qualifications and life experience into account. We welcome mature students without the usual formal qualifications and will consider your application based on your suitability and preparedness to complete the Foundation Year.
The BA Nursing (Adult) with Foundation Year is aimed at individuals who may have few or no relevant formal qualifications but who can demonstrate a clear commitment to pursuing a career in nursing. Personal, professional and educational experiences will be considered to determine motivation and ability to progress onto the degree course.
If you will be over the age of 21 at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you are considered a mature student. At Winchester this means our offer may be different, taking into account any work or life experiences you have, alongside any qualifications you hold.
Nursing Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview, and will be expected to demonstrate that they have an understanding of the requirements of nursing. Information about this day will be sent to all invited applicants.
Additional Requirements
You are required to demonstrate health and character sufficient to ensure safe and effective healthcare practice. This includes a satisfactory Enhanced DBS and occupational health clearance.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have language skills at IELTS level 6.0, with no skill below 5.5, or equivalent.
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
2025/26 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Foundation year* | £9,535 | £16,700 |
Additional tuition fee information
*(UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland) £9,535 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. The fee is currently subject to a governmental fee cap for each academic year. It is our policy to charge tuition fees at the level of the cap set by the Government. If the cap set by the Government changes, then we may increase our Fees in line with governmental policy.
*(International) £16,700 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. We decide the annual level of increase of our Tuition Fees by taking into account a range of factors including the cost of delivering the course and change in governmental funding.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
Additional costs
Mandatory:
A full set of uniforms will be provided at the beginning of the programme. If you require additional uniforms later on, you may need to pay for these. Indicative cost: £30.
The University will pay for an occupational health assessment; however, you may need to pay for immunisations if they are not covered by your GP.
You will need a pair of suitable comfortable shoes while on clinical placement. Indicative cost: £40–£60.
You will need to purchase some of your own clinical items, for instance a stethoscope and fob watch. Indicative cost: £30.
You will need to be able to travel to your placement ‐ travel costs will be associated with this. UK residents may be able to claim reimbursement of travel and secondary accommodation costs via the Student Learning Support Fund: Indicative cost: various.
All students who accept an offer for this course are required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check. Please note, the cost of the check is £49.50 and covering the cost is the responsibility of the student.
In addition to the check, all students are strongly encouraged to sign up to use the DBS Update Service [https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service] for the duration of their course. Students who fail to sign up to the Update Service may be required to complete and pay for an additional check during their course which may affect their ability to engage successfully with placements.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
As a registered nurse there are opportunities to work in the UK and many countries across the world in a range of care environments. This includes statutory health care providers (such as the NHS), the private voluntary and independent sector, criminal justice system and armed forces. Further education, training and experience can lead to advanced nurse practitioner roles, healthcare management, nursing research and roles within nurse education.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 25 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
University of Winchester students studying Bachelor Honours degrees are pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible students must apply by the end of March in their final year and meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
'It's about giving back, really caring about people and doing something that changes people's lives.'
