

The Master of Science in Nursing (Mental Health) with NMC Registration at the University of Derby is a two-year, full-time on-campus program that prepares students to become registered mental health nurses. The program focuses on developing advanced clinical skills in mental health care, with a particular emphasis on therapeutic interventions, mental health assessments, and patient-centered care. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as mental health nurses in the UK.
Students will engage in both academic learning and practical placements, gaining real-world experience in various mental health settings. This program is ideal for individuals committed to making a difference in mental health care, offering the necessary skills to work in hospitals, clinics, community mental health teams, and other healthcare environments.
Semester 1 – Foundations of Mental Health Nursing
• Principles of Nursing Practice and Clinical Skills
• Introduction to Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology for Nurses
• Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
Semester 2 – Therapeutic Interventions and Person-Centred Care
• Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis
• Therapeutic Communication and Recovery Approaches
• Public Health and Health Promotion in Nursing
• Clinical Practice Placement I
Semester 3 – Advanced Practice and Clinical Leadership
• Complex Mental Health Care and Crisis Intervention
• Leadership, Management, and Interprofessional Collaboration
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Mental Health Nursing
• Clinical Practice Placement II
Semester 4 – Dissertation and Professional Development
• Master’s Dissertation / Applied Clinical Research Project
• Professional Development and Reflective Practice
• Preparation for NMC Registration and Transition to Practic
Graduates of this program can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work as registered mental health nurses across hospital, community, and specialist care settings. Career paths include roles in acute psychiatric units, community mental health teams, rehabilitation services, and mental health policy or education. The program also supports advancement into clinical leadership, advanced practice, or research roles within the healthcare sector. By combining clinical expertise with compassionate care, graduates are well-prepared to support individuals’ mental health recovery and wellbeing.
This program provides a comprehensive and practice-focused education in mental health nursing, designed to meet NMC registration requirements. Through a combination of academic learning and extensive clinical placements, students gain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare environments. The curriculum emphasizes therapeutic communication, clinical decision-making, and ethical care, ensuring graduates are confident and competent practitioners. With a strong focus on person-centred approaches, resilience, and evidence-based practice, this program prepares future nurses to make a meaningful impact in improving mental health outcomes across communities.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +44 (0)1332 591 000
Email: admissions@derby.ac.uk
Address: University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, United Kingdom