Program 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.