Nursing Flexible Part-Time (Mental Health), BSc (Hons)

Learn how to support people at some of the most challenging times of their lives

Teachers and students in practice suite

Course Overview

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.

This Flexible Part-Time Mental Health Nursing degree has been developed to meet the needs of the modern student, considering the aspirations of individuals who wish to become registered nurses, while recognising that for many, there are challenges with balancing life commitments and study.

A 30-hour week, shorter periods of study, a hybrid approach combining guided learning, online and on-campus teaching, as well as an increased amount of annual leave and flexibility to manage clinical practice hours, will all come together to help you to balance your commitments throughout this four-year BSc programme.

Our curriculum has been developed to be responsive to changes in society and health care, and your learning will reflect the public’s expectations of the nursing profession. With 50% of the programme based in a range of clinical and community settings, you will build the skills and experience to deliver safe, compassionate and effective mental health nursing care.

You will also develop keen interpersonal and communication skills, to prepare you to work effectively as part of a team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, community workers and occupational therapists. As a direct benefit of our excellent links with Welsh health boards, and many other healthcare providers, you will have access to a wide range of clinical experiences across South West Wales. These could include community healthcare centres, hospitals and specialist areas of mental health nursing.

Why Nursing Flexible Part-Time (Mental Health) at Swansea?

We have an outstanding reputation for nursing at Swansea University, and are ranked:

  • 4th in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 7th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Times Good University Guide 2025)
  • 12th in the UK Overall (Times Good University Guide 2025)

Our academic staff are qualified nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, many of whom are also practicing clinicians, providing you with 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 hospitals or community mental health teams, in both urban and rural locations.

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.

Please see our NHS Funding webpage to check your eligibility for funding before applying.

Your Nursing Flexible Part-Time (Mental Health) Experience

Our excellent facilities include a realistic clinical suite so you can put your theoretical knowledge directly into practice in an environment that reflects, as closely as possible, the actual conditions that you will experience when you go on placement in a hospital or community setting.

Throughout your studies you will participate in a range of learning activities, combining face-to-face teaching with online study, digital learning and student-centred activities, including:

  • Discussion groups
  • Simulation
  • Lectures
  • Individual and group personal tutoring
  • Guided reading and activities
  • Role-play and case studies
  • Practice learning
  • Enquiry-based learning
  • Skills rehearsal involving patient and carer.

You can also study some modules through the medium of Welsh, and may be eligible for internal scholarships or support through Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. See the Welsh Provision expander below for more information.

Nursing Flexible Part-Time (Mental Health) Employment Opportunities

On graduation, you will be eligible to apply for Registered Nurse (Mental Health) status with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and can register as a nurse for work in the EU and EEA.

As your career develops you may choose to specialise in areas such as elderly care, crisis intervention or substance misuse. You could also become involved in education, research, or management roles.

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 have a range of modules available, designed to create skilled and confident mental health nurses. You will study the typical 3 years of module content over a 4-year study period, with the full module structure detailed year-by-year below.

Nursing Flexible Part-Time (Mental Health), BSc (Hons)