With encouragement I undertook my 1st degree completing it at the age of 50 I then went straight on to undertake my second degree three years later. Currently I am studying for an Educational Doctorate at Anglia Ruskin University, where I was a clinical skills tutor prior to coming to the University of Bedfordshire. I am passionate about lifelong learning and enjoy teaching across all higher education age groups.

My educational doctorate focuses on the experiences of female BAME student nurses and their relationships with professional partners whilst out in practice placements. Using an intersectional narrative inquiry approach, it aims to understand student experience with a view to improving recruitment and retention of BAME nurses within the NHS.

Enhancing student learning experience and supporting all student in their journey to have the best opportunity to learn as much as possible in other to be equip with the right knowledge and to develop from a novice to a proficient learner remain my priority at all times.

My teaching style is flexible, being self-aware of my teaching environment and constantly accommodating or taking into consideration the learning needs as well as learning style of all learners in the classroom. I currently teach research unit, assessment and intervention, care across life span, academic skills as well as supervising projects undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Qualifications

• MSc Nursing - University of Northampton

• BSc Hons Nursing– University of Sunderland

As a qualified Mental Health Nurse for over 15 years, I have worked in a variety of settings within teams.

I have been a mentor and sign-off mentor to students for many years in various clinical settings and have had the privilege of working with students from other disciplines.

I have thus been involved in teaching and assessing in the clinical area to students at all levels of their training.

On a personal level, I am told that I posses a warm and friendly personality, always open to constructive criticism and I believe my firmest asset lies in my approachability and reliability.

David is the current Mental Health Nursing course lead for the MSc and BSc programme.

I am committed to lifelong learning and believe that active participation in clinical supervision and reflective practice makes an important contribution to continued professional development. I am looking forward to meeting with you all in September and supporting you throughout the unit.

BSc Course Lead & Apprenticeship Coordinator

heather.wilcox@beds.ac.uk

  If you would like to speak with someone confidentially in the International Office, you can contact Richard O'Halloran at richard.ohalloran@beds.ac.uk

BSc Course Lead

My clinical expertise includes community substance use services and acute mental health wards, having been in employed in both settings. In 2022, I took a position at a higher education institution as a lecturer and later progressed to senior lecturer. During this time, I developed a passion for simulation in mental health nursing practice and led on simulation for the mental health nursing team. I joined the University of Bedfordshire in March 2025. I have an MSc in Mental Health Recovery and Social Inclusion, and I am passionate about the benefits of authentic coproduction in healthcare. I enjoy delivering and developing innovative teaching strategies that are underpinned by evidence-based practice.

I am excited to be here to guide you in your nursing training. It is a privilege to help you grow your skills and knowledge in mental health nursing. I am passionate about supporting you in all aspects of your studies, and I look forward to embarking on the exciting journey ahead with you!