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 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
-
benefit from simulated practice and clinical skills teaching
-
learn with and from students of other health professions
-
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).
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 contact the admissions team for further details.
NHS Learning Support Fund
As a student on this course you may be eligible for help from the NHS Learning Support Fund. This can include a training grant of £5000 per academic year, parental support of £2000 for students with at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs, and help with travel and temporary accommodation costs for placements.
Find out more on the NHS Learning Support Fund website.
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.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
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 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, as follows:
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
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
RQF BTEC
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.
Additional information
We accept Health studies or science
QCF BTEC
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma
DD in BTEC Diploma plus B in A-Level subject
D in the BTEC Subsidary Diploma 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. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 27 must be at Distinction and 12 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
Additional information.Must be Science Based
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AABBBB
Irish certificate additional information
preferably a science or social science. Plus English and Maths Ordinary Level O4 or higher
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M2 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
preferably including a science or social science subject
Welsh Baccalaureate
BBB from 3 A levels
or
BB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Preferably a Science or Social Science subject
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
75% overall
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.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 7.0
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 7.0
- listening
- 7.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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.
Non-academic entry requirements
Satisfactory Occupational Health and Police Checks. Recent relevant study within 5 years
For Academic year 202324
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 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, as follows: BBC
International Baccalaureate Diploma
TBC
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Preferably a Science or Social Science subject
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
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
RQF BTEC
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.
Additional information
We accept Health studies or science
QCF BTEC
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma DD in BTEC Diploma plus B in A-Level subject D in the BTEC Subsidary Diploma 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. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
Must be Science Based
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AABBBB
Irish certificate additional information
preferably a science or social science. Plus English and Maths Ordinary Level O4 or higher
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M2 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
preferably including a science or social science subject
Welsh Baccalaureate
BBB from 3 A levels or BB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Preferably a Science or Social Science subject
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
Minimum of 74% overall to preferably a Science or Social Science subject
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.
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.
Non-academic entry requirements
You must have completed recent, relevant study within 5 years Occupational Health Completion and confirmation of a satisfactory health screening including confirmation of appropriate vaccinations will be a condition of your offer. Vaccinations 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 You will be required to complete a satisfactory, University of Southampton Self-Declaration of Good Character form DBS 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 every other year 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 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
-
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:
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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:
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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.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
At the heart of this interprofessional module is the belief that all health care students should not only share the same core values and skills that underpin their professional practice, but they should also have learning opportunities that enable them t...
In this module you will build upon your learning in the preceding 'Foundations of Health Sciences for Nursing Practice'. You will develop understanding and insight into key pathophysiological processes encountered in common diseases conditions. This will...
Using the biopsychosocial model, you will gain an understanding of the health sciences that underpin nursing practice. You will learn about the relevant anatomy and physiology, and how it is integrated from the cellular level to the organ systems level. Y...
This module will introduce you to the fundamental aspects of nursing care. You will consider how to provide a person-centred approach to care that meets the needs of the service user using a systematic approach. You will be introduced to the fundamentals ...
This module will offer you an opportunity to explore globalisation in health and healthcare from the perspective of individuals, communities and population. You will examine epidemiology, the science that underpins public health, and the role of the nur...
This module is the first placement module that you will undertake. During your time in placement you will be supported to apply the knowledge and understanding you developed through the Fundamental Aspects of Care theory module in a practice setting to e...
This module is the second placement module that you will undertake. During your time in placement you will be supported to apply the knowledge and understanding you developed through the Organising Person Centred Care theory module in a practice setting ...
This module will develop your knowledge and skills in planning care in partnership with people in order to ensure that care is person centred and empowering. Throughout the module your learning will focus on the skills needed to respond positively to peop...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
In this module you will build on your prior learning to gain further knowledge and skills in working in partnership with people. You will continue to develop clinical decision making skills in relation to the management of long term, multiple and / or co...
In this module you will learn more about values based recovery focused approaches when working with people with a range of mental health care needs. You will consider the principles of engagement in mental health care, in depth assessment skills, and the ...
In this module you will build on your previous learning so that you can prioritise and respond to the changing levels of support that people require when their health status changes. You will develop your ability to manage and evaluate care across healthc...
This module is the third placement module that you will undertake. During your time in placement you will be supported to apply the knowledge and understanding you developed through the Field specific theory module in a practice setting to enhance your ...
This module is the fourth placement module that you will undertake. During your time in placement you will be supported to apply the knowledge and understanding you developed through the Managing Nursing Needs theory module in a practice setting, to enhan...
This module is the fifth placement module that you will undertake. During your time in placement you will be supported to apply the knowledge and understanding you developed through the Co-ordinating nursing care theory module in a practice setting to en...
Healthcare professionals should be able to engage with different forms of inquiry (such as research, audit and service evaluation) and understand how these can help inform practice. This module begins by focusing on the reasons we carry out research and o...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
In this module you will further develop the skills required to be a mental health nurse working with people with complex mental health care needs. You will have an opportunity to explore the challenges that may present and develop skills to help you navig...
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...
This module is the sixth placement module that you will undertake. During your time in placement you will be supported to apply the knowledge and understanding you developed through previous theoretical modules in a practice setting to enhance your patie...
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 Regist...
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 through planning and conducting an independent project that is relevant to your own field(s) ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
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)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
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:
-
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 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 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:
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:
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'll aim to process your application within two to six 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
