Program Overview

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About this course

Neonatology is the medical treatment and care of newborn babies. On our MSc Neonatology you’ll develop knowledge of common and complex neonatal conditions. This master’s is suitable for professionals working in neonatal units. It's taught entirely online so you’ll learn together with peers working in neonatal units across the world.

The course will develop your neonatal expertise, increase your transferable skills and improve your career options in the field of neonatology.

On this UK master’s degree you’ll learn to solve complex problems in neonatal care and to question neonatal policy and practice.

We’ve developed the course in collaboration with the European Paediatric Society for Research (ESPR). The modules you choose are developed with neonatal specialists and academics across Europe, most of whom are senior members of the ESPR.

You’ll develop your understanding of:

• common and complex neonatal medical and surgical conditions
• the theoretical basis of research and evidence-based practice
• the importance of collaboration, effective communication and the challenges faced by other professionals
• critical and reflective thinking, taking account of the values and beliefs of others, and how your beliefs and behaviours affect others

You’ll meet world renowned guest lecturers who will present their research and with whom you can ask questions and discuss neonatal issues.

Within the neonatal virtual learning environment (VLE) you can access:

• the core curriculum
• cross cultural learning groups
• online tutors
• libraries
• an assessment office

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).

Course lead

Susan Smith is your course lead.

If you have a question about the course you can contact Susan directly:

Learn more about this subject area

Nursing, midwifery and healthcare

Lead and challenge practice as you become a confident, capable healthcare professional. Choose from cardiac physiology, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Entry requirements

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:

IELTS score requirements

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

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:
Tel:+44(0)

Course structure

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.

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

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

MSc Dissertation 18 month

This module will provide you with the opportunity to plan, undertake and report on an independent, original project which is relevant to your current or future area of practice and is appropriate to the Award you are following. This version of the Diss...

Research methods (online)

You must also choose from the following modules:

Neonatal Clinical Pharmacology (Online)

This module is designed to provide you with the underpinning scientific basis on which you can use to further develop your pharmacological knowledge as applied to neonatal clinical practice. You will have access to renown clinical pharmacology specialist...

Neonatal Haemodynamics (Online)

The module is designed to provide you with the neonatal haemodynamic theoretical basis you need for senior decision-making roles in neonatal clinical practice. The module will include clinical problem-based elements and will afford you the opportunity of ...

Neonatal Nutrition (Online)

This module has been designed by a specialist neonatal interprofessional group to increase your knowledge and depth of understanding of neonatal nutrition and its essential role in the successful nutritional management of the newborn infant.

Neonatal Pulmonology (Online)

The module is designed to provide you with the theoretical basis you need for senior decision-making roles in neonatal clinical practice. The module will include clinical problem-based elements focused on neonatal pulmonology. It will offer you the opp...

Neurology of the Newborn (Online)

The module syllabus is designed to provide you with the theoretical basis and the analytical skills needed for senior decision-making roles in clinical practice. The module will include clinical problem-based elements and will afford participants the opp...

Open learning (10 ECTS)

This is an open, flexible independent learning module. You will be allocated an academic advisor who will be available for up to 2 contact hours. These contact hours may be face to face (in person or online), by telephone and by email depending upon need,...

Open learning (20 ECTS)

This is an open, flexible independent learning module. You will be allocated an academic advisor who will be available for up to 4 contact hours. These contact hours may be face to face (in person or online), by telephone and by email depending upon need,...

Work Based Learning level 7 single

The development of a learning contract is a course completion requirement for this module. The learning contract will either be a set contract or an individual contract (see learning outcomes section). For those on an individual learning contract you ...

Learning and assessment

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.

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

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.

Funding for EU and international students

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

How to apply

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

• 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:
Tel:+44(0)

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