About this course

Discover how to become a mental health worker on our MNurs Child and Mental Health degree. Our nursing programme is ranked:

You'll gain a broad set of skills that will allow you to provide evidence-based and compassionate care in many settings.

Southampton is a world-leading provider of nursing training, and you'll be supported by exceptional researchers and educators.

Our Master of Nursing (Child and Mental Health) is an intensive, four-year integrated masters route to NMC registration in two fields of nursing. You’ll develop a deep understanding of children’s physical and mental health, supporting young people and their families through the full complexity of their healthcare journeys.

Why Choose This Programme?

Develop the confidence and competence to work across settings where physical health meets emotional and developmental needs.

This course will allow you to:

build confidence and the skills to work children across the age spectrum
focus on family inclusion trauma-informed care, and psychological wellbeing
learn critical care skills to supporr children and careers
develop and use skills through a range of nursing placements, and your learning will be further supported through simulated practice and clinical skills teaching

This course will prepare you to work in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). You'll also be able to work in settings supporting unwell children and clients experiencing mental health need:

you'll partner with families, schools and communites in supporting a child's health and needs
use evidence based child-focused care to meet emotional and cevelopmental needs
understand the nature of health needs within a global context

When you finish your degree, you'll be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a registered nurse (child) and as a registered nurse (mental health).

Funding to support your learning

Subject to eligibility, UK and Irish students joining this degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students may also be eligible to apply for an additional maintenance loan to help with living costs.

Additionally, UK students studying this course at University of Southampton may well be able to receive a training grant of £5,000 per academic year from the NHS and entitled to have some of the additional costs of attending a practice placement reimbursed. Students with parental responsibility for one or more children may receive £6,000 per year NHS Training Grant. Get £24,000 non-repayable funding over four years — with further support for travel.. Find out more on the NHS Learning Support Fund website

If you are normally resident in Ireland, you are encouraged to apply for financial support from SUSI.

Support for students with a disability/health condition

We are fully committed to supporting students with disabilities who wish to join programmes of study which require the acquisition and practise of professional competencies.

We offer students personal, informal advice by telephone, email or face to face, and we are happy to discuss your specific needs prior to you applying. This could include how your specific needs may impact on your ability to meet the clinical competencies. This will not affect your application in any way, but may help you to select the right programme for you.

Please email the admissions team for further details.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

What it's like to study Nursing at Southampton

Students explain what studying Nursing at the University of Southampton means to them.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Download

ODT

Download 2025-26 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

BBB

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma DD in BTEC National Diploma plus B in A-Level subject D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A-level subjects.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.

Additional information

We accept Health Studies or Science

QCF BTEC

DDM in the BTEC Extended Diploma DD in BTEC Diploma plus B in A-Level subject D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in two A-level subjects.

BTEC contextual

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C), Mathematics (minimum grade 4/C) and Science (minimum grade 4/C) if not offered at a level 3 qualification.

Non-academic entry requirements

You must have completed recent, relevant study within 5 years

Occupational Health and Vaccinations

Completion and confirmation of a satisfactory health screening including confirmation of appropriate vaccinations will be a condition of your offer. All students must comply with the vaccination requirements of the programme which must be met in order to undertake placements. The list of vaccinations required is updated by the NHS and may change over the course of your programme.

Declaration of Good Character and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

You will be required to complete a satisfactory, University of Southampton Self-Declaration of Good Character form. You will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) as this is a legal requirement for those involved in contact with children or vulnerable adults. The DBS certificate will be reviewed by the School of Health Science in conjunction with your Declaration of Good Character, the University’s Fitness to Practice Policy and Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance or Health and Care Professions Council guidance. At the start of each subsequent year of study you will also be asked to complete a Self-Disclosure form.

Applicants who have been resident outside of the UK within the last 5 years will normally be required to provide information of criminal record checks from the appropriate organisation in your country of current/previous residency. All documentation must be officially stamped and translated into English, proving authenticity of the documents. See GOV.UK website

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

You'll study this degree full-time over four years. The course comprises minimum of 6,133 hours as specified by the Nursing and Midwifery Council 2018.

You'll study theory-based modules and modules that involve clinical placements.

Year 1 overview

This year provides a foundation and students from every field of nursing study all the content.

You'll study:

an introduction to the nature of the NHS and professional practice – this module is studied jointly with students on other allied health professional programmes
the principles of person-centred nursing and the nurse's role in meeting people's fundamental care needs across all ages
the sciences that underpin nursing care – life sciences, health psychology, pharmacology, genomics

You will undertake 2 practice placements.

Year 2 overview

You'll develop your skills in meeting the needs of adults and of children and young people.

You'll study:

assessing and planning care for the physical or mental health concerns or adults or children
the care needs of adults and children experiencing acute changes to their physical or mental health
the nurse's role in coordinating care and supporting adults and children living with long-term health conditions

You will undertake 2 practice placements.

Year 3 overview

You'll:

study research methods – this module is studied jointly with students on other allied health professional programmes
study advances in recovery focussed mental health nursing
begin an independent research project
have an opportunity to undertake professional development experience of your choice

You will undertake 2 practice placements.

Year 4 overview

In your final year you'll:

study leadership, and managing innovation and change – this module is studied jointly with students on other allied health professional programmes
study contemporary challenges in children's nursing
complete an independent research project

You will undertake 2 practice placements.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2026 to 2027

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Applied Physical Health and Pharmacology in Children

In this module students will build upon their learning in the preceding ‘Anatomy and Physiology 1’ module. Students will develop an understanding and insight into the key pathophysiological processes encountered in common disease conditions in children an...

Fundamentals of health and care across the life course

This module will allow students to examine the broader context of health, across the life course, from pre-conception to death. During this module, students will have the opportunity to examine and assess health and health status across the life course, a...

Health Assessment and Management of Children and Families

This module will introduce you to undertaking a structured history taking and physical assessment of children, young people and their families/carers. You will consider the approaches that you take to carry out this assessment including how to communicat...

Introduction to Professional Practice

This introductory module will introduce you to the core concepts of professionalism, your personal and professional contribution to health care and how to use evidence to ensure your interventions are evidenced based. You will work with students from you...

Part 1 Placement 1

This practice placement module is the first clinical placement the students will undertake in their programme. Across the nursing programme students will experience placements in a variety of settings including acute care, community care and specialised ...

Part 1 Placement 2

This practice placement module is the first clinical placement the students will undertake in their programme. Across the nursing programme students will experience placements in a variety of settings including acute care, community care and specialised ...

Portfolio Part 1 for Child Nursing

This is a core module for attendance across the academic year and students must complete the module to complete the NMC part. The module includes simulated practice opportunities across the academic year and NMC part, to allow students to consolidate thei...

You must study the following modules in year 3:

Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare

Tomorrow's healthcare professionals will work in a context characterised by continual change, challenging environments, rapidly evolving technologies and the need for innovation. To operate successfully in this context, these professionals must be able to...

Part 3 Placement 1

This practice placement module is the first clinical placement of Part 3 of the students Nursing programme. Across the nursing programme students will experience placements in a variety of settings including acute care, community care and specialised a...

Part 3 Placement 2

This module is the final placement module that you will undertake. During your time in placement you will be supported to apply the knowledge and understanding that you have developed throughout your programme as you transition into your role as a Registe...

Portfolio Part 3 for Child Nursing

This is a core module for attendance across the academic year and is required for you to complete the NMC part. It will include simulated practice opportunities across the academic year and NMC part, to allow you to consolidate your learning from the year...

Student Led Project

This module builds on the skills you gained during the year two ‘Research Methods’ module. You will further develop your skills in collecting and analysing data from a range of sources including first hand if you wish, through planning and conducting an i...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

Primary Care and Community Children's Nursing

In this module, students will have the opportunity to apply and expand upon their learning across the programme specifically in relation to Primary Care and Community Children’s Nursing. This module is well suited to students who have an interest in this ...

Urgent, Unscheduled, and Critical Care in Children's Nursing

In this module, students will have the opportunity to apply and expand upon their learning across the programme specifically in relation to urgent, unscheduled and critical care. This module is well suited to students who have an interest in this area of ...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Nicola Jose is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Confidence
Leadership
Communication
Teamwork
Creativity
Networking
EDI leadership
Adaptability
Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Health and social work,

Administration and support,

Information and Communication,

Public Administration,

Defence,

Education,

Humanitarian organisations.

Careers directly related to this course:

Paediatric staff nurse
Health visitor
School nurse
Specialist community public health nurse
Mental health nurse
Community psychiatric nurse
High intensity therapist
Paramedic
Physician associate

Wider career opportunities:

Counsellor
Further education teacher
Genetic counsellor
Health service manager
University lecturer
Medicinal chemist
Police officer
Social worker
Medical sales executive

Example job titles of Southampton MNurs Child and Mental Health Nursing graduates*:

Paediatric nurse
Neonatal nurse
Health visitor
Children's intensive care nurse
Emergency department nurse
Mental health nurse
Staff nurse
Mental health practitioner
Community care coordinator
Community mental health nurse

Job prospects for MNurs Child and Mental Health Nursing graduates

£28k

Average professional salary

95%

In a skilled profession or further study

99%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £24,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations. Your fee also covers the cost of your uniform for clinical practice.

Find out how to:

There will be extra costs for the following:

suitable shoes for your practice placements
your own fob watch
your enhanced DBS certificate
your professional registration fee (on graduation)

You may be able to claim some travel and accommodation expenses when you're working on placement. Learn more about placement costs and expenses.

Other costs not covered by the tuition fee include:

stationery
personal computer or laptop and data storage devices
printing

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: B748
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We will also consider how your personal values align with the nursing profession.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if you're invited to the selection event. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Nursing (Child and Mental Health) (MNurs) is a course in the Nursing, midwifery and healthcare subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

a

BSc

Audiology

MSci

Audiology

c

BSc

Cardiac Physiology (Healthcare Science)

m

BSc

Midwifery

n

MNurs

Nursing (Mental Health)

o

BSc

Occupational Therapy

p

BSc

Nursing (Child and Mental Health) (MNurs)

About this course

Why Choose This Programme?

Funding to support your learning

Support for students with a disability/health condition

What it's like to study Nursing at Southampton

Learn more about this subject area

Nursing, midwifery and healthcare

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202627

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

BTEC contextual

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Access Offer Contextual

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish certificate additional information

Irish Offer Contextual

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Mature applicants

Non-academic entry requirements

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Year 4 overview

Modules

For entry in academic year 2026 to 2027

Year 1 modules

Applied Physical Health and Pharmacology in Children

Fundamentals of health and care across the life course

Health Assessment and Management of Children and Families

Introduction to Professional Practice

Part 1 Placement 1

Part 1 Placement 2

Portfolio Part 1 for Child Nursing

Year 2 modules

Epidemiology, global and public health

Inclusion Health and Care in Clinical Practice

Part 2 Placement 1

Part 2 Placement 2

Portfolio Part 2 for Child Nursing

Research Methods for Nursing

Year 3 modules

Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare

Part 3 Placement 1

Part 3 Placement 2

Portfolio Part 3 for Child Nursing

Student Led Project

Primary Care and Community Children's Nursing

Urgent, Unscheduled, and Critical Care in Children's Nursing

Year 4 modules

Part 3 Practice 3

Part 3 Practice 4

Service Improvement Project