Master of Science in Nursing (Mental Health) Keele University, UK

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.

If you're a highly motivated graduate with care experience who wishes to become a registered mental health nurse and gain an MSc in 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. Higher Education (HE) quality standards through Quality Academic Assurance Standards (QAA) are 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 in the NHS in England at 75: priorities for the future (NHS, 2023).