Nursing (Mental Health) (BSc)

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.

English language requirements

All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.

Band I IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 7.0 in reading, listening, speaking and 6.5 in writing

We also accept other English language tests.

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

International qualifications

This course is not available to international students.

Other ways to qualify

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)

• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Year 1

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

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

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

Support for your studies

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

How you’ll spend your study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:

How we’ll assess you

We’ll assess you using:

• essays
• written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown, year by year:

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.

UK/EU fees

You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.

International student fees

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:

• 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

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.

Clubs, societies and facilities

Our campuses have:

• cafes and restaurants

• bars

• health centres

• banks

• a post office

• student shops

• a hairdresser

Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.

We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.

Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.

Support while you study

We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:

• mental health, learning difficulties and disability

• money and accommodation

• childcare

• computers and IT

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.