Nursing (Mental Health) (BSc)

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

You'll study this degree full-time over 3 years. The course comprises a minimum of 4,600 hours as specified by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) 2018.  

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

Year 1 overview

This year provides a foundation, and students from all fields of nursing study all the content.

You will 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

There will be two 6-week practice placements.

Year 2 overview

You will develop your skills in meeting the needs of people experiencing challenges to their mental health.

You will study:

• research methods – this module is studied jointly with students on other allied health professional programmes

• engagement and assessment for mental health recovery

• the care needs of people experiencing acute changes to their mental health

• the nurse's role in coordinating care and supporting people living with long-term mental health conditions

There will be 3 practice placements, totalling 24 weeks.

Year 3 overview

In your final year, you will study leadership, and managing innovation and change – this module is studied jointly with students on other allied health professional programmes.

You will also:

• undertake an independent research project

• consolidate your learning as a mental health field nurse

• undertake 2 practice placements, each lasting 10 or 12 weeks

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

The learning activities for this course include the following:

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

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

Course leader

Kay Townsend is the course leader.

Nurses from Southampton are in high demand – 100% of our graduates are in professional nursing roles 6 months after graduation (DLHE Survey 2015/16). You will leave us career-ready to rise to the top of your profession.

You can be employed in a range of organisations including:

• NHS hospitals

• community settings

• nursing homes

• the independent sector, in the UK or internationally

There is also the potential of career progression to nurse specialist, advanced nurse or a clinical academic career.

Find out more on the NHS Careers website.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. 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.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• This course is not available to EU and international students.

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:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

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. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 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 Services Centre 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.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: B760
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2023 entry

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 are aligned with the nursing profession.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a selection day, which includes an interview. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if you're invited to the selection day. 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