Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health, MSc

The degree in Psychological Well-being and Mental Health is aimed at students who are intending to work – or are already employed – in health care, counselling, social care and related areas. Students will evaluate, assess, and advance the current understanding of what works in helping adults achieve psychological well-being and good mental health.

About the MSc Psychological Well-being and Mental Health course

The MSc Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health is designed to equip graduates with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theory relevant to the improvement and maintenance of psychological well-being and sound mental health in adults. The course will also teach you a range of practical and research related skills aimed at people intending to work, who are already employed, in the mental health sector.

Contact us
Email
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4460
School of Social Sciences website

You will complete a variety of modules including:

• Psychological illness, theory and application
  Students will consider the concept of psychological wellbeing and be introduced to theoretical approaches that have the potential to promote human growth and happiness.
  
• Contemporary issues in mental health
  This module explores a number of advanced contemporary topics in psychological wellbeing and mental health, taught by researchers with direct involvement in such topics. The specific module topics change periodically in the spirit of the title ‘Contemporary Issues in…’ thus reflecting cutting edge issues in research and practice.
  
• Clinical research methods
  This module will consider the components of good practice for the conduct of psychological research in clinical settings. It also offers the opportunity to experience some research methods that might be used within that context.
  
• Theory and application to mental health
  Students will be introduced to key theories underpinning research and practice in mental health and illness, including both traditional and more contemporary perspectives.
  
• Assessment, case formulation and treatment
  Students will be introduced to central concepts and approaches to psychotherapeutic assessment, case formulation and treatment across the life-span; taking into account both contextual factors and diversity issues.
  
• Specialist psychological essay
  This module provides students with the opportunity to comprehensively explore an area of interest to them personally in depth, under the supervision of a member of staff who has expertise within that field. Students will be supported by a small group tutorial programme and will have opportunities to discuss their progress with tutors and peers.
  
• Research and professional skills
  This module will introduce you to a range of key research and research dissemination skills necessary for the pursuit of an academic or professional career in psychology (or related disciplines).
  
• Research project / Dissertation
  This module enables students to comprehensively demonstrate their research abilities, in relation to a chosen topic. In addition it enables students to develop dissemination skills for different audiences through their drafting of publications aimed at both academic and practitioner or service user audiences.

They also complete an extended essay on a specialist topic of their own choice and a dissertation or empirically based research project under the supervision of a research active member of staff.

Study and support
The course is delivered primarily through interactive workshops and discussions, small group teaching and one-on-one supervision, although there may also be some lectures.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways and on a modular basis through:

• examinations
• coursework
• reflective essays
• laboratory reports
• literature reviews
• oral presentations

And your research / dissertation project work which is written up as academic articles suitable for publication in real journals.

International students in psychology can also access additional language and study skills support, as well as help in acclimatising, via our own International Student Support Officer.

Start dates, duration and fees
The MSc Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health starts in late September. A dedicated induction day is provided for all students which introduces you to your course, to your teaching teams and to the University facilities. The day ends with an informal social event.

The course is completed in one year of full-time study (your final piece of coursework is submitted in late August) or two years part-time. The teaching terms run from late September to Christmas and then from January to Easter. Part-time students attend for two of the three days only.

Research
Find out more about the Psychological Well-being and Mental Health research group in their latest newsletter.