PGDip Nursing (Mental Health)

Recognising the increasingly integrated nature of health service delivery, this postgraduate diploma meets the demand for highly employable nurses that can work with complex morbidities across the lifespan and within different settings. It enables qualified adult, children’s and learning disability nurses, who have current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, to undertake an additional professional role in mental health nursing. Through access to practice learning opportunities, you will enhance your personal and professional values and beliefs and develop into a highly competent, resilient and empowered second registrant. You will graduate eligible to register as a qualified mental health nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to help plan, coordinate and deliver care in a safe, compassionate and effective way.

What will I study?

This postgraduate diploma is delivered in a supportive learning environment. You will have the opportunity to achieve nursing proficiencies, aligned to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s standards of proficiency, which represent the skills, knowledge and attributes that mental health nurses must demonstrate.

The programme offers a unique opportunity to acquire all of the proficiencies required in a second field of nursing, while consolidating your existing knowledge and skills. There will be a key focus on gaining the leadership and management skills required to enable a smooth transition to professional practice in your chosen additional field.

Career Prospects

What are my career prospects?

You will graduate with an academic and professional qualification in mental health nursing, building on your existing registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. This will open an assortment of fascinating career opportunities across both fields of practice.

Mental health nurses work in hospitals, clinics and the community, supporting and treating people who are being assessed for, or are diagnosed with, a mental illness. Mental health refers to a person’s cognitive and emotional wellbeing – how they think, feel and behave. As is the case in physical health, nurses can promote mental health by building good relationships with patients, encouraging healthy behaviours, and recognising and treating symptoms early.

There are a range of mental health conditions which need specialised treatment. These include anxiety, depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and personality disorder. Some of these conditions are life-long and each person will need individually tailored education, treatment and guidance to manage symptoms.

Nursing and Midwifery Council registration is recognised the world over and following registration you can pursue a career in a variety of settings, including the NHS, private, voluntary and independent sectors. Career opportunities also include clinical practice, research, leadership, management and education. There are significant opportunities for further professional development and specialism, including the opportunity to progress to a Masters degree through the completion of a 60-credit dissertation.