Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Early Intervention in Psychosis MSc
Key information
Delivery mode:
In person
Classroom & Online
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Scholarships available, see Fees & Funding section for more information. 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. This approach is highly effective in reducing the long-term impact of psychotic illness. You will learn the relevant skills in early intervention and other areas of mental health.
Key benefits
- The only MSc in Early Intervention in Psychosis worldwide.
- Integrated approach including biological, psychological and social perspectives.
- You will acquire expertise and experience applicable to all areas of mental health.
- Taught by clinicians and academics who have carried out pioneering work in this area.
- Opportunity to develop your own research ideas or join existing research projects.
- Individually tailored clinical placement in the National Health Service (NHS).
- You will receive training and support with your career planning and progression.
- High levels of student experience - The MSc achieved 95% overall satisfaction in the 2023/4 postgraduate taught experience student survey.
Early intervention is an evidence-based approach that combines psychosocial treatment with medication. Because of its success, it’s now a crucial part of mental health services worldwide. We’ve designed this course to help you explore psychosis from biological, psychological and social perspectives. You’ll learn to detect early symptoms and treat them, then put your skills into action on a clinical placement in the NHS (guaranteed to all students). As part of this course, you’ll also complete a quantitative or qualitative research project. Past students have explored genetics of early psychosis, the use of neuroimaging, and predictors of psychotic relapses. This MSc is geared towards students eager to boost their expertise before applying for clinical training or a PhD. But it’s also ideal for doctors, psychologists and nurses aiming to take their career to the next level. “We make a real effort to pair students with a clinical supervisor with a similar background to them. This enables each student to gain experience and expertise that are relevant to their career progression.” Prof. Andrea Mechelli, Course Leader
Base campus
Denmark Hill Campus
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Degree in medicine, psychology, nursing, professions allied to medicine (e.g. radiography) or a scientific degree such as biomedical science, neuroscience or computer science.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). Please detail your reasons for applying for the course and your future goals. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Yes | Please also include a CV with details of any clinical experience. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
| Module name | Lectures (hours) | Seminars/tutorials (hours) | Field/lab/studio/supervised learning (hours) | Self-directed study (hours) | Total (hours) |
| Introduction to Early Intervention in Psychosis | 40 | 4 | 0 | 256 | 300 |
| Pharmacological Interventions in Early Psychosis | 40 | 4 | 0 | 256 | 300 |
| Psychosocial Interventions in Early Psychosis | 40 | 4 | 0 | 256 | 300 |
| Research Methods in Early intervention in Psychosis | 40 | 4 | 0 | 256 | 300 |
|
Research Project in Early intervention in Psychosis |
8 | 0 | 184 | 408 | 600 |
|
The Lived Experience Perspective |
10 | 0 | 0 | 140 | 150 |
|
Clinical Placement in Early Intervention in Psychosis |
0 | 0 | 330 | 0 | 330 |
Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Location
Our course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Denmark Hill Campus.
Assessment
- Written Examinations
- Coursework
- Written Dissertation
- Oral presentation
The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations and coursework. The research project is assessed via a written dissertation and an oral presentation. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules selected.
Regulating body
King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Full time students on this course are required to take:
Introduction to Early Intervention in Psychosis (30 credits)
Pharmacological Interventions in Early Psychosis (30 credits)
Psychosocial Interventions in Early Psychosis (30 credits)
Research Methods in Early Intervention Psychosis (30 credits)
Research Project in Early Intervention Psychosis (60 credits)
Part-time students study the taught modules over the two years. Part-time students are required to take the following modules in Year 1:
Introduction to Early Intervention in Psychosis (30 credits)
Pharmacological Interventions in Early Psychosis (30 credits)
Part-time students are required to take the following modules in Year 2:
Research Methods in Early Intervention Psychosis (30 credits)
Psychosocial Interventions in Early Psychosis (30 credits)
Research Project in Early Intervention Psychosis (60 credits)
Optional modules
Full-time students have the option of taking the following modules:
The Lived Experience Perspective (0 credits)
Part time students have the option of taking the following modules in Year 1:
Part time students have the option of taking the following modules in Year 2:
The Lived Experience Perspective (0 credits)
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
The expertise and experience acquired on this MSc are relevant and applicable to all areas of mental health. Therefore, after completing this course, you will be in a strong position to pursue a career in mental health. Most of our students go on to clinical psychology training (e.g. DClinPsy), other clinical training (e.g. IAPT) or a research position (e.g. PhD). Clinicians completing this course have enhanced their career and/or obtained clinical research positions.
Career destinations
-
Clinical Psychology Doctorate (DClinPsy) at King's College London
-
Clinical Psychology Doctorate (DClinPsy) at University College London
-
Clinical Psychology Doctorate (DClinPsy) at Royal Holloway University
-
Assistant psychologist in the National Health Service (NHS)
-
PhD at King's College London
-
PhD at University College London
-
PhD at Birkbeck College
Further learning
Graduates can undertake further study such as PhD or the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (more information about applying here). More resources on further study/careers in Clinical Psychology can be found here:
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £40,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £20,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. the scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing course handouts.
- Society membership fees.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Early intervention is an evidence-based approach that combines psychosocial treatment with medication. Because of its success, it’s now a crucial part of mental health services worldwide. We’ve designed this course to help you explore psychosis from biological, psychological and social perspectives. You’ll learn to detect early symptoms and treat them, then put your skills into action on a clinical placement in the NHS (guaranteed to all students). As part of this course, you’ll also complete a quantitative or qualitative research project. Past students have explored genetics of early psychosis, the use of neuroimaging, and predictors of psychotic relapses. This MSc is geared towards students eager to boost their expertise before applying for clinical training or a PhD. But it’s also ideal for doctors, psychologists and nurses aiming to take their career to the next level. “We make a real effort to pair students with a clinical supervisor with a similar background to them. This enables each student to gain experience and expertise that are relevant to their career progression.” Prof. Andrea Mechelli, Course Leader
Base campus
Denmark Hill Campus
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Degree in medicine, psychology, nursing, professions allied to medicine (e.g. radiography) or a scientific degree such as biomedical science, neuroscience or computer science.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). Please detail your reasons for applying for the course and your future goals. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Yes | Please also include a CV with details of any clinical experience. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
| Module name | Lectures (hours) | Seminars/tutorials (hours) | Field/lab/studio/supervised learning (hours) | Self-directed study (hours) | Total (hours) |
| Introduction to Early Intervention in Psychosis | 40 | 4 | 0 | 256 | 300 |
| Pharmacological Interventions in Early Psychosis | 40 | 4 | 0 | 256 | 300 |
| Psychosocial Interventions in Early Psychosis | 40 | 4 | 0 | 256 | 300 |
| Research Methods in Early intervention in Psychosis | 40 | 4 | 0 | 256 | 300 |
|
Research Project in Early intervention in Psychosis |
8 | 0 | 184 | 408 | 600 |
|
The Lived Experience Perspective |
10 | 0 | 0 | 140 | 150 |
|
Clinical Placement in Early Intervention in Psychosis |
0 | 0 | 330 | 0 | 330 |
Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Location
Our course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Denmark Hill Campus.
Assessment
- Written Examinations
- Coursework
- Written Dissertation
- Oral presentation
The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations and coursework. The research project is assessed via a written dissertation and an oral presentation. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules selected.
Regulating body
King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Full time students on this course are required to take:
Introduction to Early Intervention in Psychosis (30 credits)
Pharmacological Interventions in Early Psychosis (30 credits)
Psychosocial Interventions in Early Psychosis (30 credits)
Research Methods in Early Intervention Psychosis (30 credits)
Research Project in Early Intervention Psychosis (60 credits)
Part-time students study the taught modules over the two years. Part-time students are required to take the following modules in Year 1:
Introduction to Early Intervention in Psychosis (30 credits)
Pharmacological Interventions in Early Psychosis (30 credits)
Part-time students are required to take the following modules in Year 2:
Research Methods in Early Intervention Psychosis (30 credits)
Psychosocial Interventions in Early Psychosis (30 credits)
Research Project in Early Intervention Psychosis (60 credits)
Optional modules
Full-time students have the option of taking the following modules:
The Lived Experience Perspective (0 credits)
Part time students have the option of taking the following modules in Year 1:
Part time students have the option of taking the following modules in Year 2:
The Lived Experience Perspective (0 credits)
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
The expertise and experience acquired on this MSc are relevant and applicable to all areas of mental health. Therefore, after completing this course, you will be in a strong position to pursue a career in mental health. Most of our students go on to clinical psychology training (e.g. DClinPsy), other clinical training (e.g. IAPT) or a research position (e.g. PhD). Clinicians completing this course have enhanced their career and/or obtained clinical research positions.
Career destinations
-
Clinical Psychology Doctorate (DClinPsy) at King's College London
-
Clinical Psychology Doctorate (DClinPsy) at University College London
-
Clinical Psychology Doctorate (DClinPsy) at Royal Holloway University
-
Assistant psychologist in the National Health Service (NHS)
-
PhD at King's College London
-
PhD at University College London
-
PhD at Birkbeck College
Further learning
Graduates can undertake further study such as PhD or the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (more information about applying here). More resources on further study/careers in Clinical Psychology can be found here:
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £40,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £20,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. the scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing course handouts.
- Society membership fees.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key information
Delivery mode:
In person
Classroom & Online
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
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