A Southampton university has been named among the top ten in the world to study nursing.
The University of Southampton’s healthcare courses have been rated sixth best worldwide, and second best in the UK, by QS world rankings.
The ratings of nearly 1,500 universities across the world are determined by factors such as academic reputation, employer reputation, academic citations, and the impact of published research.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark E Smith said: “Nursing is a long-standing area of world-leading excellence for us at Southampton, of which we are very proud.
“As second in the UK and sixth in the world, our nursing teaching and research is among the very best, enabling the profession to grow strong into the future.”
The global ratings praised the university’s nursing degrees for their collaboration with healthcare trusts which provide first training and access to experienced staff.
They were also praised for research expertise.
There are more than 450 student nurses in the city studying adults, children and mental health degrees ranging from undergraduate to master’s level.
One of them includes G’Zai Dyer, a second year student who moved from her home in Bermuda.
The 19-year-old said: “I was drawn to Southampton because of the fairly small community and the university’s great reputation.
“When I graduate, I am keen on working on extended-stay wards to gain rapport with patients and assist them through their journey in the service.
“I have done more than 600 hours of patient experience already.
“It’s amazing spending so much time with patients during my studies and I love the idea that, through nursing, I can contribute to someone’s life. Being on placement reinforces why I chose this career.”
Head of department at the university, Paula Libberton said: “Our collaborations are particularly strong and really important to us at Southampton.
“These include strong links with the University Hospital Southampton and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust – two very large organisations that offer a wide range of services.
“Through these links, our students are able to do 50 per cent of their course on location.”
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