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

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Key Course Details

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): BBB-BCC
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025 or Mar 2026	NHS

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

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:

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

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Course type

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Introduction to nursing and health care (Mental Health)	Academic Year	40	SHN195S
Cyflwyniad i nyrsio a gofal iechyd (Iechyd Meddwl)	Academic Year	40	SHN195SW

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Understanding health and illness (Mental Health)	Academic Year	40	SHN196S
Deall Iechyd a Salwch (Iechyd Meddwl)	Academic Year	40	SHN196SW

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Contexts of Care (Mental Health)	Academic Year	40	SHN197S
Cyd-destunau Gofal (Iechyd Meddwl)	Academic Year	40	SHN197SW

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Acute Care (Mental Health)	Academic Year	40	SHN2031S
Gofal Acíwt (Iechyd Meddwl)	Academic Year	40	SHN2031SW

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Care of the Person with a Long Term Condition and Palliative Care Needs (Mental Health)	Academic Year	40	SHN2032S
Gofalu am Unigolyn sydd â Chyflwr Hirdymor ac Anghenion Gofal Lliniaru (Iechyd Meddwl)	Academic Year	40	SHN2032SW

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Ensuring Quality Care (Mental Health)	Academic Year	40	SHN2033S
Sicrhau Gofal o Safon (Iechyd Meddwl)	Academic Year	40	SHN2033SW

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Practice and theory hours requirement	Academic Year	0	SHG3127

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Care of the User of Service With Complex Needs (Mental Health)	Academic Year	40	SHN3128S
Gofalu am Ddefnyddiwr Gwasanaeth sydd ag Anghenion Cymhleth (Iechyd Meddwl)	Academic Year	40	SHN3128SW

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Advancing Nursing Practice (Mental Health)	Academic Year	40	SHN3129S
Hyrwyddo Ymarfer Nyrsio (Iechyd Meddwl)	Academic Year	40	SHN3129SW

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Preparation for professional practice (Mental Health)	Academic Year	40	SHN3130S
Paratoi ar gyfer ymarfer proffesiynol (Iechyd Meddwl)	Academic Year	40	SHN3130SW

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

BBB-BCC

Typical A-Level Offer
Minimum of BBB-BCC at A level, health or science-related courses are desirable. We accept Welsh Baccalaureate as equivalent to an A-level of the same grade.

Typical Access to HE Offer
21 Distinctions, 18 Merits, 6 Passes

Typical BTEC Offer
DDM-DMM

Typical Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales Offer
B and BB at A Level, or DD at BTEC

Irish Leaving Certificate
360

Please note, our grade range covers standard and contextual offers. If you meet one (or more) of our eligibility criteria for contextual offers, you will be made a lower offer. This will still be within the stated grade range.

You will also need a minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade A-C (or 4 and above) including English/Welsh language, Maths and a Physical Science or Double Science Award.

In certain circumstances, Key Skills Level 2 in Application of Number will be accepted in lieu of GCSE Mathematics, and Key Skills Level 2 in Communication will be accepted in lieu of GCSE Welsh/English Language, if undertaken since September 2015.

You will also need to demonstrate:

A strong educational profile in the previous three to five years
A detailed understanding of and commitment to Mental Health Nursing

Care experience is helpful but not essential, and you will be expected to participate in group discussions, teamwork and individual tasks during interviews.

All applicants will also need a satisfactory educational reference.

Applicants who meet the entry requirements and selection criteria will be invited to interview, which may take place in person or via telephone/video call. Our Interview Tips explain more about what to expect.

If you are offered a place, you will also need:

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, or approved equivalent
To understand and follow the NHS Wales Values and Standards of Behaviour, and
You will also need to undertake an Occupational Health check, to ensure that you meet the health standards of our placement providers. More information can be found on our dedicated webpage, including our Vaccination Policy for Applicants

Any concerns arising from these may be considered at the School of Health and Social Care’s Professional Suitability and Fitness to Practice Panel, and may result in admission to the programme being withdrawn.

How You're Taught

At Swansea, you will benefit from a high-quality, research-informed education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods, carefully tailored to suit the needs of your course. Most courses are taught in person, on campus, giving you the opportunity to actively engage with other students, academic staff, and the wider university community.

You can expect a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions - including laboratory work, skills training, or studio-based teaching where relevant to your discipline. These sessions are designed to encourage active participation, collaboration, and the development of both subject-specific and transferable skills.

Digital learning tools are also used to enhance your learning experience. These may include:

Recorded lectures to support flexible study and revision.
Virtual labs or simulated environments, particularly in science, healthcare, and technical disciplines.
Online resources on the university’s virtual learning environment (Canvas), including videos, reading materials, quizzes, and discussion forums.

This approach enables you to engage with and review content at your own pace while benefiting from the structure and support of in-person teaching.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

N.B If you are an international student studying with a Student Route Visa, please note that your timetabled activity, along with any additional supervisory activity (with Swansea University staff present) will take place on campus. In line with UKVI protocol, these sessions will be monitored and data made available on request.

Welsh Provision

At least 40 credits

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this course through the medium of Welsh. Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

To learn more about the above and all the opportunities available to you through the medium of Welsh, visit Academi Hywel Teifi's undergraduate pages.

Professional Body Accreditation

Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Meet Your Lecturers

Professor Jayne Cutter, Head of the School of Health and Social Care
Catherine Norris, Head of Nursing

Our Mental Health Nursing programmes are delivered by:

You can find a full list of our nursing staff here.

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	International
September 2024	NHS	N/A
March 2025	NHS	N/A
September 2025	NHS	N/A
March 2026	NHS	N/A

Fees for full time undergraduate UK students may increase in subsequent years of study in line with the maximum regulated fee level set by the Welsh Government

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

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

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad.

International summer programmes are open to students from all schools. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as Sri Lanka, South Korea, Fiji, Bali, the USA and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.

Additional Information

At Swansea, we have a range of nursing and healthcare-focused societies, which offer opportunities for you to meet fellow students and take part in a variety of activities. These societies are all run for students, by students, and include:

Contact Details

Make an undergraduate enquiry

International students contact our International Team