University of Essex, a prestigious institution ranked in the top 30 in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025 and Guardian University Guide 2025) is pleased to announce its innovative Integrated Masters in Science (MSci) in Nursing, offering a Dual Award in Adult and Mental Health Nursing.
The University currently holds the 11th position in the UK for Mental Health Nursing and 28th in UK for general nursing, according to the Guardian University Guide 2025, and 23rd in the UK for Nursing and Midwifery, according to The Mail University Guide 2025. Essex also ranks 4th for mental health nursing and 14th for adult nursing for overall positivity scores in the National Student Survey 2024 (English broad-discipline higher education institutions). The Integrated Masters in Science (MSci) in Nursing is a four-year, full-time programme and is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in two key fields of nursing, making them versatile professionals capable of delivering both physical and mental healthcare.
The structure of the programme blends 50% clinical practice and 50% theoretical study, allowing students to develop hands-on experience in various healthcare settings while learning the core principles of nursing. Students will spend the first three years specializing in either adult or mental health nursing, with the flexibility to transition into the dual award track at the end of their third year, subject to academic performance. The final year focuses on the alternative field, allowing students to graduate with dual qualifications. Placements will be offered across Essex, giving students exposure to a wide range of healthcare environments, including NHS, private, and voluntary settings.
Graduates of this programme will be eligible for dual registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as both Adult and Mental Health Nurses. This dual qualification significantly enhances career opportunities, allowing graduates to work in diverse settings such as hospitals, mental health facilities, community healthcare, and specialized units that require professionals with cross-disciplinary expertise. Furthermore, graduates will be well-prepared for leadership roles within the healthcare sector, making them highly sought after in both the UK and international job markets.
Entry requirements for the programme include a minimum of BBC-CCD (112-88 UCAS tariff points) at A-Level, or equivalent qualifications. Applicants must achieve an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in writing and 7.0 in other components. Eligible students can also benefit from the NHS Learning Support Fund, which provides a £5000 grant per academic year to support their studies, along with potential additional financial support for students with dependents.
With a focus on holistic care and multidisciplinary learning, the University of Essex’s MSci Nursing (Dual Award in Adult and Mental Health) programme prepares the next generation of nurses to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
