Open for Applications for September

Master of Science in Nursing: Mental Health Care

Duration: 24 Months

London South Bank University

Working as a mental health nurse can bring unrivalled rewards. There is an acute global shortage of registered mental health nurses (RMNs) and this results in more jobs, better packages and a high level of job security. It is a highly challenging career and you are likely to be caring for the most vulnerable in society with a range of conditions.  Job satisfaction, as well as making a difference to society is arguably the main reason most people are motivated to become mental health nurses and, for the right people, this field of healthcare work can provide a wealth of stimulation and variety.

Master of Science in Nursing: Mental Health Care Image

Programme Details


This Post-Registration programme is designed to appeal to a RNM wishing to become an advanced practitioner and for other nurses working in Adult / Child / Community roles that would like to gain in-depth exposure to Mental Health Care and fulfil the academic requirement for CNS or ANP status.

The masters in mental health nursing is a conversion course that aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of common and high burden / low prevalence mental health disorders, and the ability to make evidence-based clinical decisions on assessment, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care of patients.  You will be equipped to provide holistic, compassionate, recovery-oriented care which considers the unique requirements of the individual person.

About London South Bank University

London South Bank University

LSBU has an outstanding reputation in Nursing and Midwifery. The School of Health and Social Care has been praised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the quality of its courses, regularly gaining the highest rating (purple level) available from the national regulator.

London South Bank University

Why London South Bank University?

  • Outstanding reputation in Nursing and Midwifery
  • Works with 60+ NHS partner organisations
  • Improving the lives of students for 130 years
A world-class student experience

A world-class student experience

Developed by world-leading mental health specialists, this online mental health course provides an unparalleled online education experience, blending self-directed learning with tutor-led team-based learning. Students will interact and engage in:

  • Weekly synchronous online tutorials throughout the course

  • Highly interactive content and tutor-moderated discussion forums

  • Reflective exercises to test your thinking and learning application

The programme management team provide superb mentorship and pastoral care to ensure high engagement and pass rates.

Who is this programme for?

Who is this programme for?

This programme is a Post-Registration masters designed for Registered Nurses wishing to specialise in the area of mental health and become a CNS or ANP. This is the perfect mental health nursing conversion course. We’ve known many RGNs who, in becoming a mental health nurse, feel a sense of renewed passion for their career. For many, it’s an opportunity to treat mental health issues that often co-exist with other health conditions.

Programme Overview

This programme blends self-directed learning and Tutor-led group learning. Throughout the programme, you'll engage in: online group tutorials, tutor-moderated discussion forums, interactive case studies, reflective exercises. The programme is broken down into the following modules:

Programme Modules:

(20 CATS, 200 learning hours)

Weekly Topics

  1. History taking, interview skills, general assessment in mental health

  2. Bio-psycho-social, spiritual and cultural assessment

  3. Standardised methods and tools of assessment

    • strengths based assessment

    • multi-disciplinary assessment

    • risk assessment

    • recovery assessment

  4. Differential Diagnosis

  5. Formulation of individualised care plans

  6. Role of agencies, family and other supporters in care and treatment plans

(20 CATS, 200 learning hours)

Weekly Topics

  1. Global prevalence of mental health issues among the general population

  2. Interface of physical and mental health

  3. Mood disorders

  4. Anxiety disorders

  5. Substance misuse

  6. Personality disorders

(20 CATS, 200 learning hours)

Weekly Topics

  1. Non-pharmacological management of mental health issues

  2. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Behavioural Activation

  3. Motivational Interviewing

  4. Drug names and classifications

  5. Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics

    • Drug dosing & interactions

    • Adverse drug reactions

  6. Drug administration and management:

    • Best practice when titrating, reducing and changing medications

    • Service user experience of medications and concordance

    • Safe drug administration to non-adherent patients

    • Occupational health & drug storing and handling

(20 CATS, 200 learning hours)

Weekly Topics

  1. Child Development: risk and aetiological factors in the development of child/adolescent mental health problems, including prevention and mental health promotion

  2. Caring for children and adolescents with specific mental health difficulties

  3. Developing effective therapeutic relationships with children, adolescents, and their families

  4. Therapeutic interventions with children and adolescents

  5. Pharmacological interventions with children and adolescents

  6. Mental Health Emergencies in Children and adolescents

(20 CATS, 200 learning hours)

Weekly Topics

  1. Psychotic Disorders

  2. Schizophrenia

  3. Pharmacological management of psychosis

  4. Intellectual Disability

  5. Community and Social Supports

  6. Eating Disorders

(20 CATS, 200 learning hours)

Weekly Topics

  1. Ageing in a mental health context

  2. Depression in older people

  3. Caring for people with dementia

  4. Recovery and person-centred care in older age

  5. Self-management and self-neglect in older age

  6. Palliative care, death, and bereavement

Masters Route A – The Research Masters Route

Module 7: Research in Mental Health Care (60 CATS, 600 learning hours)

Masters Route B – The Taught Masters Route

Module 8: Leadership & Management (20 CATS, 200 learning hours)

  1. Management and leadership theories

  2. Managing and leading in the context of nursing

  3. Principles of co-ordination, delegation, supervision, and monitoring of nursing care

  4. Teamwork, staffing, clinical handover and open disclosure

  5. Resource Management

  6. Change Management

Module 9:  Clinical Education (20 CATS, 200 learning hours)

  1. The role of the clinical nurse educator

  2. Enabling effective learning: theories of learning

  3. Needs Analysis and Curriculum Design

  4. Preceptorship and Mentoring

  5. Assessment Design & Administration

  6. Learning Technology in Education and Clinical assessment

Module 10: Patient Safety & Quality Improvement (20 CATS, 200 learning hours)

  1. Principles of Quality in Healthcare

  2. Principles of Information Systems in Healthcare

  3. Human Factors in Patient Safety

  4. Assessment of Quality and Safety

  5. Auditing and measurement of standards of care

  6. Action Plans to improve quality and patient safety

Course Benefits

Advanced Nurse Practitioner

This Master of Science programme meets with the education requirements for Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Job security

Due to the global shortage of registered mental health nurses (RMNs), graduates of this programme can secure better packages and job security

Specialist Nurse Status

This postgraduate diploma meets with the academic requirements for clinical nurse specialist

Patient Impact

Working in Mental Health gives you the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives at a time when they are likely to be at their most vulnerable

A world-class online learning experience

The programme is a truly transformative user experience. The content is rich, compelling, engaging and innovative. It includes interactive video, 2D & 3D animations, medical imagery and instructional competency-focused pedagogy.

Designed specifically to cater for busy health professionals

This programme can be accessed anytime, anywhere on any device.

Discounts and Flexible Payment Schedules available

There are early payment discounts and flexible payment plans available on this programme.

Your Questions Answered

The following are the most frequently asked questions about the LSBU Master of Science in Nursing – Mental Health Care programme. If your query is not answered, please reach out to us on the live chat on the site.

Please see the link to the Payment options pages here.

Please contact your Educational Advisor for more information on pricing and offer.

Yes, please see the link to the Funding pages here.

Yes, please see the link to the full programme curriculum here.

Yes, please see the link to the Accreditation page here.

To apply for your place on a programme, all you have to is to fill out the online application form, and when requested send in proof of eligibility (confirmation of your previous degree/other qualifications).