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.
KEY BENEFITS
- 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.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Graduates pursue various careers in mental health including psychology and other clinical training, research assistance positions and post doctoral study.
Programme leader/s
Madeleine Oakley
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, October to September.
Location
Denmark Hill Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
Institute of Psychiatry
Department of Psychosis Studies
Closing date
30 June 2013.
Intake
100 FT expected.
Fees
PT Home: £3950 (2013)
PT Overseas: £11000 (2013)
FT Home: £7900 (2013)
FT Overseas: £22000 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Programme Office
Tina Foulkes (Administrator): T: 020 7848 0193/ F: 020 7848 0126
Dr Katerina Koutsantoni (Manager): T: 020 7848 0191
Admissions
Anthony King (Admissions Officer): T: 020 7848 8392
Email
Website
PURPOSE
The 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.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
- Basic Mental Health;
- Research Principles & Methods;
- Dissertation.
Indicative non-core content
Elective (two taken):
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy;
- Disaster Response: Mental Health, Behaviour and Communication;
- Mental Health in the Workplace;
- Mind & Brain;
- Pharmacotherapy;
- Psychological Therapies;
- Social & Community Mental Health;
- Women's Mental Health.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year. Restrictions apply on certain module combinations.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Teaching methods include lectures, group work, discussions, videos, case analyses. Assessment is by essays, written examinations, research project.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Teaching staff: Module Leader: Madeleine Oakley
Module code: 7PAGMBMH
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
1 X written examination (1,5 hours)
1 X formulation (case study) examination (1 hour)
Provides students with an overview of key aspects of mental illness. Enables students to build on their existing knowledge and experience of psychiatric disorder, with reference to aetiology, classification, assessment and management. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of different theoretical approaches within the field of mental health, and strengthen their ability to critically appraise different approaches to management and care. Provides structured opportunities to apply this knowledge and understanding to individual cases.
Day/time of delivery: TUESDAY, 2.15-3.45pm
Teaching staff: Module Leader: Dr Jenny Yiend
Module code: 7PAGMRES
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 60
1 X research dissertation: 10,000 words
The dissertation element is designed to enable students to develop their research knowledge and skills to undertake and write up a small-scale research project.
It aims to enable students to:
- Build on their knowledge and understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in the field of mental health.
- Enhance their knowledge and critical understanding of the research process.
- Critically appreciate and apply the principles of rigorous and ethical research.
- Systematically appraise research evidence pertaining to mental health.
- Advance their existing knowledge and understanding of data collection and analysis.
- Undertake the design, execution and writing up of a small scale research project.
NB. Students enrolled on the MSc Organisational Psychiatry & Psychology are encouraged to identify a work-based project for their dissertation.
Teaching staff: Dr Eugenia Kravariti and Dr Diana Prata
Module code: 7PAGMIRM
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 0
Educational aims of the module: to gain introductory information about conducting research in mental health services; to understand the pertinent ethical issues for committee approval; to gain knowledge in the appropriate use of different methodologies; to evaluate scientific methods used in the field.
At the conclusion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate competence in: basic research design and methodology; selection of appropriate research methods and interpretation of different types of data; understand what is required in order to manage, organise and undertake a small research project.
Teaching staff: Module Leader: Dr Majella Byrne
Module code: 7PAGMCBT
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 45
1 X coursework essay: 3,000 words
1 X written examination: 3 hours
The CBT module is an introduction to the theory and application of CBT and is not intended to provide a clinical training in CBT. Students are not required to be working clinically with patients to undertake the module and the module does not offer clinical supervision of any aspect of students' clinical work. The module will, however, provide a strong foundation in CBT for students considering pursuing further professional training such as a CBT diploma.
Day/time of delivery: TUESDAY, 10:00-12:00
Teaching staff: Dr James Rubin
Module code: 7PCSMDRE
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 45
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
- 1 x 3,000 word essay
- 1 x 3-hour written examination
Disasters are on the rise. Climate change and the renewed curse of international terrorism have resulted in ever growing numbers of people experiencing sudden traumatic events that overwhelm the abilities of their communities and governments to respond, the risks from technological accidents and industrial waste are increasing, and new diseases threaten to bring about pandemics with potentially catastrophic consequences.
This module will consider how psychologists, psychiatrists and allied mental health professionals can play an essential role in helping societies and individuals prepare for, and respond to, these risks. The seminars and associated reading will introduce students to current problems, theories and evidence relating to how psychology and psychiatry can be applied to disaster preparedness and response. Students will be encouraged to critically appraise the literature, both in terms of its methodological quality and its practical relevance.
Day/time of delivery: WEDNESDAY, 2.30-4.30pm
Teaching staff: Module Leader: Gilly Wiscarson
Module code: 7PAGMMHW
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 45
1 X coursework essay: 3,000 words
1 X written examination: 3 hours
The module draws on psychological, psychiatric and organisational theory and evidence bases to examine the causes, effects and consequences of mental ill health in the workplace and to consider strategies and interventions to improve organisational and individual mental health.
Students are encouraged to develop a critical awareness of contemporary issues and problems in relation to improving mental health at work at individual, interpersonal, organisational and policy levels and to apply this knowledge and understanding to their own workplace/area of interest.
Aims:
• To introduce students to contemporary approaches to work and well-being
• To enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of occupational mental ill health and its manifestations
• To critically examine the causes and effects of occupational mental ill health at an individual, interpersonal and organisational level
• To enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of psychiatry and psychology as applied to occupational mental health
• To introduce students to concepts of amelioration, prevention and health promotion in relation to occupational mental health and well-being.
Day/time of delivery: TUESDAY, 10:00-12:00
Teaching staff: Module Leader: Dr Chiara Nosarti
Module code: 7PAGMMAB
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 45
Assessment:
written examination/s
1 X coursework essay: 3,000 words
1 X written examination: 3 hours
This module will introduce students to neurocognitive aspects of the Mind-Brain relationship which are relevant to mental health. The goal of the course is to study how specific neurophysiologic correlates of cognitive, emotional, social and genetic factors can affect mental health and psychopathology. In addition, the course will cover aspects of evidence-based interventions for psychiatric disorders and related cognitive and emotional deficits, as well as the effects of structural and functional brain alterations studied with different neuroimaging techniques.
Aims:
• To develop students’ understanding of different research methods and theoretical approaches to mental health and psychopathology from a neurocognitive perspective
• To enhance students’ understanding of cognitive, emotional and social functioning correlates of mental health and psychopathology through neurobiological research
• To enhance and develop students’ skills to critically evaluate interventions through understanding the nature of their neurocognitive substrates
• To enhance and develop students’ abilities to critically reflect on the relationship between neuroscience, mental health and psychopathology
Day/time of delivery: WEDNESDAY, 2.30-4.30pm
Teaching staff: Module Leaders: Dr Derek Tracy and Dr Giovanni Giaroli
Module code: 7PAGMPHA
Credit level: 7
1 X coursework essay: 3,000 words
1 X written examination: 3 hours
Provides an overview of key principles of pharmacotherapy and enables students to build on their existing knowledge and understanding of pharmacotherapy in the care and management of mental illness. Enables students to critically appraise the evidence base of pharmacotherapy and its clinical applications.
Day/time of delivery: TUESDAY, 4:00-6:00pm
Teaching staff: Module Leader: Madeleine Oakley
Module code: 7PAGMPSY
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 45
1 X coursework essay: 3,000 words
1 X written examination: 3 hours
This module aims to introduce students to the key concepts and processes of CBT (Term 1) and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (Term 2), Family Systemic Psychotherapy (Term 3). Students have an opportunity to develop a critical understanding of these three models of therapy and their applications:
1. The fundamental principles of CBT: behaviourism and behaviour therapy; the development of cognitive therapy; basic CBT competencies and the evidence base for CBT.
2. Key concepts in psychoanalytic psychotherapy including the development of Freud’s ideas, Kleinian ideas, Object Relations theories, Attachment Theories, the Anti-psychiatry Movement and the influence of Post-modernity on psychoanalytic theories and clinical practice.
3. The basics of Family Systemic Psychotherapy: General Systems Theory, Life-cycle theories & genograms; an overview of Strategic, Structural and Milan models of Family Therapy; Narrative and other post-modern family therapies; the Multi-Family model.
Aims:
• To enable students to develop their critical understanding of the key concepts and processes of psychoanalytic psychotherapy, CBT and family systemic psychotherapy as applied to clinical practice
• To enable students to gain knowledge of empirical research, ethical practice and diversity in therapeutic practice
• To provide students with opportunities to apply ideas from psychoanalytic psychotherapy, CBT and family systemic psychotherapy to their own practice using role play, group discussion and structured exercises
Day/time of delivery: TUESDAY, 10:00-12:00
Teaching staff: Module Leader: Dr Eugenia Kravariti
Module code: 7PAGMSCM
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 45
1 X coursework essay: 3,000 words
1 x written examination: 3 hours
Develops the students' knowledge of social approaches to mental health in terms of theory, research and practice, enhancing their ability to critically appraise these elements in social and community mental health. Develops the students' critical understanding of the relationship between social adversity and mental health problems, and their ability to critically evaluate evidence bases and evidence-based practice in mental health care in the community.
Day/time of delivery: WEDNESDAY, 10.00-12.00
Teaching staff: Module Leader: Dr Kate Tchanturia
Module code: 7PAGMWMH
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 45
1 X coursework essay: 3,000 words
1 X written examination: 3 hours
The module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and processes of women's mental health, and to current theories and clinical applications relevant to women's mental health. It enables students to gain experience in critically reviewing research into women's mental health and use evidence bases to identify the characteristics of a gender-sensitive service.
Day/time of delivery: WEDNESDAY, 10:00-12:00
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Applicants should hold a relevant first degree (minimum 2:1) or an equivalent professional qualification. Experience working in the mental health field is desirable but not essential.
English language requirements
To follow our programmes successfully, you must have a solid command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment. Therefore, you will usually be required to provide certificated proof of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Applicants that hold an undergraduate qualification from a country where English is the first language will not need to submit an English proficiency test.
Please review the link below for information on our minimum entry requirements for IELTS, TOEFL etc.
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/admissions/requirements/language.aspx
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
How MHSP processes applications
The MHSP programme is extremely popular and we recommend you apply as early as possible. Both courses (MSc Mental Health Studies and MSc Organisational Psychiatry and Psychology) on the Programme are usually full by the end of July. The application portal is open from the start of each academic year (October).
MHSP offer a proportion of places at the beginning of each month, starting from January. The Programme operates a system called 'gathered fields' which is commonly used for popular postgraduate courses because it helps ensure the best candidates receive offers, as opposed to 'first come first served'. This means that if you just miss a gathered field (i.e. apply early in the month) you will hear the outcome of your application at the next one (i.e. start of the next month).
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please detail your reasons for applying for the course and your future goals.
FUNDING
Self-funded or funded by employer.
Student profiles
Mental Health Studies MSc
After taking my BA in Psychology in Turkey, I decided to study at the IoP because of the vast opportunities it provides for psychiatric research and clinical practice as well as the fact that it is one of the world leaders in the field of mental health.
I chose the MSc in Mental Health Studies in order to gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical background to mental health issues and the assessment, formulation and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Besides broadening my understanding of mental health issues it was great to be able to undertake a clinical placement. I gained invaluable experience on my placement at the National Psychosis Unit at the Bethlem Royal Hospital. Another practical element of the course I particularly enjoyed was taking part in research projects which enabled me to apply the theoretical knowledge I had gained.
The teaching staff on the course are very supportive and encouraging - I feel that their efforts contributed a lot to me maturing academically and enabling me to deepen my understanding of the theoretical background to mental health as well as improving my research skills.
Completing the course made me more confident and better equipped to take the next steps in my career and I am currently working as an assistant psychologist at the Bakirkoy Psychiatric Hospital in Istanbul.
Mental Health Studies MScI have always wanted to pursue a career in clinical psychology to help those suffering from mental illness. I decided to study the MSc in Mental Health Studies at the Institute of Psychiatry (IOP) because of its worldwide reputation for psychiatric research and interdisciplinary training.
I had the opportunity to work with classmates from various backgrounds, who shared the same passion as mine for understanding the causes of and treatments for psychiatric disorders. At the same time, I interacted with and learnt from leading scholars in multiple fields of psychology. Outside the classroom, I participated in seminar series with prominent speakers from all over the world.
One of the most important aspects of the Programme was the chance to apply my textbook knowledge in research and clinical settings. My research project further developed my skills including collecting data independently while working as part of a team. The Programme also offered me a clinical placement at the Maudsley Hospital as a research assistant that gave me first-hand experience of working with psychiatric patients.
I have already been accepted onto the clinical psychology programme in my home city of Hong Kong and I believe my experience at the IOP has provided me with a strong foundation to become a practising clinical psychologist in the near future.
Mental Health Studies MScI have always been interested in why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. I have also always been very interested in the multitude of pathways that lead to different forms of mental distress and I wanted to learn how to help people who experience such distress.
The MSc helped to broaden my knowledge of applied mental health and clinical psychology, and allowed me to develop my skills in research. The academic components of the MSc really helped to develop my understanding of mental health and its management. The MSc provided extremely valuable experience that prepared me for the demands of the doctorate in clinical psychology that I am currently undertaking.
My favourite memory from King's is the great friends that I met, the interesting subject matter of my MSc, and the fantastically helpful and encouraging staff and supervisors who helped me to achieve my goals.
Having now completed my doctorate in clinical psychology, my future plan is to begin my career as a qualified clinical psychologist and try and gain as much clinical experience as possible, in any field that I can.
Mental Health Studies MScAfter my undergraduate degree I wanted to learn more about the clinical aspects of psychology. I chose to complete the MSc part time, giving me enough time to complete the academic requirements for the course, as well as working part time for the NHS.
The compulsory Basic Mental Health module increased my understanding of the spectrum of psychiatric disorders, and concepts such as assessment and formulation. The lectures were taught by a range of professionals such as researchers, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, all experts in their fields.
The MSc offers a wide choice of optional modules, which allowed me to develop my knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy. I also took advantage of the optional clinical placements organised by the university, assisting at a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group. This gave me extremely valuable practical experiences, helping me to develop my own clinical practice.
I built upon my research skills through the dissertation, and valued the encouragement and guidance from my supervisor and other staff members. Overall, doing the MSc was a fantastic experience and I strongly recommend it to anyone wishing to pursue a career in clinical psychology.
Since finishing the course, I have been offered a position to train as a psychological wellbeing practitioner at an IAPT (improving access to psychological therapies) service. This MSc has given me a strong skills-set including knowledge about CBT principles, research skills and clinical experience, which I hope to build on as I progress in my career.
Staff profiles
Mental Health Studies MSc
I am a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Studies and Neuroimaging and module leader for Mind and Brain. My research focuses on the neurodevelopmental changes following early brain injury and on the identification of neuroanatomical biomarkers for schizophrenia. In 2005 and 2008 I was the recipient of a Young Investigator Award by the National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression (US), and in 2010 I edited a volume for Cambridge University Press on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of very preterm birth.
Mental Health Studies MSc
Derek is a Consultant Psychiatrist in Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust where he works both in a Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team at the Princess Royal University Hospital, and for the borough Liaison and Intake Team. His research interests are in TMS and fMRI and he works with the Cognition, Schizophrenia and Imaging lab at the Institute of Psychiatry. He lectures on the Basic Mental Health and Mental Health in the Workplace modules, and is running the Pharmacotherapy module with Dr. Giaroli.
Mental Health Studies MScI feel honoured to be have been running the pharmacotherapy module for the third year in a row. I am very pleased to see the number of students interested in pharmacological issues and in this module increasing exponentially. I am also pleased to report that in previous years students were all successful in their exams and essays with a remarkably high number of distinctions.
I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist working in North East London. I have been working in psychiatry in three different countries and I have always been interested in the application of the base science into the clinical practice. I am currently investigating with colleagues of an Italian university the subjective experience of adolescents who are taking antipsychotics and how it correlates with their compliance and their quality of life. I am also currently writing a text-book on antipsychotics and adolescents for Italian universities.
I am moving my research interest towards subjective experience and ADHD. This opens the possibility to any student who is interested to collaborate with me on this project. Needless to say that there are several possibilities for clinical attachment in child and adolescent psychiatry in my department in North East London.
Mental Health Studies MSc
Kate is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in the Eating Disorder Service in the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. She has obtained her PhD in Experimental Psychology, and worked as a clinical psychologist for twenty years in different clinical settings. For the last ten years her clinical work and research studies have focused on eating disorders, including neuropsychology, cognitive and cultural aspects of the illness.
Kate is an author of a textbook in psychological assessment, publishes in peer journals and is Chair of a specialist interest group on neuropsychology and eating disorders in the Academy of Eating Disorders; the largest international organisation in the field. Kate was nominated for the King’s College London Teaching Excellence Award in 2006 and 2010 and won the award in 2009.
Mental Health Studies MScProgramme Leader
Madeleine trained as a Systemic Family Psychotherapist at the IoP, and also as a psychonanalytic psychotherapist at the Institute of Psychotherapy and Social Studies. She has twenty years of experience as a clinician working in mental health settings in the NHS and voluntary sector. Since 1997 she has taught and supervised post-graduate students at the Institute of Psychiatry and Maudsley hospital. She is the editor of a multi-media training package in Family Therapy, produced with the Marlborough Family Service. Madeleine is the leader of the Basic Mental Health and Psychological Therapies modules on the Programme and was nominated for the King's Teaching Excellence Award 2010.