Studying Nursing Practice (Mental Health)

Introducing your course leader - Donna Doherty

I’m Donna, the course leader for the undergraduate mental health nursing degree. I have a background in ageing and mental health and I am a dual qualified General (Adult) and Mental Health Nurse.

I started my nursing education and career at 18 when I trained as a Registered General Nurse. I went on to work in older adult care and subsequently completed my Mental Health Nursing undergraduate degree.

Following this, I became a senior staff nurse in dementia assessment and worked as a ward sister on continuing care. I also went on to study a Postgraduate Degree in Gerontology.

Since then, I’ve held a number of teaching positions, helping nursing students gain the skills they need. I’m proud to be part of University of Staffordshire's nursing team and look forward to inspiring future nurses.

View my profile

Practise your therapeutic communication skills

You’ll grow your interpersonal skills to deliver a range of evidence-based talking therapies for mental health conditions alongside your clinical skills in a safe environment before going out on placement and working with real service users.

The simulation suites at our Centre for Health Innovation allow us to simulate life-like scenarios so that you can practise a wide range of therapeutic communication skills in similar environments to those you will work in as a Mental health Nurse. You will also practise medical procedures and familiarise yourself with equipment used to support the physical health of service users.

We aim to prepare you as much as possible, so you feel confident and ready to work in real-world environments.

Teaching staff

Mark Kenwright

Senior Lecturer

Mark is a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing and Psychological Therapies. He is the Research Lead as well as Simulation Lead and has published a number of research studies in international journals on a wide range of topics in mental health.

Mark's profile

Christopher Bye

Lecturer

Daniela Leese

Lecturer

Lecturer on the BSc Mental Health Nursing programme completing a degree in BSc Psychology graduating in 2009 and then BSc Nursing – Mental Health Practice in 2013.

Daniela's profile

Tam Mosey

Lecturer

Emily Edwards

Lecturer

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

  3. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Intuition 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021