Nursing Studies (MSc)

You’ll need to:

• have passed your PG Diploma at the University of Southampton
• register for this master’s within 3 years of completing your PG Diploma in Nursing, or within 4 year of completing your Public Health Practice: Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN)

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.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

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

This course is made up of a single dissertation module and will run for up to 18 months, starting in October. It will involve planning and writing an independent, original project which is relevant to your current or future area of practice.

You can choose one of the following dissertation formats.

1. A literature review – you'll search for and critically review a wide range of evidence relevant to your topic or clinical issue. You’ll need to explain the implications for current or future practice.
2. A service improvement project (including audit) - you’ll plan and undertake a service service improvement project in your area of practice.
3. Empirical project – you'll carry out a piece of original research on a small scale. You'll need to get ethical approval and make time to collect and analyse data. 

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

Learning

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• self-directed learning
• introductory day
• group supervision
• individual supervision

Assessment

We’ll assess you on your research proposal and your dissertation.

Academic Support

You will be supported by the programme lead, the dissertation module lead and an academic supervisor.

This MSc in Nursing Studies will improve your employability and give you the skills for a range of specialist roles.

When you graduate, you could become a:  

• nursing team manager 
• researcher on a doctoral programme 
• lecturer or teacher

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team 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

• UK students pay £4,625. This is the total cost for the 'programme' and there is no charge for year 2.
• This course is not available to international students.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

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:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for international students

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

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

There are different application deadlines for this course. Applications are expected to close:

• International students: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to include your: 

• University of Southampton ID number
• employer or Trust details
• evidence of healthcare registration
• Disclosure and Barring Service checks details

What happens after you apply

Once you've made a successful application, you'll be invited to an induction day.  As a previous student with us you don't need to attend an interview. 

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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