Nursing (Mental Health) With Foundation Year

Study a health foundation year and learn the key concepts and principles in health and social care to complete a full Honours degree. You'll be able to begin this qualification without meeting the level 3 entry requirements, gaining the essential skills required to succeed in degree-level education.

Although the Foundation Year itself is not accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), successful completion, alongside meeting key entry requirements such as DBS and Occupational Health clearance, allows you to progress onto an NMC-approved nursing degree.

You can then begin a career where compassion, skill, and resilience can change lives with a Mental Health Nursing degree designed for today’s healthcare challenges. This innovative and hands-on degree will teach you how to support people with different mental health problems, in different settings, making you an adaptable and person-centred practitioner.

What you'll learn
• Support people experiencing a range of mental health conditions with compassion and professionalism.



• Develop therapeutic communication skills to build trust and promote recovery.



• Practise nursing skills safely through simulation, virtual reality, and placements.



• Apply evidence-based approaches to mental health care in different settings.



• Collaborate with other nursing students before specialising.



This hands-on, research-informed course combines theory, simulation, and real clinical placements, helping you grow into a confident, person-centred practitioner.

From day one, you’ll be supported by experienced academics and professionals and, upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Professional accreditation

On completion of the course, you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Mental Health Nurse. Our newly approved course meets the NMC 2023 standards.

Specialist facilities

As a healthcare student, you will have access to our specialist, industry-relevant, simulation facilities at Canterbury and Medway campuses. These simulation suites allow you to practise hands-on skills in a fully-equipped, realistic hospital environment.

94% of our Mental Health Nursing students were in employment or further study 15 months after finishing their course
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025

University isn't just an education, it's the start of your career. At Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), you'll get to explore a number of exciting career paths, whatever you study.

CCCU is ranked top 5 UK university for employability (Uni Compare Rankings 2026), highlighting its excellent student careers and employability support. The university is home to career-relevant courses and industry-standard facilities. For example, film students can showcase their creativity in the fully equipped film/TV studio, forensics students can test their observational abilities in mock crime scenes, and nursing students can practice their skills in simulated hospital wards.

With a campus in a World Heritage Site, Canterbury is also less than an hour on the train from London and is buzzing with student life. You've got beautiful coast and countryside right on your doorstep, and plenty of opportunities to make friends. With CCCU's range of clubs and societies, including Tennis, Musical Theatre and Dodgeball, you're bound to meet your friends for life.

Click register interest now to secure your place at CCCU this September.