Professional Practice in Health Sciences (MSc)

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

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

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.

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:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

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?

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

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.

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 2020). 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 thriving 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. You can find fees for modules offered within the School of Health Sciences on our modules page.

Full-time study

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £24,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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 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.

NHS Learning Support Fund

As a student on this course you may be entitled to help from the NHS Learning Support Fund.

This can include a training grant of £5,000 per academic year, parental support of £2,000 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. 

Other postgraduate funding options

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.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

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'll 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