Mental health nurses play a vital role in supporting people of all ages and backgrounds at some of the most difficult and challenging times of their lives.
Our three-year degree course in Mental Health Nursing will give you the theoretical and practical knowledge you need to provide high quality, compassionate nursing care for improving mental health and well-being. During the course you will improve the care and treatment of people using mental health services, their carers and their families.
You will develop keen interpersonal and communication skills to prepare you for working as part of a team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, community workers and occupational therapists.
Half of your teaching takes place in the university on our Singleton Park campus and the other half in healthcare settings. We have excellent links with Welsh health boards and many healthcare providers, so you will have access to a wide range of clinical experiences across south west Wales.
These could include community health care centres, hospitals and specialist areas in forensic, child and adolescent, drug and alcohol and older persons nursing.
Grounded in the philosophy of person-centred, evidence-based, and values-driven care, the programme emphasises compassion, inclusivity, and partnership with people, families, and communities.
We aim to develop reflective, accountable practitioners who can respond to the complex and changing health needs of society, and can contribute to improving health outcomes in Wales, the UK, and internationally.
Why Mental Health Nursing at Swansea University?
During your university-based learning time, you will study at our Singleton Park Campus, in beautiful parkland, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.
We have an outstanding reputation for nursing, and are currently ranked:
3rd in the UK for Career Prospects (Assessed under General Nursing, Guardian University Guide 2026)
4th in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2026)
6th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
7th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Times Good University Guide 2026)
Our academic staff are all qualified nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, many of which are also practicing clinicians, ensuring we can provide an exceptional combination of theoretical rigour, professional insight and practical expertise.
We have very strong links with Welsh health boards, opening up clinical placement opportunities for you in a variety of settings in both urban and rural locations. Meanwhile, the nearest hospital shares a border with our Singleton Campus.
If you are a UK student who can commit to working in Wales for two years after graduating, you could get your tuition fees covered in full through the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme, as well as maintenance funding and a reduced rate loan from Student Finance.
See our NHS Funding webpage to check your eligibility for funding before applying.
Your Mental Health Nursing experience
Our nursing programme is purposefully designed to develop safe, effective, compassionate nurses who are prepared for the realities of modern, multidisciplinary healthcare environments.
You will have access to excellent facilities, including a realistic clinical suite so you can put your theoretical knowledge into practice, in an environment that closely reflects the actual conditions that you will experience when you go on placement in a hospital or community setting.
Nursing students also benefit from having access to SUSIM facility, the largest installation of immersive wall technology in the world. This unique facility means you can practice key skills and teamwork in a variety of simulated real-life scenarios.
The programme comprises 4,725 hours of learning, balanced equally between theoretical learning and practice. Key aspects of nursing including research, leadership, digital literacy, the law, safeguarding, consent, pharmacology, medicines administration and optimisation, and evidence-based practice are integrated into each module.
The course is full-time and consists of nine sequential 40-credit modules, with three completed in each year of study. Learning and teaching methods have been designed to facilitate independent learning, and to make use of your existing study skills, prior knowledge and experiences. All modules encompass taught sessions, practice, independent study and e-learning.
Mental Health Nursing Careers
This programme offers a strong foundation for a lifelong career in nursing, whether in direct patient care, advanced clinical roles, leadership, education or research. Graduates are highly employable, with opportunities to work locally, nationally, or internationally.
After graduating, you will be eligible to apply for Registered Nurse (Adult) status with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and to register as a nurse for work in the EU and EEA.
UK students will also be able to access NHS funding to meet the cost of training. Those who receive the bursary will need to commit to remaining in employment in Wales in the public/private/independent health and social care sectors for up to two years following registration with the NMC.
The NHS Wales Shared Service Partnership (NWSSP), in agreement with NHS Wales health boards and universities across Wales, has developed and manages a matching process under the Student Streamlining Scheme. At the end of your programme, you will be able to apply for vacancies across Wales through the scheme.
You can expect a starting salary of £28,407 rising to £57,349 for a highly experienced staff nurse. Specialist nurses and practice managers can earn £50,056.
Modules
We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.
Modules
Year 1 (Level 4)
FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert
Students choose 120 credits from the following:
None found.
Optional Modules
Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : Students must select one of the following modules.
We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Entry Requirements
Typical A-level Offer
BBB - BCC at A2 level, health or science related courses are desirable. We accept Welsh Baccalaureate as an A-level
Typical Access to HE Offer
21 Distinctions, 18 Merits, 6 Passes
Typical BTEC Offer
DDM - DMM
Irish Leaving Certificate
360
Please note, our grade range covers standard and contextual offers. If you meet one (or more) of our eligibility criteria for contextual offers,you will be made a lower offer. This will still be within the stated grade range. Please see our contextual admissions page for further information.
Minimum five-grade A-C GCSE/9-4 passes including Welsh/English language, Maths and a Physical Science or Double Award Science.
In certain circumstances, Key Skills Level 2 in Application of Number will be accepted in lieu of GCSE Mathematics and Key Skills Level 2 in Communication will be accepted in lieu of GCSE Welsh/English Language, if undertaken since September 2015.
You will also need to demonstrate:
A strong educational profile in the previous three to five years
A detailed understanding of and commitment to Mental Health Nursing
Care experience is helpful but not essential
You will be expected to participate in group discussions, teamwork and individual tasks during interviews
All applicants will need a satisfactory educational reference.
Applicants who meet the entry requirements and selection criteria will be invited to interview, which may take place in person or via telephone/video call. Our Interview Tips explain more about what to expect.
Any concerns arising from these may be considered at the School of Health and Social Care’s Professional Suitability and Fitness to Practise Panel and may result in admission to the programme being withdrawn.
Exceed these requirements?
If this course interests you, but you have exceeded the required entry qualifications, why not consider our course Mental Health Nursing MSc
At Swansea, you will benefit from a high-quality, research-informed
education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods,
carefully tailored to suit the needs of your course. Most courses are taught
in person, on campus, giving you the opportunity to
actively engage with other students, academic staff, and the wider
university community.
You can expect a mix of
lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions -
including laboratory work, skills training, or studio-based teaching where
relevant to your discipline. These sessions are designed to encourage active
participation, collaboration, and the development of both subject-specific
and transferable skills.
Digital learning tools are also used to enhance your
learning experience. These may include:
Recorded lectures to support flexible study and
revision.
Virtual labs or simulated environments, particularly in
science, healthcare, and technical disciplines.
Online resources on the university’s virtual learning
environment (Canvas), including videos, reading materials, quizzes, and
discussion forums.
This approach enables you to engage with and review content at your own pace
while benefiting from the structure and support of in-person teaching.
This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or
bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh
speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh
Provision expander below.
N.B If you are an international student studying with a Student Route
Visa, please note that your timetabled activity, along with any
additional supervisory activity (with Swansea University staff present)
will take place on campus. In line with UKVI protocol, these sessions
will be monitored and data made available on request.
There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this course through the medium of Welsh.
Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea
University. We can offer you:
Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support through the medium of Welsh to improve your academic skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence
of your Welsh language ability for future employers, namely the WJEC and Coleg Cymraeg’s Welsh Language
Certificate.
Fees for full time undergraduate UK students may increase in subsequent years of study in line with the maximum regulated fee level set by the Welsh Government
You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.
Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's
scholarships and bursaries
page.
Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.
For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.
If you are a UK student who can commit to working in Wales for two years after graduating, you could get your tuition fees covered in full through the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme, as well as maintenance funding of up to £4,491 and a reduced rate loan from Student Finance.
Please see our NHS Funding webpage to check your eligibility for funding before applying.
Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your
personal tutor, the Centre for Academic
Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas
such as:
Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).
In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability,
mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have
Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and
requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.
We want to support the development of your competence in using digital media, to enhance your learning, engage in technologies in clinical practice, and protect yourself and the profession when you are online.
International summer programmes are open to students from all schools.
Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as
Sri Lanka, South Korea, Fiji, Bali, the USA and across Europe. For more
information about programmes and eligibility visit our
Summer Abroad webpages.
We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application
deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can
find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.
The University will seek to deliver each course in accordance with the
descriptions set out in the relevant course web pages at the time of
application. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable
or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision,
either before or after enrolment.
The information below is for students starting their courses in 2016 or
later.
The University will not normally make very substantial changes to courses
(for example, a change to the course title, significant restructuring,
substantial change in course content, or the introduction of a progression
hurdle) which would impact on students who have already begun their course.
In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary for the University to make
such a change after acceptance of a place by an offer-holder. This will not
happen less than 5 months before enrolment. The offer-holder will be
notified of the change and will have the opportunity to withdraw their
application and apply elsewhere.
Other changes could be made to course content, study location, delivery and
teaching provision because of developments in the relevant subject,
enhancements in teaching or assessment practice, requirements of external
accreditation processes, changes in staffing, resource constraints or
changes in the availability of facilities. Such changes will take account of
the reasonable expectations of prospective and current students.
Summary of Changes
Date of Change
10/02/2026
Course Title(s)
Nursing (Mental Health Branch),
BSc (Hons)
3 Year
Full Time
(B704)
Material Change
There are minor changes to this programme's structure that impact whether modules are compulsory and optional.
Reason for Change
These updates are designed to make your learning experience more streamlined, relevant and manageable.
