Nursing (Mental Health) With Foundation Year

Study mental health nursing with Foundation Year and play a crucial role in helping people who are experiencing or recovering from a range of mental health problems. Mental health nursing is a diverse profession, meaning you'll have an array of roles to work in upon graduation. This innovative and hands-on Mental Health Nursing degree will teach you how to support people with different mental health problems, in different settings, making you an adaptable and person-centred practitioner.

The Foundation Year prepares you for further studies in health and social care. It provides a supportive environment where you can grow in confidence and develop the knowledge and academic skills that you need to study at undergraduate level.

Your course will start with exploring the role of the nurse in contemporary healthcare and the fundamentals of compassionate person-centred nursing practice. Throughout the first year you'll study with nursing students from the other fields of nursing, taking part in simulated learning and undertaking clinical practice placements. Years two and three will focus on your chosen field and will ensure you become a professional and competent newly qualified nurse, ready for a graduate role.

The best way to study mental health nursing is through a combination of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. From day one, you'll be immersed in nursing practice and supported by academics and professionals with vast experience. Practice placements and simulation will be an integral part to your studies. You'll learn in state-of-the-art simulation facilities, using the latest virtual reality technology to practise nursing in a safe and supportive environment.

A degree in mental health nursing from CCCU offers a range of career development and education options, as well as the opportunity to specialise. Our course will help you to develop the skills you need to make a difference to the lives of people in mental distress and will give you eligibility for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. So we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate.

Professional accreditation

On completion of the course, you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Mental Health Nurse. Our newly approved course meets the NMC 2023 standards.

Specialist facilities

As a healthcare student, you will have access to our specialist, industry-relevant, simulation facilities at Canterbury and Medway campuses. These simulation suites allow you to practise hands-on skills in a fully-equipped, realistic hospital environment.

94% of our Mental Health Nursing students were in employment or further study 15 months after finishing their course
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025