Mental Health Studies

The Programme enables successful applicants to develop their knowledge and experience within the field of Mental Health and to examine one area in more depth, through empirical research in the form of their dissertation. The Programme offers career enhancement through involvement in research work; continuing professional development for practitioners; preparation for a career in clinical psychology, RA and PhD positions.
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• Wide choice of elective modules on offer.
• Regular contributions from practising clinicians and visiting specialist lecturers.
• Applications welcome from mental health professionals and psychology graduates.

PURPOSEThe MSc Mental Health Studies aims to provide high quality and up-to-date coverage of theory, practice and research in the field of mental health and illness. Applicants may already have some experience of working in the mental health field, in positions of clinical, therapeutic or educational capacity, although this is not essential.

DESCRIPTION

While the MSc Mental Health Studies offers mental health professionals a range of opportunities for continuing professional development, an equally high number of our students have not yet embarked on professional training. Some come with a relevant first degree, usually in psychology, and some already have work experience in the mental health field. Students typically aim to pursue a career in clinical psychology or research.

The programme consists of five modules: compulsory modules in Basic Mental Health, Research Principles & Methods, a Research Dissertation, and two elective modules. The Basic Mental Health module provides an overview of: theoretical perspectives on mental illness; diagnosis and assessment; psychiatric disorders and treatment; approaches to management and care. The Research Methods module covers quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and provides the foundations for your own research project. Both core modules are taught on a Tuesday, while optional modules are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (please see details in a different section).

You will be able to pursue your interests and to develop more in-depth knowledge and understanding of particular aspects of mental health and illness in the elective modules, which currently include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychological Therapies, Women's Mental Health, Pharmacotherapy, Social and Community Mental Health, Mind and Brain and Mental Health in the Workplace. The expertise of all teaching staff, drawn from the disciplines of psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy and nursing, reflects the multidisciplinary ethos of the programme and current practice in the NHS. Moreover, all modules have regular contributions from practising clinicians and visiting lecturers who are specialists in their fields.

To achieve a good-standard research project, full-time students should plan to spend at least 2 days per week at the Institute working on their project; part-time students are expected to spend 1 day. Students registered for FT study are expected to fully commit themselves to their studies for the working week (9.00-5.00, Mon-Fri throughout the year) in order to fulfil their maximum potential.