Institute of Psychiatry
- Postgraduate
- Short courses
- Staff research interests
- Programmes
Staff/student profiles
Sri Lankan
Health Service & Population Research Department MPhil/PhD, MD(Res)
After graduating from Medical school in 2006, I worked as a researcher in mental health in Sri Lanka. In 2009, I received a Wellcome Trust Masters Fellowship in Public Health & Tropical Medicine and followed the Masters in Psychiatric Research at the Institute of Psychiatry (IoP). I had the honour of being selected as the first ever recipient of Professor Robin Murray Award for the best MSc dissertation in Psychiatric Research course, which was very rewarding and gratifying for me. Subsequently, I was awarded a King's Overseas Research Studentship to follow a PhD in Health Services Research at the IoP.
I am currently conducting research in migration and mental health in the section of Epidemiology. My previous and current experience of education at King's is very rewarding and nurturing, greatly enhancing my skills and exposing me to world leaders in my academic field. I plan to make a an academic/research career in mental health and I think the education I receive at King's stands to be of great use for a successful future.
The Denmark Hill campus and Institute of Psychiatry, where I am based at are modern with many facilities that aid the educational process. It's located close to central London with good transport links.
On a personal note, I love the city of London, and prefer this city to live in over others. I love the vibrant, multi-cultural and multifaceted life in London. As a funded student, I think the city offers enough interesting to do in your free time to keep you sufficiently entertained while not being financially draining.
Neuroimaging MPhil/PhD
The Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences is an extremely friendly place to study, small enough that I could easily get involved in the academic and social aspects of the department, whilst at the same time having fantastic experimental facilities and opportunities to learn from a large number of specialists with diverse areas of expertise.
My supervisors are incredibly supportive; weekly meetings give me the opportunity to discuss my progress, but perhaps more importantly, talk through the work I have been struggling with. They also support and encourage my participation in the wider academic community, with the department providing the support I needed to present my work at several national and international conferences.
Alongside my formal supervision I have benefited greatly from the advice of other PhD students, post docs and more senior academics from across the department who are always happy to help.
UK
Psychology MPhil/PhD/DClinPsy
King's emphasis on postgraduates building transferable skills has encouraged me to develop skills in many areas including networking, presenting research effectively and creative writing. I recently took on the role as chair of the student forum, along with two other postgraduate researchers. I really enjoy working to help other students in the Institute of Psychiatry and provide information about the different stages of postgraduate process.
Social Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry MPhil/PhD
My interest in completing a PhD in mental health research led me to the Institute of Psychiatry which has an outstanding international reputation and is conveniently located in London. I was able to secure an Economic, Social Research Council and Medical Research Councils’ Interdisciplinary Studentship with the support of King’s staff, which has funded me throughout my course.
King’s College has a very supportive and encouraging study environment. Students not only have access to a number of academic services such as excellent libraries and fantastic training courses but also social facilities such as the Waterfront student bar which overlooks the River Thames and provides excellent views of London!
Greece
Social Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry MPhil/PhD
I joined King's College London for a four year MSc/PhD programme which integrates interdisciplinary research and training. This is an innovative programme, reflecting King's role as a pioneer in scientific research and training.
Several months after I joined the programme, the high expectations I initially had have all been surpassed. The facilities and resources are striking, but the strongest asset is the people. I found myself surrounded by excellent scientists and world leading experts, all of whom are approachable and always ready to help. Doing research in an environment where there is so much diverse expertise around, as well as opportunity for interaction, is exciting.
There are also many weekly events, talks and seminars that allow you to expand your knowledge beyond your primary area of interest. I was particularly impressed by the abundance of opportunities for research and other career development activities that were generously offered to me from the first day I joined.
It is also admirable how seriously students are treated, with every effort being made to facilitate our research and make our time here as enjoyable an experience as possible. I feel that the only limit to what I can achieve is myself!
Child & Adolescent Mental Health MSc
After having spent one year on the MSc course, I would definitely recommend it as a means of professional development and source of unforgettable experiences, both academic and social. It is the ideal programme for scientists coming from different health disciplines that want to acquire expertise and cutting-edge knowledge in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.
The structure of the course is quite demanding and requires constant involvement in multiple activities. It combines effectively theory, practice and research. I gained a lot by attending a variety of lectures held by some of the most recognised and well-known child and adolescent mental health researchers and practitioners. I enhanced my clinical skills by doing my clinical placement -in the framework of the studies- in one of the busiest child and adolescent mental health clinics in South London. I also had the opportunity to complete my research dissertation that mastered my capacities in methodology and statistics.
Studying at King's College London and particularly at the Institute of Psychiatry was a unique personal achievement. It was very important to know that I was part of an academic body with substantial scientific weight and international recognition.
After the end of the programme I intend to work as a psychologist either in the research or the clinical field. I consider that the MSc will constitute a fundamental basis for the fulfillment of my future professional objectives.
Child & Adolescent Mental Health MSc
I am a medical doctor from Myanmar. Studying Child and Adolescent Mental Health seemed like sailing an uncharted sea to me especially when it comes to research in Psychiatry. King's has offered a lot more than I have ever expected. In particular, the Institute of Psychiatry at the Maudsley is a unique place to learn the subject for whoever wishes to have the best experience in the field.
The lectures are given by people who are the world leaders in their field of subspecialty. The course is very comprehensive and highly structured, offering everyone a perfect opportunity to learn. The library at the Institute of Psychiatry has one of the largest resources in the world where self- learning has the best chance without limits.
I also have great pleasure in meeting students from all over the world bringing their own experiences just to flourish themselves with the offers given by the experts in their respective fields. The number and level of research going on here at the Institute of Psychiatry is amazing, providing me a once in a life time opportunity to learn the material. What's more, London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world where every opportunity exists for knowledge, life and for fun.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology DClinPsy
I knew that studying at King's Institute of Psychiatry, the home of world experts on a range of psychological disorders, would mean an exceptional standard of teaching and research opportunities. My experience of training was stimulating and rewarding. Juggling the multiple demands of training was a good introduction to the realities of NHS working and the course team were very supportive. I had a wide range of clinical placements, some arranged to meet my particular interests, with expert supervision in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and a number of other therapeutic models. I also did a six month placement in Dublin. This was a fantastic opportunity allowing me to travel alongside my studies.
I currently work at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma delivering CBT, supervision, teaching, training and research in anxiety disorders. My training gave me an excellent grounding in the multiple roles of a clinical psychologist and has been invaluable to my work. I would strongly recommend the course to anybody looking for an exceptional standard of clinical training and supervision.
Epilepsy MSc
The MSc in Epilepsy was a real turning point in my career. It was so exciting to gain an in-depth knowledge about epilepsy, and to build up the subject from basic principles. I enjoyed it enormously, I found it both stimulating and invigorating.
I also completed a project which has been presented and published. Through the course, I made new friends and contacts. The things I have learnt are useful to me every day, and have given me a renewed enthusiasm in my daily work.
Health Psychology MSc
The Health Psychology MSc covered a broad range of interesting topics from smoking cessation to doctor-patient communication to religiosity and health. The course provided some excellent guest lecturers who were specialists in these fields.
The lecturers, course directors and administrative team were very supportive throughout the year and always happy to help whenever questions arose.
Undertaking a dissertation may seem like a daunting challenge, however, I greatly value the experience I gained by conducting my own research in the NHS, in a subject of my choice and with great supervision from a Health Psychologist.
The MSc has given me great insights into the field of public health and the workings of the NHS. I have gained a thorough knowledge and understanding of research methodology, statistics and epidemiology. I am currently working as a Research Assistant in the Health Psychology Department at King's College London and I am considering completing a PhD.
Currently Josie is a Research Assistant with the Centre for the Study of Incentives in Health where she is supporting a pilot study in Chesterfield, Big Change for the Little One, testing the effectiveness of incentivising pregnant mothers to stop smoking, in partnership with Derbyshire PCT. In March 2012, Josie will be taking up a new post as Project Worker at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Health Psychology MSc
I enjoyed every minute of this programme and really appreciated the fact that we had specialist lecturers in all of our subjects. I think that was a huge bonus on the King's course, as I was able to speak about future careers with a vast array of professionals. I am busy working on my PhD now!
Naomi came to the MSc Health Psychology as a qualified medical nutritionist. Over the last few years her clinical work has included working at a specialist musculoskeletal clinic, where she developed an interest in non-adherence to physiotherapy exercises. She has a King's Studentship to research this further for a PhD with supervision from the IoP Health Psychology section.
UK
Mental Health Service & Population Research MSc
The benefits of studying at one of the world's leading research centres for psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience were evident from the first day of term. Being taught directly by some of the world's experts in their fields, who are actively conducting research, was inspiring. The facilities and opportunities at the Institute, from the impressive library, series of seminars, presentations and workshops reflect the attention to detail given by the Institute in creating a thriving working and learning environment.
Mental Health Studies MSc
I 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.
Indonesia
Mental Health Studies MSc
Being an Indonesian who has lived in Austria for a while, made me an individual who loves being in an international environment. Therefore, coming to London which is famous for its 'melting pot' of cultures was my first option and I love it! The College's central location made it an even more attractive choice. The people that I meet, the variety of culture that I learn from my friends, and the international collaboration that I share on Campus, have become part of my life.
I came to King's also for its worldwide reputation, especially the Institute of Psychiatry for its psychiatric research. Having an eclectic range of interests, such as psychology and human resources management, I found the Mental Health Studies course really interesting due to its interdisciplinary nature as it allows me to explore various subject areas. King's has a good graduate environment and excellent facilities. Staff are very supportive and encouraging and being able to draw on their expertise has been particularly beneficial and motivating. I plan on staying here at King's and to continue a PhD programme that can provide me with the research skills, academic networks and contacts that I need to ensure that job opportunities are available to me in the future.
Neuroimaging MSc
I studied within the Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences as part of my MSc Neuroscience course. The Centre is a fantastic place to study; every member of staff is approachable and friendly, as well as knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing their research and expertise. The content of the imaging module I studied as part of my course was well structured and skillfully delivered and I felt well prepared for the practicalities of undertaking a neuroimaging project. The course leaders, department heads and lecturers helped us to tailor the course to our own interests and future plans and provided projects with opportunities to develop practical, employable skills in our own area of interest.
I am a physiotherapist so my background is far from typical for this type of course but the Institute of Psychiatry has an excellent reputation for supporting people with diverse backgrounds and I have never felt at all disadvantaged – the Centre even found me a project working in the pain imaging team, a research area close to my heart!
Despite my lack of previous academic experience I've been treated like a valuable member of the team and encouraged to submit work to conferences, work towards publication of my project and consider a future career in research – opportunities that I would never have had before.
Organisational Psychiatry & Psychology MSc
I chose King’s College London, not only due to the fact that it is located in a cosmopolitan city, but for its well known reputation. It is a world class university with world class status for both thaught and research programs.
The Institute of Psychiatry is the only postgraduate institution in the United Kingdom dedicated to the study and practice of psychiatry and related subjects. King’s College London and the Institute of Psychiatry not only had the specific program that I was looking for; they had a brilliant board of teachers and professionals that combine professionalism and quality research with warmth and fun. My course leader and supervisor were extremely supportive and compassionate making my experience truly memorable.
I loved the fact that studying at King’s College London gave me the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world and to learn more about their cultures. I would highly recommend King’s College London and the Institute of Psychiatry to all students considering a postgraduate education.
UK
Organisational Psychiatry & Psychology MSc
After completing a BSc in Psychology with Clinical Psychology, I was faced with the inevitable dilemma encountered by most psychology graduates: which branch of psychology should I do my graduate study in?
I wanted to keep my options open so I chose the MSc Mental Health Studies (Organisational Psychiatry & Psychology) to gain an up-to-date knowledge of psychology as applied in clinical, as well as organizational settings.
Studying at King's College London and the Institute of Psychiatry has been extremely fulfilling and enjoyable. I believe the comprehensive academic education I have received has put me in a prominent position to achieve my plans of undertaking doctoral training in clinical psychology and ultimately becoming a consultant.
In addition, I am involved with the university's Widening Participation unit as a student ambassador and I represent the university at several 'Aimhigher' projects during which I give presentations at local schools about the benefits of higher education. This has been a good opportunity to gain work experience and meet like minded people.
Finally, I would advise prospective students to take advantage of the plethora of extracurricular activities offered by King's College London Students' Union (KCLSU) clubs and societies, as these will further enhance your experience at King's.
Psychiatric Research MSc
I studied this programme as part of my Wellcome Trust Fellowship in Public Health and Tropical Medicine. It was the perfect course to enhance my skills in psychiatric and mental health research. I had worked as a researcher in mental health prior to the course and this course gave me the chance to hone my skills and learn sound research and statistical methodology. I also had the chance to acquire knowledge on different fields of psychiatric research.
It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life as I had the chance to learn from global leaders in mental health. They were inspirational for me in many ways in developing my career as a researcher and an academic. I am currently conducting research among internally displaced people in Sri Lanka as part of my Wellcome Trust fellowship. The knowledge and skills I learnt from the MSc in Psychiatric Research are helping me immensely to conduct sound research. I had the honour of being selected as the first ever recipient of Professor Robin Murray Award for the best MSc dissertation in Psychiatric Research course, which was very rewarding and gratifying for me.
I strongly consider that graduating from this course was a life changing experience both academically and personally.
Psychiatric Research MSc
Returning to India after completing the MSc in Psychiatric Research, I had 18 months funding from the Wellcome Trust to follow-up those with dementia and cognitive impairment and I also surveyed mortality across the whole Chennai elderly cohort, using the WHO verbal autopsy interview.
I am currently writing papers on cause and cause-specific mortality. This MSc programme has enabled me to function as an independent researcher in India and I can now confidently design research projects, perform statistical analysis, and write research papers for scientific journals.
Psychiatric Research MSc
Studying for the MSc in Psychiatric Research at the Institute of Psychiatry was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The course gave me the skills and confidence to be able to conduct research in various fields of psychiatry. I feel I have become a better psychiatrist and a better researcher as a result.
Psychiatric Research MSc
The modules and lectures for this programme provided essential knowledge which contained diverse aspects of major research areas that I really needed. Academic opportunities such as various seminars and sessions that I could encounter at the Institute of Psychiatry were very helpful. It was also a pleasure to meet and work with wonderful people during the course. Overall, I feel that my master's course was a very successful experience for both my career and future life.
Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry MSc
Having completed an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience, I was looking for PhD opportunities in London. The reputation of the Institute of Psychiatry as a world centre for psychiatric research attracted me to it, particularly the interdisciplinary 1+3 programme at the Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre. During the first year I broadened my outlook and gained valuable research experience, and I now have a sense of direction and confidence embarking on my three-year PhD.
The atmosphere at the SGDP Centre is a key part of the success of its students. Students are not isolated in small research groups, but mix with students across disciplines. This large social network is unique, and creates a dynamic, sociable atmosphere where students are supportive of each other rather than competitive.
As well as departmental seminars and talks, I am extremely fortunate to have access to the network of developmental cognitive neuroscientists across London. My supervisors’ impressive network of contacts has already afforded me the opportunity to collaborate on a functional imaging project with scientists from UCL.
The Institute of Psychiatry is located just 15 minutes from London Bridge, and 10 minutes from Victoria by train. The SGDP building itself was constructed recently and is extremely spacious and bright, with ‘interactive areas’ on each floor where students eat lunch and chat. Being in London means there are always opportunities for seeing new sights or going to new places.
War & Psychiatry MSc/PG Dip
I loved every second of this course and couldn't recommend it enough to anyone wanting to develop an interest in the field of military psychiatry under expert guidance. Every lecture and seminar covered a unique fascinating topic, following the development of combat-related psychiatry from its inception to the present day. The small numbers allowed me to feel confident in sharing my thoughts and questions and nothing was ever too much trouble for my long-suffering supervisor! Whilst the course was certainly challenging, I felt inspired and supported every step of the way and encouraged to develop my own areas of interest; something which I have taken away with me and continue to use today.
Having graduated in psychology a few years previously, the MSc gave me specialised insight into this fascinating, much needed and increasingly expanding area of mental health. As a direct result of the MSc I was offered an Assistant Psychologist position at Combat Stress (The Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society) and am thoroughly enjoying being able to apply what I learned and researched in practice.
Institute of Psychiatry
Global Mental Health MSc
One of the reasons I moved to London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine was because of the opportunity to create an MSc in Global Mental Health.
Despite increasing amounts of evidence of the burden of mental illnesses and the comparative lack of mental health services in low and middle income countries, the topic of Global Mental Health has not been taken up by academic public health institutions. For that reason, the School and King's College London Institute of Psychiatry have joined forces and will, in September 2012, launch the first residential taught course MSc in Global Mental Health.
The establishment of the course represents a major step toward creating a cohort of experts and practitioners who have the skills necessary to address the enormous challenge of improving the lives of those who live with mental illnesses. In addition, the course will offer students the opportunity to study and work with many of the leading academics and researchers in the field.
This is an exciting time in the field of Global Mental Health and I am certain that the creation of the MSc will prove to be a milestone.
Institute of Psychiatry
The Institute of Psychiatry provides a unique setting in which to study Family Therapy. Fellow students are studying different aspects of mental health and neuropsychiatry. The close relationship with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and the Maudsley Hospital ensures that learning is firmly rooted in the needs of mental health services. We provide teaching and clinical experience in both child and adult focused practice. Our personal support of students and integrative style of practice ensures that students from all backgrounds will develop new knowledge and skills. We provide the only full time training in the UK and welcome a diverse group of students from different professional backgrounds.
I have worked with families in mental health settings for 40 years and have clinical experience in adult and child focused settings. I have a strong commitment to the provision of high quality work with families and have worked as a teacher and trainer in the field for 20 years. All of the key members of staff have extensive clinical experience.
I have been involved over a number of years with the development of the profession and have held key roles in the Association for Family Therapy and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy. Currently I am involved in the development of a measure of family interaction and change.
Students who study with us go on to work as Family Therapists or to enhance their current professional role.
Neuroscience MPhil/PhD
The CCBB is a new section within the Department of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry. I like to think we in the CCBB fill several unique niches. Firstly, sharing the newly-opened James Black Centre (JBC) on the Denmark Hill campus with colleagues from King's Medical School, we are part of a unique cross-school research initiative. This allows us to drive common scientific themes such as stem cells, genomics, and imaging. The JBC is generating a truly 'collegiate' approach to research on Denmark Hill.
Secondly, as a new outgrowth of Neuroscience, we have been able to initiate research into some of the most exciting areas of brain research, for example the organisation of chromatin during neural development; cognition in normal and abnormal brain function; and neural stem cells in brain repair, to name just a few. With state-of-the-art facilities and a bright new enterprise, the CCBB is an exciting place to do science.
Psychological Medicine MPhil/PhD
I trained in psychiatry at the Maudsley Hospital and was formerly Dean of the Institute of Psychiatry before taking my current post as Professor and Head of the Division of Psychological Medicine & Psychiatry. I also run a clinical unit, part of the National Psychosis Unit at Bethlem Royal Hospital; people from across the UK come to this specialist unit for both outpatient and inpatient care.
My research focuses on finding the causes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and on using this knowledge to develop better treatment methods. For example, my colleagues and I study twins where one has schizophrenia and the other doesn't and examine molecular genetics and brain changes in people with schizophrenia. We are very interested in the questions of how cannabis can induce psychosis, and why schizophrenia is especially common in London and in immigrants. Consequently, I am the most widely cited international researcher in the field of schizophrenia.
Teaching is one of my greatest pleasures and research students join a community of over 100 PhD students in the Department of Psychological Medicine & Psychiatry alone, with diverse projects covering topics such as addiction, Alzheimer's disease, eating disorders and psychosis. Researchers from the department have gone on to pursue a range of careers as consultant psychiatrists, research fellows and lecturers amongst others.
Advanced Psychosocial Practice with Children & Adults (NOT RUNNING FOR 2012 ENTRY) MSc
Advanced Social Work with Children & Adults (formerly Mental Health Social Work with Children & Adults) NOT RUNNING FOR 2012 ENTRY MSc
The MSc in Mental Health Social Work with Children & Adults is a nationally-renowned programme providing advanced practice and research teaching to experienced social workers. Accredited by the General Social Care Council at the advanced level in the Post Qualifying Framework for Social Work, it provides an opportunity for practitioners to become more reflective and evidence-based in their practice in addition to becoming professional leaders in their field.
Clinical Forensic Psychology MSc
It has been with great pleasure and pride that we have set up the full-time MSc in Clinical Forensic Psychology. An innovative aspect of this MSc is its focus on mentally disordered offenders, particularly the interface between mentally disordered and/or psychologically vulnerable individuals and the police service and legal process. The programme represents an excellent opportunity to learn and understand the needs and requirements of this difficult and demanding population.
For many years I have worked in forensic services providing a forensic clinical psychology service to offenders with mental illness and/or mental disorder. As a Chartered Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, I recognise the important contribution of both disciplines in the rehabilitation and management of persons who present both mental disorders and a history of criminal offending and/or repetitive aggressive behaviour towards others.
We are fortunate to have excellent collaborative links with forensic services in the South East. In particular, we benefit from the long association between the Institute of Psychiatry and the renowned South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Furthermore, the Institute of Psychiatry is acknowledged across the world as a centre of excellence, and offers students the opportunity to develop specialist interests by attending open lectures provided by members of the Institute and esteemed visiting lecturers.
The programme is designed to deliver 'the best for the best'. We have been granted accreditation by the British Psychological Society until 2015 which will indicate that students have achieved the recognised academic standards of professional competence to practise independently.
Global Mental Health MSc
Melanie Abas is a clinical senior lecturer in psychiatry now based at King's College, London Institute of Psychiatry who has lived in Africa and in New Zealand working in mental health epidemiology, teaching and policy. She works with partners in universities, ministries of health and NGOs in several countries on mental health education, on capacity building in task-sharing interventions for common mental disorders, and on research.
Global Mental Health MSc
Graham Thornicroft is professor of community psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry and King's College London and conducts research related to (i) cost effectiveness of community mental health service interventions, (ii) stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and (iii) global mental health.
International Programme in Addiction Studies MSc
The MSc International Programme in Addiction Studies is a unique opportunity for those planning to gain expertise in the addictions field. It is offered by three renowned universities and provides the opportunity for students to have a truly international experience in learning about addiction science. Students have access to talks given by the best lecturers in the field and have the chance to share this experience with other students based in different parts of the world. A graduate from IPAS will leave the programme not only with a Masters in Science recognised by three universities, but will also gain a global view of the problem of addiction disorders.
The Addictions Department occasionally offers PhD studentship opportunities. So for those planning to follow a research career in the addictions field this department could offer another unique opportunity.
I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Addictions Department, King's College London. My main role on IPAS is to lead the modules run by King's. I graduated in psychology in Brazil, where I also completed a Master's Degree in Psychiatry. In 2011, I completed my PhD in Addiction Science at the Institute of Psychiatry (KCL), under the supervision of Professor John Strang and Dr John Marsden. My PhD centred on the prevention of fatal heroin overdose by providing training and take-home naloxone to family members and drug users.
I have received funding from the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA, UK) to lead a project on overdose prevention among ethnic minorities and drug users involved in the criminal justice system. I am also involved in research in the area of drug-related deaths and teaching and training activities in the department.
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 MSc
I 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 MSc
Programme 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.
Organisational Psychiatry & Psychology MSc
The first of its kind in Europe, this programme offers the unique opportunity to study the application of psychological and psychiatric principles in organisational settings. The course offers an introduction to a broad range of organisational psychology topics including personality, leadership, motivation, workplace conflict and organisational change. We also explore stress-related ill health, absenteeism, occupational physical illness, health and safety requirements, and drug and alcohol misuse. Students learn how to design and evaluate workplace interventions to prevent and alleviate these problems. Teaching methods include lectures and workshops, student-led presentations, and external visits to leading organisations. Recent visiting speakers on the course included Professor Adrian Furnham, Professor Rob Briner, Dr Andrew McCulloch, and Andrew Kinder – all leading experts in the field.
My background is in management consultancy, combining business strategy training and business psychology, and I specialise in helping teams within organisations to deal with stress resulting from multiple change. My experience has helped me to design this programme in a way that applies these very important theories to real life organisational situations.
One of the aspects of this course that makes it unique is that students come from varied backgrounds; all hold a first degree - not necessarily in psychology - and this brings a richness of experience which is greatly valued. Some students have the opportunity to join a research project offered by internationally renowned researchers here at the Institute of Psychiatry. Others prefer to develop their own research interests; recent topics have included the comparison in motivation in two different departments of the same organisation; a survey of attitudes and behaviours related to the Blackberry; change in British Airways; line managers' stress prevention behaviour; and bullying at work.
As many students are interested in careers in management consultancy, a Management Consultancy Special Interest Group has been set up and is now attached to the course, which meets on a regular basis to explore key issues in this area.
Feedback from former students tells us that their careers have been enormously enhanced by their MSc Organisational Psychiatry & Psychology qualification. Many have taken on senior management roles in organisations, sometimes in HR and in organisational development and training. Some further their studies in psychology.
Psychiatric Research MSc
Dr Boydell is the programme leader for the MSc in Psychiatric Research. She is also an academic tutor and personal tutor for the course. Dr Boydell is a clinical lecturer in the Division of Psychological Medicine and Psychiatry and Consultant Psychiatrist at the Bethlem Hospital. Her research interests include the investigation of social factors in the development of psychosis. Dr Boydell is currently the lead researcher on a project investigating the influence of social cohesion on the development of psychosis.
Psychiatric Research MSc
Dr Walshe co-organises the MSc in Psychiatric Research with Dr Boydell, as well as being an academic and personal tutor for the course. She is also a lecturer in the Department Psychosis Studies at the Institute of Psychiatry. Her research interests include the investigation of early life risk factors for schizophrenia. Dr Walshe is a psychoanalytical psychotherapist and an honorary psychotherapist in the Adult and Perinatal Sections of the Psychotherapy Department at the Maudsley Hospital.
Psychiatric Research MSc
Professor Sir Robin Murray is the Course Director for the MSc in Psychiatric Research. As well as overseeing the overall running of the course, he teaches on the programme and is an academic advisor to the students. Professor Murray is Professor of Psychiatric Research and consultant psychiatrist at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. His research focuses on finding the causes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and developing better treatments for these disorders. In 2010, for his contribution to research into the causes of severe psychiatric disorders, Professor Murray was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry MSc
At the MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre (SGDP) we run a unique four-year PhD training programme, which includes a taught component in the first year (after which an MSc is awarded). The training that the students receive as part of this programme strongly reflects the interdisciplinary, collaborative approach of the Centre that covers genetic, epigenetic, social, developmental and cognitive approaches to psychiatry and psychology. The students benefit from the Centre’s cutting-edge research facilities that include extensive modern laboratories with state-of-the art genomics equipment, an EEG laboratory, bioinformatics resources, and a high-powered computing cluster.
Research at the Centre focuses on complex behavioural disorders and dimensions, such as antisocial behaviour, anxiety, autism, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disorders. My own research illustrates the opportunities that arise in such a unique, collaborative environment, in that we have been able to combine quantitative genetic, molecular genetic, cognitive, electrophysiological, fMRI and developmental approaches to studying intermediate phenotypes and developmental pathways in ADHD and co-occurring disorders from childhood to adulthood. We study both ADHD as a clinical diagnosis and ADHD symptoms in population samples. I collaborate closely with several Centre colleagues – for example with Professor Philip Asherson, who brings expertise on clinical and genetic aspects of ADHD; with Dr Fruhling Rijsdijk, who brings expertise on statistical genetics; and with Dr Grainne McLoughlin, who brings expertise on electrophysiological research on ADHD and other developmental disorders.
The SGDP Centre was described in the RAE 2008 as providing a "world leading" environment for research, and we work hard to ensure that our students fully benefit from this unique environment throughout their training.
War & Psychiatry MSc/PG Dip
At King's, two of our 5* departments, the Institute of Psychiatry and War Studies, have come together to create a novel and innovative master's in War & Psychiatry. It is probably the only programme of its kind in the world.
Originally trained as a historian, I studied for a doctorate in clinical psychopathology at Guy's Hospital and spent 10 years in the Department of Psychological Medicine there. My current research projects include the psychological effects of chemical weapons on soldiers in the First World War. I am also interested in the resilience shown by civilians subjected to air-raids as a way of understanding current responses to terrorist attacks.
For the MSc in War & Psychiatry, we welcome students from different backgrounds and cultures as a way of enriching our understanding of human responses to psychological trauma. This multidisciplinary programme is designed to challenge our perceptions of how people behave in extreme adversity or when they are subjected to intense or prolonged stress.
