The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a modern and vibrant institution located in Scotland. It was formed in 2007 through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, UWS has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world. Today, UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts, and is known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning.

Our MSc Mental Health Nursing course has three parts containing a mixture of theory and practice core modules. There are three 20 credit modules in Part 1, two 30 credit modules in Part 2 with Part 3 consisting of a 60 credit theory/practice dissertation module.

A recognised innovative feature of our course is the approach of clinical simulation used for skills demonstration, practice, and development throughout the course which allows you to practise skills in a safe, realistic environment.

Part 1 - PgCert
Part 1 of the programme comprises the following core modules:

Integrated Human Development (core, 20 credits)
Self, Society and Nursing (core, 20 credits)
Health and Society (core, 20 credits)
In order to meet the NMC standards (NMC, 2010) students must successfully complete all theory and practice elements of Part 1 before progressing to Part 2.

This equates to students having met NMC Progression Point 1 Criteria together with 60 credits at SCQF Level 11. Any student not meeting these requirements will incur a period of programme interruption and will be supported to complete Part 1 in line with the University Assessment Regulations.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The NMC has identified skills and professional behaviours that a student must demonstrate by the first progression point. These criteria must normally be achieved during the students Practice Learning Experiences.

These criteria cover:

Safety, safeguarding and protection of people of all ages, their carers and their families
Professional values, expected attitudes and the behaviours that must be shown towards people, their carers, their families, and others
Achievement of Part 1 NMC Progression Point Criteria also include:

Completion of safeMedicate™ (100% Pass)
Evidence of progression and achievement of the NMC Platforms and Proficiencies for Part 1
Achievement of Pass in Practice Learning Experiences PLE 1 & 2
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

60 credits at SCQF Level 11
Any student not meeting these requirements will incur a period of programme interruption and will be supported to complete Part 1 in line with the University Assessment Regulations.

Students meeting the academic progression criteria will be entitled to a Post Graduate Certificate in Health Studies if exiting the programme prior to completion. The PgCert Health Studies award is academic and carries no professional recognition from the NMC.

Part 2 - PgDip
Successful completion of Part 1 of the programme allows you to proceed to the Part 2, which consists of the additional following core modules:

Resilience in Health (core, 30 credits)
Managing Mental Health Care (core, 30 credits)
In order to meet the NMC standards (NMC, 2010), students must successfully complete all theory and practice elements of Part 2 before progressing to Part 3. This equates to students having met the NMC Progression Point 2 Criteria together with 120 academic credits at SCQF Level 11. Any student not meeting these requirements will incur a period of programme interruption and will be supported to complete Part 2 in line with the University Assessment Regulations.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The NMC has identified skills and professional behaviours that a student must demonstrate by the second progression point. These criteria must normally be achieved during the students Practice Learning Experiences.

These criteria cover:

Working more independently, with less direct supervision, in a safe and increasingly confident manner
Demonstrating potential to work autonomously, making the most of opportunities to extend knowledge, skills and practice
Achievement of Part 2 NMC Progression Point Criteria also include:

Ongoing evidence of progression and achievement of the NMC Platforms and Proficiencies
Achievement of Pass in Practice Learning Experiences PLE 3 & 4
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

120 credits at SCQF Level 11
Any student not meeting these requirements will incur a period of programme interruption and will be supported to complete Part 2 in line with the University Assessment Regulations.

Students meeting the academic progression criteria will be entitled to a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) Health Studies if exiting the programme prior to completion. The PgDip Health Studies award is academic and carries no professional recognition from the NMC.

Part 3 - MSc
Successful completion of the Part 2 allows you to proceed to the Part 3 of the programme:

Research and Practice (core, 60 credits)
AWARD OF MSc Mental Health Nursing

Students who have met the NMC Standards (NMC, 2010) and 180 credits at SCQF Level 11 will progress to Award of MSc Mental Health Nursing and be eligible to enter the NMC Register as a Mental Health Nurse.

Any student not meeting these requirements will incur a period of programme interruption and will be supported to complete Part 3 in line with the University Assessment Regulations.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Achievement of NMC Standards for Part 3 and includes:

Completion of all NMC practice hours
Evidence of achievement of the NMC Platforms and Proficiencies
Achievement of Pass in Practice Learning Experiences PLE 5 & 6
Practice Assessors and Academic Assessors have declared achievement of the required NMC Platforms and Proficiencies for Part 3 of the programme (NMC, 2018)

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

180 credits at SCQF Level 11
AWARD OF POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (PGDIP) MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

Students who have met the NMC Standards (NMC, 2010) and 120 credits at SCQF Level 11 will progress to the Award of Post Graduate Diploma Mental Health Nursing and be eligible to enter the NMC Register as a mental health nurse. Any student not meeting these requirements will incur a period of programme interruption and will be supported to complete Part 3 in line with the University Assessment Regulations.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Achievement of NMC Standards for Part 3 and includes:

Completion of Part 3 NMC practice hours
Evidence of achievement of the NMC Platforms and Proficiencies
Pass Practice Learning Experience clinical assessments in PLE 5 and PLE 6
Practice Assessor and Academic Assessor have declared achievement of the required NMC Platforms and Proficiencies (NMC, 2018)
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

120 credits at SCQF Level 11
AWARD OF POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (PGDIP) HEALTH STUDIES

Students who accrue 120 credits at SCQF Level 11 and either do not achieve the NMC Standards for Part 3 or do not complete the programme will be entitled to a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Studies. The award is academic and carries no professional recognition from the NMC.

Teaching & Assessment
Our ongoing assessment strategy aims to support learning and has been designed to assess your knowledge of nursing at SCQF Level 11. The strategy also ensures that the professional requirements for competency to enter the NMC professional register are achieved.

The programmes embrace a variety of teaching and learning strategies which include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, self-directed learning, professional development planning and reflection.

A recognised innovative feature of the programmes is the approach of clinical simulation whereby students can practise nursing skills in artificial healthcare environments/community environments (Skills Labs) with patient simulators that are interactive and can replicate human anatomy/physiology and clinical signs of developing illness. The Communication/Multi-sensory Suite and the Domus initiative will also be used for skills demonstration practice and evaluation within the programme. Through clinical simulation, students can practise in a safe, realistic environment. Activities can be recorded and students engage in facilitator debrief, peer review and self-review in order for them to identify their level of competence accurately and most importantly identify errors. This method of learning provides a crucial preparation for PLEs and real patient encounters and consequently students can more readily identify and address learning opportunities that are safe and therapeutic.

Academic staff facilitate learning in the skills laboratories through the use of small group teaching and assist students to develop nursing skills through the simulation of clinical events. Reference material, clinical guidelines and policies/procedures for laboratory-based modules will be delivered via e-learning in conjunction with tutorial support.

Course Structure
Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, and compulsory modules on this course.

MSc Mental Health Nursing Course Structure

• The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a vibrant and dynamic institution located in Scotland. Founded in 2007, UWS was formed through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, the university has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world.
• UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts. UWS is also known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning, which includes a focus on practical, real-world experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
• UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 150 of universities worldwide under 50 years old (2022 Young University Rankings). In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 90 percent of research at University of the West of Scotland was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally. UWS was also crowned Higher Educational Institution of the Year 2022 (The Herald Higher Education Awards).
• One of the standout features of UWS is its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing job market. The university offers a wide range of programs that are designed to meet the needs of students from all backgrounds, and its experienced faculty is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential.
• In addition to its strong academic programs, UWS also offers a wealth of extracurricular activities and student services. The university has a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and organizations, as well as sports teams, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events. There is also a well-established student support network that provides guidance and assistance to students on a wide range of topics, from academic support to personal and financial advice.
• Another key aspect of UWS is its strong commitment to research. The university has a growing reputation as a center of research excellence, and its faculty and students are working on a wide range of cutting-edge projects in areas such as engineering, health, education, and the arts. This research is not only helping to advance knowledge in these fields, but it is also helping to create new opportunities for students and improve the lives of people around the world.
• In conclusion, the University of the West of Scotland is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution that is dedicated to providing its students with the education, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing world. With its strong academic programs, vibrant student life, and commitment to research, UWS is the perfect place for students who want to get the most out of their college experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it