Health & Social Care

Please note that this course is only available from September 2012 onwards.



One in four of the UK population experiences a mental health problem at some point in their lives. These are not restricted by age, cultural, occupational or income groups.

This course provides you with the knowledge and skills to work effectively with individuals experiencing a variety of mental health problems and their families. The skills and knowledge you develop range from fundamental therapeutic communication to specific interventions used with individuals who have problems such as depression and severe mental illness. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to work in diverse settings, and develop a leadership role within the health and social care team.

What you study

In Year 1 you undertake a variety of modules which focus upon developing your knowledge and the core skills needed to meet patients' physical, emotional and safety needs. The modules explore:

• knowledge and skills relating to nursing care, compassion and communication, including management of nutrition, fluids and medicines, and infection prevention and control
• the patient's journey through the health and social care system and principles of multidisciplinary care
• clinical decision making, evidence-based practice and application of social and life sciences to patient care
• the public health agenda, health care systems and organisational aspects of care
• professional regulation, governance and ethics of practice.

Modules in Years 2 and 3 further develop your understanding of the concepts of mental health care. You develop your clinical decision-making skills and an in-depth knowledge of interventions to promote effective mental health care in a variety of settings. You explore the political and global influences upon health and social care, and the quality, improvement and safety agendas and their impact upon mental health practice. You develop your personal effectiveness, leadership and management skills in theory and practice.

How you learn

50% of the course is spent in clinical practice and you gain experience in hospital and community settings. You work with client groups, including children and young people, older persons and individuals within the prison service in and around the North East of England. During University-based learning you engage in skills workshops and simulation, e-learning, key lectures, problem-based learning and group work. Support and constructive feedback are provided by both academic and practice mentors.

How you are assessed

Assessments are varied and reflect module outcomes. They include written assignments, examinations, case studies and presentations. You are also assessed in clinical practice through a portfolio of evidence each year. Essential competencies must be met for this course which include:

• mathematical calculations in relation to drug administration
• physical and manual dexterity in order to undertake clinical skills
• observational and auditory ability are needed to carry out holistic practical examinations and emergency care
• accurate interpretation of assessment data and written records, such as drug prescription charts and treatment plans, to inform clinical decision making
• keeping accurate and legible records.

Professional accreditation

On successful completion of the course you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council on the nurses' part of the Professional Register (Mental Health Nursing).

Career opportunities

A diverse range of career opportunities is available within the NHS and private sector in the UK and overseas. This course provides a stepping stone from which you can develop your expertise in the fields of clinical practice, leadership, research, education and consultancy.

Entry requirements

A typical offer is 240 tariff points from two or three A levels (or equivalent). You will also be interviewed. For further detailed entry requirements for this course please visit www.ucas.com.

You must also

• have five GCSEs (grade C or above) including English language and maths or Key Skills Level 2 in Communication and Application of Number (or equivalent)


• show you've done relevant study within the last five years


• successfully complete a numeracy test (without a calculator) as part of the interview process


• complete a literacy exercise


• be aware you need to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the relevant professional body before you apply to register


• provide an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure


• be eligible for a Department of Health bursary (more info on the
  NHS Student Bursaries website).

Supporting information for applicants

 Our School feedback policy (word - 278kb)
 Our School reference policy (word - 276kb)

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