About this course
With this BSc Mental Health Nursing degree, you'll develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to people experiencing challenges to their mental health. Southampton is a world-leader when it comes to nursing and you'll be taught by highly-regarded educators and researchers.
Our graduates are encouraged to respond with compassion to the unique needs of all people, and you will develop a deep knowledge of person-centred care.
On this master's course, you'll also gain key decision-making skills and the ability to manage complexity in a broad range of settings. This will prepare you for roles where you build teams and lead the development of the profession.
In addition, you will:
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study the sciences that underpin nursing
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develop your skills in practice placements
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benefit from simulated practice and clinical skills teaching
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learn with and from students of other health professions
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become confident in embracing the technology and innovation needed to meet people's future health needs
Practice placements will normally be undertaken in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, in a mixture of hospital and community settings across 6 trusts.
When you have successfully completed the programme, you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse (Mental Health).
What's it like to study Nursing at Southampton
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
BBB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Preferably including a science or social science subject
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
For this programme we do not make an alternative offer, however we welcome applicants who have achieved a good grade in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
BBC
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.
BTEC
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma or DD in BTEC Diploma plus B in A-Level subject or D in the BTEC Subsidary Diploma plus BB in two A-level subjects
BTEC additional information
We accept Health studies or science
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
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 will be required to attend a selection day. Satisfactory Occupational Health and Police Checks. Recent relevant study within 5 years
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
BBB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Preferably including a science or social science subject
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
For this programme we do not make an alternative offer, however we welcome applicants who have achieved a good grade in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Nursing applicants are not just applying for a degree but a professional qualification. This is a very demanding programme and we need to be confident that students can cope with the expectations of academic achievement and placement experience. Our values based interview techniques have been developed with clinicians and service users to ensure we recruit the best applicants. We use contextual information when reviewing an application understanding that perhaps the individual has had less support writing a personal statement compared to others, however we will continue to be mindful of all our applicants from all backgrounds that apply through difficult circumstances, whatever that might be
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with 30 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
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.
BTEC
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma or DD in BTEC Diploma plus B in A-Level subject or D in the BTEC Subsidary Diploma plus BB in two A-level subjects
BTEC additional information
We accept Health studies or science
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
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
Satisfactory Occupational Health and Police Checks. Recent relevant study within 5 years
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
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an introduction to the nature of the NHS and professional practice – this module is studied jointly with students on other allied health professional programmes
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the principles of person-centred nursing and the nurse's role in meeting people's fundamental care needs across all ages
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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:
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research methods – this module is studied jointly with students on other allied health professional programmes
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engagement and assessment for mental health recovery
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the care needs of people experiencing acute changes to their mental health
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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:
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undertake an independent research project
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consolidate your learning as a mental health field nurse
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undertake 2 practice placements, each lasting 10 or 12 weeks
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Kay Townsend is the course leader.
Careers
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:
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NHS hospitals
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community settings
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nursing homes
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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 2019). 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.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- This course is not available to 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:
There will be extra costs for the following:
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suitable shoes for your practice placements
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your own fob watch
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your enhanced DBS certificate
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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:
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stationery
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personal computer or laptop and data storage devices
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printing
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
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 that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented 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.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: B760
- UCAS institution code: S27
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 aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000