Nursing (Pre-registration) Mental Health MSc



Qualify in two years as a Mental Health Nurse registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and enjoy a flexible study approach.

Course overview

We are a top 10 UK modern university for Nursing (The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027).

This full time two-year MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) programme is for graduates from any discipline who meet the necessary entry criteria to study and work in the UK. The course is delivered in a blended approach as all the theory learning is online and practice placements can take place in NHS Lothian and Borders, NHS Fife, NHS Tayside or NHS Grampian. Students will need to come on-campus for clinical skills and Touchpoint weeks. The School of Health and Social Care is based at our Sighthill Campus in the city of Edinburgh.

During this programme, you will learn in a variety of practice settings, and study contemporary evidence-based nursing modules. To facilitate a breadth of authentic educational experiences, you will learn with inter-professional health and social care teams, and from people accessing health and social care support. You will become a life-long learner; a critical thinker who supports and influences the highest quality evidence base and provides exceptional person-centred care.

You will enter the nursing profession as a confident, proficient and autonomous practitioner, with a strong understanding of current health and social care environments.  You will have the skills to lead, innovate and influence future provision to effectively meet the needs of people.

Typical entry point to this course is in January. Please enquire for more information. 

We are currently preparing for our first round of selection. Due to the limited number of places, we recommend applying as soon as possible. If you would like to be considered for this round, please apply by 30 October 2026.

For the MSc Nursing Programmes, we cannot consider applicants who will require a Student Route visa or those currently employed by a non-NHS employer on the Skilled Worker Route, unless they are working for other recognised and reputable healthcare providers that operate multiple facilities.

We recommend exploring alternative courses that are open to international students or contacting our admissions team for further guidance.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Mental Health Nursing student talking to a patient

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

2 years

Start date:

Jan

Course details

Nurses today need to be able to demonstrate competence and leadership in nursing care. To deliver this, they need to be able to work flexibly, inter-professionally and collaboratively in a dynamic and ever-evolving health and social care arena.
 

Our nursing programme takes account of the key initiatives in health and social care at local, national and international levels and is developed in partnership with our clinical partners, students, service users and carers.

You will learn alongside your colleagues on your programme as well as colleagues studying their master's in Adult Health Nursing, colleagues from all fields of nursing on our Bachelor of Nursing (BN) programme and colleagues from our Allied Health programmes. Each of your six practice placements will be specific to the Mental Health field of nursing. 

The course is designed so that you will acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding which gives you specific skills and competences to work within a variety of health and social care teams and settings. The programme will enable you to specialise in your chosen field of nursing to deliver high quality, evidence-informed person-centred care.

On completion, this course will have supported you to become a creative, autonomous, innovative and dynamic nurse with an excellent grounding in nursing theory and practice incorporating current developments within your chosen field of nursing.

Additional mandatory costs

Students are expected to pay for their registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, at successful conclusion of their programme, £120. 

 
 
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    How you’ll be taught

    Your theory tutorials will be held online. The programme takes a flipped classroom approach which enables students to develop communities of learning for support. Our clearly structured concept-based curriculum explores the most up to date evidence in health and social sciences, encouraging critical engagement and innovation.
     
    There will be regular clinical skills classes at the superb Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre at the Sighthill Campus in Edinburgh in addition to some online clinical modules.
     
    There will be 'Touchpoint' weeks at the end of each trimester when you will attend on campus to hear from a range of fascinating speakers about their nursing specialty, career and research, as well as develop your understanding of interprofessional learning. Touchpoint weeks will also include engaging workshops and the opportunity to meet with each other socially and with your personal development tutor group.
     
    You will undertake six practice placements within your field of practice in either NHS Lothian and Border, NHS Fife, NHS Tayside or NHS Grampian.

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    Assessments

    Assessments are varied and include presentations, case reports, verbal patient handovers with peers online, group discussions, critical reflection, and dissertation writing along with ongoing assessment within six practice learning environments.
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    Work placement

    Integrated into this programme are six practice placements. A minimum of five of these will be based in a health board of your choice, deemed your "home health board": NHS Lothian and Borders, NHS Fife, NHS Tayside, or NHS Grampian. There is an opportunity for students to arrange their sixth placement experience and we can offer support to help identify an experience further afield within the UK (in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland) - this is called a mobility placement. Within the university there are also opportunities for expanding your practice by volunteering in a range of activities, such as the food bank, charities and working with researchers in the School. Where possible we encourage you to attend conferences, workshops and participate in relevant research studies.*
     
    *These experiences may require funding through sponsorship/self-funding. 
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    Study abroad

    There is no opportunity to study abroad during the programme.
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    Facilities

    You will have the opportunity to practice in one of the following health boards: NHS Lothian and Borders, NHS Fife, NHS Tayside, or NHS Grampian, as well as gain exposure to social care and voluntary services. Your theoretical and some skills teaching will be online, and for face to face sessions you will be based at the Sighthill campus in Edinburgh. Mandatory skills training will take place in our world-class Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre, which simulates clinical and social living space.
     
    The University is committed to delivering high quality programmes of learning and offers excellent support in terms of study facilities, library services, pastoral and academic skills support. Within the programme you will also have a personal development tutor who will support you and work co-productively to enable you to progress throughout the programme.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Assessment and Care Planning ( NUR11121 )

This module focuses on Platform 3 of the NMC Future Nurse Standards (2018), which covers Assessment and Care Planning. The following outcomes from this platform are addressed [3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15 and 3.16]. In addition outcomes from Platforms 1 [1.14], 4 [4.1] and 7 [7.9] are addressed alongside Annexe A [1.12, 4.2.6, 4.2.6.3] which focuses on communication and relationship management skills.In this module you will critically evaluate the role of the nurse in enabling evidence informed person-centred assessment and care, with a view to executing best practice in person-centred assessment and care planning in contemporary nursing. You will begin by exploring and critically analysing the overarching concept of ‘person? from the perspective of ‘being human?, both physically and mentally. Through engagement with, and critical analysis of the principles and theories informing equality, diversity and inclusion [LO1], human physiology and pathophysiology [LO2], you will gain an in-depth understanding of human health and ill-health all viewed through a lens of complexity, diversity and choice. Through critically engaging with a wide variety of evidence, you will gain an extensive and detailed knowledge about the importance of working in partnership with the individual to enable high-quality person-centred care [LO1-2]. Key evidence is drawn on from the theories of person-centeredness. You will be encouraged to critically analyse and evaluate the validity of this theoretical framework as a foundation for contemporary care [LO3]. This will in turn inform your knowledge of person-centred assessment and care planning. You will explore and critique evidence informing assessment and care planning approaches in nursing, you will then use this knowledge and critique to select valid and reliable person-centred assessment and care planning tools. You will be facilitated to critically evaluate a range of approaches in order to determine the most reliable approach(s) for individuals [LO4]. The module will enable you to develop critical and applied skills in assessment and care planning while working in partnership with individuals to tailor care to suit a range of health conditions. This outcome will be underpinned by the knowledge and application of physiology and pathophysiology, critical evaluation of theories informing the concept of person-centred care and evidence-informed practice. This module has been set up to support the development and enhancement of communities of learning in line with a programme focused approach.

Further information

Co-ordinating Care ( NUR11125 )

This module focuses on Co-ordinating Care, Platform 7 of the NMC Future Nurse Standards (2018). This module will give you the opportunity to further review, critique and consolidate your knowledge in relation to the overarching concepts of evidence informed practice and care. Key components such as, local/national/international health legislation, health policy, economics, and co-productive care delivery, will be further defined, conceptualised and critically evaluated, with a view to developing and sharing original and creative responses to strategic evidence informed and strengths-based service provision as both a leader and a change agent. In this module you will be offered a choice as to how you design and execute your dissertation project. Guidance on how to plan and prepare your chosen approach will be facilitated throughout the module. The module Virtual Learning Environment will contain information on getting started; literature searching, critiquing and managing references, and how to present and construct your final summative submission. Your dissertation project must critically reflect on current evidence and practice to inform the validity and potential impact of your proposed practice development or enhancement initiative.

Further information

Health in a Social and Geographical Context ( NUR11120 )

This module predominately addresses outcomes within Platform 2 of the NMC Future Nurse Standards (2018); Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health. The module focuses on the interaction of individual and society to inform understanding of people's experience of physical and mental health and illness and of utilising health and social care provision.Key theories are drawn on from the social sciences, and specifically from social epidemiology. You will be encouraged to critique and review these theories with a view to determining their validity, you will do this using both peer reviewed literature and contemporary events. Theories will be used as a basis for critical thinking about the role of the nursing profession in identifying meaningful evidence informed opportunities to address wider societal problems [LO1].A critical view of population health strategies will be taken drawing on evidence as to their effectiveness. Doing so will require you to understand the theory lying behind approaches such as the sensitivity and specificity of screening [LO2, LO3]. This learning will be done with a view to you developing detailed critical knowledge that enables you to consider issues such as accessibility, and demonstrate confidence in communicating complex ideas in lay terms.The module will encourage you to develop a critical understanding as to the relevance of the theories to themselves and their practice drawing from the social sciences of critical work on structure and agency. Practical ways in which nurses and the nursing profession can make a difference, including screening (for example for depression, problematic alcohol use, cancer, falls risk and so forth), vaccination, education, inter-professional work (for example drawing on the third sector), and advocacy of individuals and communities [LO3]. This linking of theory to practice will be especially encouraged through the production of an editorial advocating for an intervention that has implications for improving population health [LO1-3]. This module has been set up to support the development and enhancement of communities of learning in line with a programme focused approach.

Further information

Improving Safety and Quality of Care ( NUR11124 )

This module focuses on Platform 6 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council's standards of proficiency for nurses, improving safety and quality of care. This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the relationship between risk management and patient safety. You will be facilitated to identify, critique, evaluate and apply underpinning theories, principles and approaches to risk and hazard management (LO1, LO2) patient safety (LO3), human factors and quality enhancement at a local, national and international level (LO4). You will be expected to demonstrate understanding about the importance of communication with partners in relation to quality enhancement approaches (LO5). This module has been set up to support the development and enhancement of communities of learning in line with a programme focused approach.

Further information

Providing and Evaluating Care ( NUR11122 )

This module focuses on Platform 4 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council's standards of proficiency for nurses, providing and evaluating care.At the start of the module, you will be presented with a range of case studies, each of which will give rudimentary details about a person and their condition. The conditions include both physical and mental health conditions. You will be asked to ‘sign up’ to a case study aligned to your chosen field of practice, which you will follow for the duration of the module and consequently address in your summative assessment. This module will enable you to conceptualise and debate the links between physical and mental wellbeing (LO2) and critique interventions designed to support and safeguard people living with commonly encountered mental health conditions (LO1). Each week will focus on core concepts including communication, relationship management, drug therapy (LO3) and the delivery of person-centred, evidence informed care (LO4). You will be given the opportunity to critically engage with and synthesise the wider literature to build a personalised, field specific, critical and evidence-informed plan of care in respect to your chosen case study which will form your summative assessment (LOs 1-4).The weekly tutorials are designed to let you share your learning (and learn from others), and so offer healthy challenge and debate to the work of others. This module has been set up to support the development and enhancement of communities of learning in line with a programme focused approach.

Further information

Theory and Practice 1 (TAP 1) - Accountable Professional ( NUR11119 )

The aim of this module is to help you to develop as an accountable professional nurse. The module will include theoretical study, practice learning, and simulation of clinical nursing skills and procedures aligned to the Nursing and Midwifery Council's standards for registered nurses. This module spans all three trimesters within the first year of the MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) programme. Each trimester you will undertake one practice learning experience (PLE) which will equate to 3 days per week in practice. To prepare you for your PLE, you will undertake regular periods of theoretical and practical simulated skills learning across all three trimesters. Practice learning will be integrated with self-directed online theoretical learning for which you are given two study days per week. This is complemented by online group tutorials and critical reflection sessions. At the end of each trimester Touch Point weeks will enable further interaction with your peers and may include sessions delivered by clinical and academic specialists, researchers, interprofessional colleagues, patients and carers. Touch Points may include a range of activities including lectures, workshops, facilitated reflection, cross institutional activities with other students and career development activities. Through engagement with and critical analysis of both key and wider literature, you will build a personalised, field specific and evidence-informed understanding of the module learning outcomes; these will then be critically examined and reflected upon in your formative and summative assessments.

Further information

Theory and Practice 2 (TAP 2) Leading and Managing Nursing Care and Working in Teams ( NUR11123 )

The aim of this module is to help you to develop your theoretical knowledge and practical skills relating to leadership, management and team working. The module will include theoretical study, practice learning, and simulation of clinical nursing skills and procedures aligned to the Nursing and Midwifery Council's standards for registered nurses.This module spans all three trimesters within the second year of the MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) programme. Each trimester you will undertake one practice learning experience (PLE). PLE 4 in the first trimester will equate to 3 days per week in practice and 2 days in theory. PLE 5 in the second trimester will equate to 4 days per week in practice and one day in theory. During PLE 6 in the third trimester you will be in practice for the equivalent of 5 days per week. To prepare you for your PLE, you will undertake regular periods of theoretical and practical simulated skills learning. Theory and practice learning is complemented by online group tutorials and critical reflection sessions. At the end of the first trimester, a Touch Point week will enable further interaction with your peers and may include sessions delivered by clinical and academic specialists, researchers, interprofessional colleagues, patients and carers. Touch Points may include a range of activities including lectures, workshops, facilitated reflection, cross institutional activities with other students and career development activities.Through engagement with and critical analysis of both key and wider literature, you will build a personalised, field specific and evidence-informed understanding of the module learning outcomes; these will then be critically examined and reflected upon in your formative and summative assessments.

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

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Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Nursing Mental Health?

Bachelor (Honours) degree at 2:2 or above in any degree subject.  Alternatively we can accept a Bachelor (Ordinary) degree in nursing with distinction where registration is in an alternative field to the one you are wishing to study (e.g. child health or learning disability). There are two phases to the application process. In the first we assess your eligibility for the programme. If you are found to be eligible, you will then be asked to complete a pre-entry portfolio of approximately 2800 words to provide evidence of your relevant prior learning and experience related to the role of a nurse (a template and guidance will be provided). This enables you to study a shortened pre-registration nursing programme which is two years rather than three years. The portfolio provides evidence of you undertaking a minimum of 500 hours (equivalent to 12-14 weeks full-time) of occupational or voluntary work supporting the health and/or wellbeing needs of people, in addition to demonstrating a minimum of 500 hours of appropriate theoretical learning and understanding evidenced from a previous degree and practice.

National 5 Maths and Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at grade C or above taken within the past 5 years is also required  - if applicants do not have these we can suggest alternative online equivalent courses to undertake.

Applicants with a Master's degree in fields other than nursing are also welcome to apply regardless of their Bachelor degree.

Please note that students who have already studied a Nursing degree are unlikely to receive funding for a second Nursing degree.

To ensure safe and effective practice, all offers to the programme and continuation on the programme will be conditional on a satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check by Disclosure Scotland (which will include a criminal record check), an acceptable Good Health and Good Character assessment as required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and that you are passed as fit to practice following an Occupational Health review.

This programme requires a high level of digital literacy to enable engagement with learning materials, using a variety of digital platforms and databases to search for information and evidence, and collaboration as a member of a community of learning during tutorials in a digital space.

 

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the Postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

IELTS 7.0 with no less than 7.0 in each component, excluding Writing which requires 6.5.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2026/27 2027/28
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,790 £,10,050
Overseas and EU £18,220 £18,950

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.

If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers & employability

Student mental health nurse playing with patient

What can you do with a Nursing Mental Health Masters Degree? 

  

By studying mental health nursing at Edinburgh Napier University, you will be able to provide practical recommendations and solutions to promote patients’ recovery through the knowledge you have gained.  You will have developed effective interpersonal communication skills which are required within mental health nursing, enabling you to deliver care to those in hospitals and the community as a registered mental health nurse. On completion of your degree numerous opportunities will become available such as work within a hospital setting, in community units, in child and adolescent mental health services, in dementia services, in prison services, within forensic psychiatry and drug rehabilitation, in third sector organisations or research settings to name a few.

  

  

What does a Mental Health Nurse do?

  

As a mental health nurse, you will build therapeutic relationships with your patients after identifying their requirements in terms of mental health support. You will have high professional standards, leadership and decision-making skills, and be able to make links to areas such as physical and mental health in planning and delivering care.  

  

Daily tasks you might carry out in this role include:  

  • Promoting positive mental health to your patients through nursing practice
  • Championing equality and diversity and challenging stereotypes and stigma in mental health
  • Work to address the physical health inequalities experienced by people who have a severe mental illness
  • Diagnosing mental illnesses and creating a care and treatment plan
  • Delivering and evaluating care
  • Administering medication and adjusting dosages.
  • Assess people experiencing a mental health crisis, and working with multidisciplinary colleagues to plan care and support, including inpatient and community-based treatment Increasing quality of life in patients with a mental illness. 
  • Keep and update medical records.  

 

 

People talking at a table