Personal statement

Personal statements will be reviewed. Please read the course details  before completing your application.  

Your statement is your opportunity to show us your passion, enthusiasm, and your personality.  

Here's what we want to see in your personal statement: 

• Your interest in nursing: tell us why you are interested in mental health nursing. Take time to learn about some of the big conversations happening in healthcare. We like to see that you are engaging in the world of mental health care and nursing. 

• Understanding the role: demonstrate your comprehension of the specialist responsibilities and the fulfilling aspects of being a clinical nurse. Why have you applied to study mental health nursing as opposed to adult, child or learning disability nursing, or psychology? 

• Transferable skills and work experience: highlight transferable skills gained from work experience, explaining how you have gained the skills and attributes expected of a mental health nurse. 

• Work experience: explain how your past work experiences have equipped you with the necessary skills to progress as a nurse. Demonstrate a commitment to delivering kind, compassionate and competent care.  

Personal statement guide

Work experience 

We recommend that you undertake as much work experience as possible.  A caring environment is preferred. Work experience should give you a feel for the personal and professional attributes necessary for your chosen career, highlighting the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills required. 

Any experience in the below settings will strengthen your application: 

• NHS hospitals 

• community setting e.g.: working with vulnerable groups, community groups, dementia care 

• special schools 

• private practice 

Interview selection 

You will be invited to an individual, online interview with two interviewers. The interview will last approximately 25 to 30 minutes during which you will be asked a number of questions. Your responses will be assessed against our criteria, and the interviewers will not have seen your personal statement which allows for consistency and fairness across all interviews.  

We’ll also be evaluating if you are applying with a clear understanding and commitment to the course and the profession. 

To prepare for the BSc Nursing (Mental Health) interview: 

• Research the field of mental health nursing: show your interest and understanding of the nursing field you wish to join. Be familiar with the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards that come with a clinical nursing role.  

• Practice self-reflection: be ready to talk about yourself and your accomplishments. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your dedication, compassion, and resilience.  

• Embody the 6 C's: demonstrate your alignment with the core values of nursing: Care, Compassion, Courage, Communication, Commitment, and Competence. Provide examples from your experiences that highlight these attributes. 

• Showcase teamwork skills: nursing involves collaborating with various healthcare professionals. Give evidence of your ability to work effectively in a team, emphasising your adaptability, cooperation, and respect for others' contributions. 

• Apply your knowledge: showcase your ability to apply theoretical knowledge and transferable skills to the role of a mental health nurse. Discuss how you would handle different clinical scenarios and make informed decisions based on your training. 

• Your communication skills: practice expressing yourself clearly and confidently. Focus on active listening and empathy. 

• Display professionalism: demonstrate a professional attitude throughout the interview.  

• Stay informed on mental health issues: be knowledgeable about current health issues and their impact on mental health care and nursing.. 

Before the interview: 

• Make sure you familiarise yourself with the Microsoft Teams application. 

• Test sound and microphone settings. 

• Find a quiet room free from distractions. 

• Log in at least 10 minutes before the interview and take care of any last-minute issues. 

Receiving an offer 

All offers for Nursing (Adult) BSc are subject to: 

• Achieving the academic and non-academic offer requirements 

• Occupational health clearance 

• Enhanced clearance with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 

In accordance with the University's policy relating to equal opportunities, there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, and religious belief. 

As part of your course, you will undertake supervised clinical practice placements. 

Find out more about your placements

Preparing for your interview; Ella Guerin, Mental Health Nursing Admissions Tutor, explains the nursing application interview process and gives hints and tips on how to prepare.