Professional Practice in Health Sciences (MSc)

You’ll need a 2.2 degree in a relevant subject from a clinical, health or science background.

If you don’t have an undergraduate degree you may still be able to apply. You’ll need to show evidence of one of the following:

• accredited study within the last 5 years at a higher education institution at level 6, passed at 50% or above
• evidence of recent non accredited study as a practitioner in a relevant professional role
• successful completion of a module studied at master’s level (level 7)

You may be offered a conditional place on the course if you can show you have the equivalent of undergraduate degree course outcomes. You’ll then gain unconditional acceptance if you successfully pass your first master’s level module as set out by your course lead.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

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.

Apart from the dissertation and research modules you must take, you’ll be able to choose from a wide selection of taught modules from the School of Health Sciences.The academic team can help support you in these choices. You may also bring credits from other universities.

You can start your dissertation before completing the taught modules. You can only submit it once all your taught modules have been submitted.

You may be able to exit the course with the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences, or Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences. The programme specification provides further details on this.

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

Learning

You’ll learn through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:

• lectures
• seminar groups
• action learning groups
• Work-based learning
• experiential learning
• supervised and self-directed study

Your learning will be supported by your personal academic tutor, module leaders and, where appropriate, academic coach and/or mentor in practice.

Assessment

The way we assess you is designed to help you:

• integrate theory and practice
• maximise your critical thinking and analysis skills
• develop your understanding of health sciences/mental health sciences

The way we assess you may include:

• a strategy document
• a business plan
• a change management project report or proposal
• an investigation of an incident or complaint
• a presentation to a Trust board or sub committee
• a ‘conference’ poster and supporting paper
• an educational package
• an academic essay

Your course leads to the preparation, development and completion of your dissertation.

Dissertation

You'll carry out a piece of independent research related to your area of practice. It will result in a 15,000 to 20,000 word dissertation.

As a full-time student you’ll do this over 10 months from December. You must submit your work in September of the following year. 

Academic Support

Your course lead will be assigned as your personal academic tutor.

This build-your-own UK master’s in Professional Practice in Health Sciences gives you the academic credentials to apply for more senior level healthcare roles.

Careers services at Southampton

We're 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/resume and interview skills 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. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Part-time study

If you choose to study part-time you can pay as you go for each module.

Individual module costs depend on the modules you choose. Fees for modules offered within the School of Health Sciences can be found on our modules page.

Full-time study

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £22,268.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 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?

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

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