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.

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: [email protected]
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.

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

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.

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £30,300.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

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. 

Southampton Health Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Health Sciences.

Find out more about the Southampton Health Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

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

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 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.

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: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000