Graduate Diploma Nursing (Mental Health)
Gain specialist mental health nursing skills and NMC registration in an additional field of practice with our one-year Graduate Diploma.
of universities in the country for graduates who agree their current activity is 'meaningful'.
Source: GOS 2025
Build on your existing nursing degree by gaining the particular knowledge and skills required of mental health nurses.
You’ll learn in the classroom and through hands-on placements, covering causes and interventions; the experiences of people from different demographics and backgrounds; and biological, psychological and social factors that can impact on mental health.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to practice as a registered mental health nurse.
Our Nursing degree courses are validated by the NMC and you’ll be linked to one of our eight NHS healthcare trust partners for your placements.
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Gain clinical experience with placements in diverse mental health settings.
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Learn from professionals with backgrounds in mental health nursing.
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Train in cutting-edge simulation suites and clinical skills labs.
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Study an NMC-approved course that ensures professional standards.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Our mental health nursing diploma is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK.
This means you’ll be eligible to register in an additional field of practice when you graduate – and start work as a mental health nurse. You might choose to work in settings such as in-patient care, home treatment, or a community mental health team.
Teaching and modules
You’ll spend the year mastering the theory and practice of mental health nursing.
As well as learning how to carry out comprehensive mental health assessments, develop effective care plans, and deliver interventions, you’ll explore the nature of mental illness, and the ethical theories and legal principles relating to mental health.
You’ll complete two 12-week placements, allowing you to hone your practical skills and prepare to work as a registered mental health nurse.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Assessment in Mental Health Nursing
- Developing Approaches to Planning Care in Mental Health Nursing
- Contemporary Mental Health Nursing Practice 3
- Reviewing and Evaluating Mental Health Nursing Care
- Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing
- Into ARU
Facilities
As a nursing student at ARU, you'll benefit from purpose-built nursing skills labs offering the very best in experiential learning.
You’ll use sophisticated equipment to simulate many aspects of a working hospital ward. You’ll also learn from registered, practising tutors and lecturers who’ll make sure you’re being taught the latest techniques and give you the support you need to succeed.