BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at Solent University should have completed their secondary education with a minimum of 65% or above in their respective national qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum score of 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component.
• PTE Academic: A minimum score of 59, with no component below 59.
• DET Requirement: A DET score of 100 is required.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Solent University in the UK offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to assist international students in their academic journey. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward academic excellence, as well as provide support to those who may face financial constraints. 

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional international students who have achieved outstanding academic results. It provides a significant reduction in tuition fees for the duration of the student's course.

International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies. It offers a partial tuition fee reduction and is awarded based on academic achievements and potential.

Solent Sports Scholarships: Solent University has a strong focus on sports and offers scholarships to talented athletes who have achieved excellence in their chosen sport. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and coaching expertise to help athletes balance their studies and sports commitments.

Regional Scholarships: Solent University offers a range of scholarships specific to certain regions or countries. These scholarships aim to support students from particular regions and provide financial assistance to help them pursue their studies at Solent University.

External Scholarships: In addition to university-specific scholarships, Solent University also encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities. The university provides guidance and support in identifying and applying for external scholarships offered by organizations, foundations, and governments.

Financial Hardship Support: Solent University understands that some international students may face financial difficulties during their studies. The university provides support and advice through its Student Hub and Student Funding team, who can assist in exploring additional funding options and provide guidance on managing finances effectively.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary each year.

Graduates of Solent University's BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing program are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to pursue rewarding careers in mental health nursing. 

Mental Health Nurse: Graduates can work as registered mental health nurses, providing care and support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges across the lifespan. They work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, community mental health teams, crisis intervention services, and residential care facilities, delivering evidence-based interventions, administering medication, and advocating for clients' rights and well-being. Mental health nurses collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, assess clients' mental health needs, develop care plans, and provide therapeutic interventions to promote recovery and improve quality of life.

Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN): Graduates can specialize as community psychiatric nurses (CPNs), delivering mental health care and support to clients in community settings. They work with individuals living in their own homes, supported accommodation, or outpatient clinics, providing ongoing monitoring, counseling, and practical assistance to promote independence and community integration. CPNs play a vital role in preventing hospital admissions, supporting clients' transition from hospital to community care, and facilitating access to community resources and social support networks.

Crisis Intervention Nurse: Graduates can work as crisis intervention nurses, providing immediate support and intervention to individuals experiencing mental health crises, such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, or acute psychosis. They work in crisis resolution and home treatment teams, psychiatric emergency departments, or telephone helplines, conducting risk assessments, de-escalating crises, and coordinating emergency interventions to ensure clients' safety and well-being. Crisis intervention nurses collaborate with emergency services, mental health professionals, and voluntary organizations to provide timely and effective crisis support.

Forensic Mental Health Nurse: Graduates can specialize in forensic mental health nursing, working with individuals who have mental health issues and are involved with the criminal justice system. They work in secure psychiatric units, prisons, or forensic mental health services, providing assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation services to clients with complex mental health and forensic needs. Forensic mental health nurses collaborate with forensic psychiatrists, psychologists, and legal professionals to deliver specialized care and support clients' recovery and rehabilitation.

Psychiatric Liaison Nurse: Graduates can work as psychiatric liaison nurses, providing mental health assessment and support to individuals accessing general healthcare services, such as hospitals, primary care clinics, or accident and emergency departments. They assess clients' mental health needs, facilitate access to appropriate mental health services, and provide education and support to healthcare staff on managing mental health issues in medical settings. Psychiatric liaison nurses play a crucial role in promoting holistic care and improving outcomes for individuals with co-occurring physical and mental health conditions.

Research Nurse: Graduates can pursue careers as research nurses, contributing to mental health research projects and clinical trials aimed at advancing knowledge and treatment options for mental health conditions. They work in academic institutions, research centers, or healthcare organizations, recruiting research participants, collecting data, and implementing research protocols under the supervision of principal investigators. Research nurses play a vital role in translating research findings into clinical practice, promoting evidence-based care, and improving outcomes for individuals with mental health disorders.

Educator/Trainer: Graduates with experience and advanced qualifications in mental health nursing can transition into roles as educators or trainers, teaching mental health nursing courses, delivering continuing professional development (CPD) programs, or providing clinical supervision and mentoring to student nurses and newly qualified practitioners. They work in universities, healthcare organizations, or professional development agencies, sharing their expertise and helping to shape the next generation of mental health nursing professionals.

Policy Advisor/Healthcare Manager: Graduates can work in roles related to mental health policy development, strategic planning, and healthcare management, advocating for improved mental health services, shaping healthcare policy, and leading service improvement initiatives. They work for government agencies, healthcare trusts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or healthcare consultancy firms, influencing policy decisions, allocating resources, and implementing initiatives to enhance mental health care delivery, accessibility, and quality.

International Mental Health Worker: Graduates with a global perspective and cross-cultural competence can pursue opportunities to work as mental health workers in international settings, supporting mental health initiatives, humanitarian projects, or development programs in low- and middle-income countries. They collaborate with international organizations, non-profit agencies, or government bodies to address global mental health challenges, promote mental health awareness, and contribute to capacity-building efforts in resource-constrained settings.

Advanced Practice Roles: Graduates with postgraduate qualifications and additional training may pursue advanced practice roles in mental health nursing, such as nurse prescriber, nurse consultant, or nurse specialist. They develop specialized expertise in areas such as psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, or psychiatric rehabilitation, taking on leadership roles, conducting advanced assessments, and providing specialized interventions to individuals with complex mental health needs.