Neonatology (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:2 degree in a clinical, health or science subject.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

You must also have relevant clinical experience and be equipped for online learning.

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.

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

This master’s in neonatology gives you the flexibility to study part time over 3 years.

You’ll study modules that all students on the course take, as well as modules you can choose.

As part of this MSc you complete a dissertation. You can begin your dissertation before you complete the taught modules but you can only submit it for marking once you've passed them.

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

Learning

The diversity of your peer group means you’ll be part of a global distance learning community sharing knowledge into the practice of neonatology.

You’ll use online strategies to support how you learn and develop your skills in planning and managing your learning needs.

Online teaching and learning methods include:

• lectures delivered as webinars
• real time discussions and discussion boards
• learning from and with your peers in a global community of practice

In all the clinical modules you’ll be allocated to a learning group where you'll reflect on clinical scenarios that relate to theory. The groups are made up of 12 to 15 students. Discussions are directed and moderated by experienced tutors. They take the form of written comments and you’ll also meet regularly using Moodle or Zoom.

Assessment

The way we assess you will depend on the modules you study and may include:

• evaluation of your online activity
• online examinations
• strategy documents and business plans
• clinical or practice guidelines
• presentations to a Trust board or subcommittee
• ‘conference’ posters and supporting papers
• dissertation

Dissertation

The dissertation is your opportunity to carry out an independent, original project relating to your current or future practice.

The subject and format must be agreed with your course lead. You can choose from these formats:

• literature review
• service improvement project

The dissertation module is offered in October each year and you’ll have 18 months to complete and submit your work.

Academic Support

You’ll be supported by your personal academic tutor, online module leaders and, where appropriate, an academic coach.

This master’s degree in neonatology is suitable if you're a neonatal clinician interested in improving your clinical knowledge and developing your academic career in neonatology.

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

Once you've decided which modules you wish to study in a year, you can register and pay online, usually a month before the module starts.

As all the modules are studied online, all students pay the same fee:

• research methods (online): £1,249
• dissertation: £2,186
• other modules: £1,341

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.

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

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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.

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

Application deadlines

• International students: Wednesday 10 September 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

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 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 need to submit two references, one professional reference and one academic reference.

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.

What happens after you apply

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

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

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