There are wide differences in the quality of mental health nurse education at Bachelor and Master’s level throughout Europe. Furthermore, there are wide variations in content. However the concerns, challenges and development needs of mental health practice are shared in many countries. These issues form the basis for the EU-funded eMenthe-project (2013-2016) which aims to enhance Master’s level education in mental health practice by developing eLearning materials through a European co-operation.

The co-operation includes seven European universities from Finland, Ireland, Sweden, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. These organizations and their respective Master’s students are associated partners of the project. International co-operation is seen as a quality assurance process; each of the partners is a highly esteemed university with extensive experience in mental health education, research and strong links with practice.

ELearning –materials will be developed during this co-operation on three different themes. The themes include: mental health promotion and prevention, recovery and social inclusion and engaging with families and caregivers. These themes were agreed as common issues of concern for all partners prior to the application process. During the final year of the project (2016) eLearning materials will be made available to students undertaking Master’s level education and those working in clinical practice. This dual approach to dissemination will support the professional competencies of practitioners as well as academic progression.