Skip to main content
KBS_Icon_questionmark link-ico
School of Academic Psychiatry
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

Go to…

 

Department of Psychosis Studies

 

World-leading research

The Department of Psychosis Studies is the largest department within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and is one of the world’s largest groups conducting research on psychosis.Our staff are recognised globally as innovators of high-quality translational research and have produced over 1300 scientific publications in the last 5 years, holding approximately £25 million in research grant income. The Institute has received the highest possible ranking (5*) in recent UK Research Assessment Exercises.

Understanding the mechanisms of psychosis

Our research is focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying psychotic experiences and psychotic disorders, and on using this knowledge to inform the development of new clinical assessments and treatments. This work involves a wide range of methodologies, including neuroimaging, genomics, psychopathology, cognition, epidemiology, and the assessment of peripheral markers. A key feature of the research is the integration of biological and psychosocial factors. 

The department is directly integrated with high quality clinical services for psychosis in the Psychosis Clinical Academic Group (CAG), part of the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM). This specialised clinical infrastructure facilitates the involvement of patients in research, and the rapid translation of research findings into clinical practice.

Educational Excellence

Our department has a thriving student community that benefits from the many opportunities on offer for highly motivated and talented students looking to pursue an academic or clinical career. The expertise of our teaching staff combined with access to fantastic facilities and direct clinical experience through NHS volunteer programmes (facilitated by our integration with SLAM) promise a uniquely enriching postgraduate learning environment. Postgraduate taught and research students form an important core of our academic activities. Through our postgraduate teaching, we aim to support the development of the next generation of world-leading scientific and clinical researchers.

Courses within the Department of Psychosis Studies are listed below, or for information about the PhD opportunities available within the School of Academic Psychiatry visit Postgraduate Research Programmes.

Culture, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (CED&I)

The principles of equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the culture of the IoPPN and the Department of Psychosis Studies. For more information, please visit the IoPPN diversity and inclusion web pages.

The Department is committed to providing and promoting a positive environment for all its students, staff and other members of its community which is free from all forms of prejudice, discrimination, harassment and bullying.

Our staff and student guidance provide advice on what to do if you have experienced harassment or bullying and is available here.

Our departmental representatives are Dr Kelly Diederen, Dr Stefania Tognin and Dr Katherine Beck

Junior Academic Committee

The Psychosis Studies Junior Academic Committee (JAC) is a network for PhD students and staff up to lecturer level within the department. The aim of the JAC is to support early career researchers through regular social and career events, circulating information about events and job opportunities, and representation on the department executive committee. We aim to ensure that young researchers within the department feel well supported, both academically and socially. All junior academic staff will receive JAC circulars automatically as part of the student and staff departmental mailing lists.

Our courses

 

Duration: Full-time one year, part-time two years

Our MSc in Clinical Neuropsychiatry will allow students to develop the skills and knowledge required to specialise in neuropsychiatry as a clinician or academic.

View course

Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September

Our unique Early Intervention in Psychosis course provides world-class specialised training in the early identification and clinical treatment of psychosis, focusing on the detection and management of early symptoms.

View course

Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September

Our Mental Health Studies MSc course will equip you with the relevant knowledge in the field of mental health and provide you with the opportunity to examine one area further through both theoretical and empirical research.

View course

Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time

Our Organisational Psychiatry & Psychology course is unique in the UK and Europe. It draws on contemporary psychological, psychiatric and organisational theory to examine the causes, effects and consequences of mental ill health in the workplace and considers strategies and interventions to improve organisational and individual mental health.

View course

Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time

The MSc in Psychiatric Research provides in-depth training in how to perform and evaluate research across the psychiatric disorders. Emphasis is placed on building excellent academic skills, independent thinking and an evidence-based scientific approach to mental health research. During the MSc, students develop a deep understanding of what is currently known about psychiatric disorders and their treatment and how well performed research can enhance knowledge and ultimately improve clinical outcomes.

View course

See if you're eligible for a Master's Scholarship for 2023 entry.


Department of Psychosis Studies, PO63

Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience

+44 (0)20 7848 0728

Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF

Events

Events

Browse our upcoming events at the IoPPN

 

 

Further information for prospective students

Professional training

Professional training

The IoPPN offers a range of professional training opportunities to support your career development.

Careers

Careers

Careers in Psychiatry, Mental Health, and Psychology