Bachelor of Mental Health Nursing

Course Overview

This four-year programme, offered in partnership with the Galway Roscommon Mental Health Nursing Services and the Saolta University Health Care Group leads to the award of Bachelor of Nursing Science (Mental Health Nursing and eligibility for registration in the Psychiatric Division of the Nurses’ Register, maintained by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI, the nursing profession’s regulatory body.

The BSc. (Hons in Mental Health Nursing is focused on the recovery of people experiencing mental health issues. It promotes psychological and physical wellbeing of individuals throughout the lifespan from children, young people, adults and older people. At the University of Galway, we recognise the challenges and rewards of mental health nursing. Our programme is about developing your own personal skills to allow you to build effective relationships with patients and clients and it is designed to equip you with knowledge and skills needed to progress as a mental health nurse.

The programme integrates theory and practice across the four years. It focuses on positive therapeutic relationships/interventions, communication skills and inter-professional team working, which will enrich your student experiences to prepare for the reality of professional practice in an ever-changing health care environment. Throughout the programme, you’ll explore the complexities of mental health care and develop a deep understanding of the diverse needs of people in your care. As a mental health nursing student, you are prepared to undertake a person-centred assessment, formulating and delivering care in partnership with their clients and their significant others and building psychosocial support systems. During clinical placement, you will work alongside other mental health care professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychiatrists and social workers.

You will learn in our state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation suite and complete practice placements in a range of mental health care settings. The programme is taught by experts in mental health nursing, who will support you in becoming a caring, compassionate professional, working in partnership with people, families, and communities. We nurture your creativity, critical judgement and ability to lead as you develop your clinical skills. You will be prepared for challenges you might face as a practicing mental health nurse.

Student Support within the School and the University

The School of Nursing & Midwifery is committed to supporting students in relation to both their academic and personal development the structures that are in place to support students within the school and university are presented below.

Academic supports

Academic Advisor

Each student is allocated an academic advisor for the duration of the programme. This advisor will monitor the students’ academic progress and is available to advise and support the student if they encounter difficulties either personal academic or relating to clinical practice whilst undertaking the programme.

• Academic Writing Centre- Providing one-on-one tutorials and email consultations on essay writing
• Library- The Library provides a wide range of services to all students. Learn about these services, opening times and lots more on their
• Academic Skills Hub- This online resources hub aims to support all students to develop the key skills required for academic success and learn about IT and digital skills, workshops, assignments and exam techniques.

• Student Academic Advisors- Available to meet with students who wish to discuss personal, academic, financial or any other issues that may arise while in University.

Health and wellbeing Supports

The Disability Support Service (DSS is available to University of Galway students who need supports or reasonable accommodations due to the impact of a disability, ongoing physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty.

• Student Counsellingprovides a free hybrid service of in-person, one-to-one counselling, and online counselling. They provide group counselling and workshops. The counselling service support about 10% of the student population each year.
• Student Health Unit Provides a wide variety of medical support services including GP services, sexual health support service and vaccination.

Support for students when on Placement

While on clinical placements, students are supervised by a Preceptor. This is a nurse who has been specially prepared to guide and direct student learning. Students are also supported by the Nurse practice development coordinator and the Clinical placement coordinator (CPC, who, ensures that learning outcomes are identified and achieved. Students in the School of Nursing & Midwifery at University of Galway are also well supported through Link Lecturers who are attached to placement areas. The link lecturer support preceptors, students, nurse practice development coordinator, and clinical coordinators that work in partnership with the Galway Roscommon Mental Health Nursing Services.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving
Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science), and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Please see full additional requirements here: Health Sciences