About this course

Nursing at Southampton is ranked third in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024) and top 10 in the UK for Mental Health Nursing (Guardian University Guide 2025).

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:

study the sciences that underpin nursing
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).

If you already hold a degree qualification, consider applying for the Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Mental Health Nursing or the MSc in Mental Health. These offer graduates a fast-track, 2-year route to registration as a Nurse.

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 email 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.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

What's it like to study Nursing at Southampton

Students explain what studying Nursing at the University of Southampton means to them.

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.

Download

ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

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.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass with 28 points overall with 14 points at Higher Level

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.

or

BTEC

DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma DM in BTEC National Diploma plus B in A-Level subject D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BC 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

DDM in the BTEC Extended Diploma DM in BTEC Diploma plus B in A-Level subject D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BC 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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

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.

Non-academic entry requirements

You must have completed recent, relevant study within 5 years

Occupational Health and Vaccinations

Completion and confirmation of a satisfactory health screening including confirmation of appropriate vaccinations will be a condition of your offer. 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 and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

You will be required to complete a satisfactory, University of Southampton Self-Declaration of Good Character form. 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 each subsequent year of study 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

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

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level

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.

or

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

DDM in the BTEC Extended Diploma DD in BTEC Diploma plus B in A-Level subject D in the BTEC Subsidiary 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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

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.

Non-academic entry requirements

You must have completed recent, relevant study within 5 years

Occupational Health and Vaccinations

Completion and confirmation of a satisfactory health screening including confirmation of appropriate vaccinations will be a condition of your offer. 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 and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

You will be required to complete a satisfactory, University of Southampton Self-Declaration of Good Character form. 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 each subsequent year of study 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:

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:

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:

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

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

An Introduction to Professional Practice (Level 4)

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...

Applied Health Science for Nursing Practice

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...

Foundations of Health Sciences for Nursing Practice

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...

Fundamental Aspects of Care

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 ...

Global and Public Health

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...

Part 1 Practice Placement 1 for BSc and MN

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...

Part 1 Practice Placement 2 for BSc and MN

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 ...

Person Centred Nursing Care

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...

YR1 Generic Timetabling

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)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

10%

Scheduled learning & teaching

40%

Independent learning

50%

Placement

How we'll assess you

essays
written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

25%

Written exam

25%

Coursework

50%

Practical exam

Academic support

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

Course leader

Ruth Oxley 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. 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 hospital or community nursing including specialist roles
armed forces and humanitarian opportunities
independent health care providers and nursing homes
diverse advanced roles 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 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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 and Irish students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £23,400.

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. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub 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

Apply for this course

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 an interview. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if you're invited to the selection event. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 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

Related courses

Nursing (Mental Health) (BSc) is a course in the Nursing, midwifery and healthcare subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

a

BSc

Audiology

MSci

Audiology

c

BSc

Cardiac Physiology (Healthcare Science)

m

BSc

Midwifery

n

MNurs

Nursing (Child)

o

BSc

Occupational Therapy

p

BSc

Nursing (Mental Health) (BSc)

About this course

Support for students with a disability/health condition

NHS Learning Support Fund

What's it like to study Nursing at Southampton

Learn more about this subject area

Nursing, midwifery and healthcare

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Non-academic entry requirements

For Academic year 202425

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Non-academic entry requirements

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Modules

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

An Introduction to Professional Practice (Level 4)