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Postgraduate degree

Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health MSc, PG Dip PG Cert

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The online Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health course aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated exploration of our current understanding of the psychological and neuroscientific basis of mental health. The course draws on the wealth of research, education and clinical expertise and experience across our world-renowned Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) and will appeal to individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills base and those with a personal interest in the area of psychology, neuroscience and mental health. the area of psychology, neuroscience and mental health, and who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills base.

Key benefits

  • The course is delivered 100 per cent online. Students work in small, interactive classes with academic staff, and also receive additional support and guidance.
  • Cutting edge expertise: impact of the IoPPN’s work was 100 per cent world leading or internationally excellent, and our research environment was judged as 100 per cent world leading (Research Excellence Framework, 2014).
  • Online access to teaching materials developed from experts across Kings College London, providing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective of important mental health problems.
  • Support to develop and demonstrate research and critical appraisal skills that will permit appreciation, interpretation and reporting of research evidence, as preparation for research or further education.

The Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert provides a comprehensive and integrated exploration of our current understanding of the psychological and neuroscientific basis of mental health. It draws upon the wealth of research, education, clinical expertise and experience across the world- renowned Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN). The online master’s course promotes an understanding of the evidence base for comprehending the biological, psychological and socio-environmental factors important in the development and maintenance of mental health, and evidence underlining the development and efficacy of the range of treatments for mental health problems. IoPPN teaching staff are senior scientists, clinicians, and educators. Scientists will showcase cutting edge research into the causes and treatment of mental health problems; clinicians will be presenting current best practice in treatment approaches, and students will be supported by a team of educators with vast experience of designing and delivering scientific, clinical and applied education and training. The MSc pathway requires modules totaling 180 credits to complete the programme, 60 of which will come from the research dissertation. The Research Dissertation will permit you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and skills in research design, analysis and reporting. The Dissertation comprises 60 credits of advanced modules where you will acquire and demonstrate research skills using material and learning activities focussing upon a) research integrity and ethics; b) the selection and critical appraisal of empirical literature; c) the development of a research methodology to examine research objectives and hypotheses; and d) the analysis of qualitative or quantitative data to meet research objectives, and effectively communicate research findings. You will be able to explore a single research topic through carrying out a Synoptic Project, where you will be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have learnt during the course. The assessments completed across all four Research Skills modules combine into a portfolio of applied learning of approximately 10,000-15,000 words. The Postgraduate Diploma pathway requires modules with a total of 120 credits to complete the course, and the Postgraduate Certificate route requires modules with a total of 60 credits to complete the course. To complete the MSc will take a minimum of 2 years, and a maximum 6 years. A PG Dip will take a minimum of 16 months, and a maximum 4 years, while a PG Cert will take a minimum of 8 months and a maximum 3 years.

Course Aims

  • Enhance the career profile of those already working clinically in the field of mental health by increasing understanding and knowledge of the subject area which will help to inform clinical practice.
  • Develop the knowledge and skills base for those with interest in psychology, neuroscience and mental health, or those working in, or planning to further their studies in, mental health as a practitioner or policy maker.
  • Support progression to employment as a graduate research worker or to doctoral study.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

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Teaching methods - what to expect

The programme is delivered entirely online. There are video lectures, coursework including critical appraisal of published work, essays and abstracts and self-directed learning activities. Assessment will include discussion board participation, multiple choice question and short answer question examinations. 

The programme is flexible, and three levels of postgraduate qualification are offered:

  • Achieve a postgraduate certificate after completing 60 credits, a postgraduate diploma after 120 credit and a master’s degree after completing all 180 credits.
  • Complete four introductory modules in the foundations of mental health to earn your postgraduate certificate.
  • Complete four advanced modules in psychology and neuroscience disorders to earn your postgraduate diploma.
  • Complete all twelve introductory, advanced and research skills modules to earn your MSc.

Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health PG Cert

 

 

Module name

 

Lectures (hours)

Seminars/ tutorials / supervised learning

(hours)

 

Self-study time (hours)**

 

Total (hours)

Techniques in Neuroscience

10-15

15

115-120

150

Psychological Foundations of Mental Health

10-15

15

115-120

150

Mental Health in the Community

10-15

15

115-120

150

Biological Foundations of Mental Health

10-15

15

115-120

150

Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health MSc / PgDip

 

Module Name

Lectures (hours)

Seminars/ tutorials/ supervised learning (hours)

Self-study time (hours)**

Total (hours)

Biological Foundations of Mental Health

10-15

15

115-120

150

Techniques in Neuroscience

10-15

15

115-120

150

Psychological Foundations of Mental Health

10-15

15

115-120

150

Mental Health in the Community

10-15

15

115-120

150

Research Skills from Reviewing and Critical Analysis to Research Ethics (MSc only)

10-15

20

105-120

150

Research Skills from Reviewing and Critical Analysis to Research Ethics (MSc only)

10-15

20

105-120

150

Research Skills Synoptic Project I (MSc only)

0

20

130

150

Research Skills Synoptic Project II (MSc only)

0

20

130

150

Global Mental Health

10-15

15

115-120

150

Neuroscience in Society

10-15

15

115-120

150

Psychology & Neuroscience of Addiction

10-15

15

115-120

150

Psychology & Neuroscience of Affective Disorders

10-15

15

115-120

150

Psychology & Neuroscience of Psychosis

10-15

15

115-120

150

Pharmacotherapies in Mental Health

10-15

15

115-120

150

Neuroimaging in Mental Health

10-15

15

115-120

150

Child & Adolescent Mental Health: child development

10-15

15

115-120

150

Mindfulness: Neuroscience & Application

10-15

15

115-120

150

Social, Genetic & Environmental Foundations of Mental Health

10-15

15

115-120

150

 

Assessment

    The primary methods of assessment for this course are online examinations and coursework. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.

    Structure

    Required modules

    You are required to take.

    PG Cert

    Biological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
    Techniques in Neuroscience (15 credits)
    Psychological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
    Mental Health in the Community (15 credits)

    PG Dip

    Biological Foundations in Mental Health (15 credits)
    Techniques in Neuroscience (15 credits)
    Psychological Foundations in Mental Health (15 credits)
    Mental Health in the Community (15 credits)

    MSc

    Biological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
    Techniques in Neuroscience (15 credits)
    Psychological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
    Mental Health in the Community (15 credits)
    Research Skills: From Reviewing & Critical Analysis to Research Ethics (15 credits)
    Research Skills: From Methods & Procedures to Analysis & Reporting (15 credits)
    Research Skills: Synoptic Project I (15 credits)
    Research Skills: Synoptic Project II (15 credits)

    Optional modules

    In addition, students take 60 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include: *Optional modules and titles are subject to change

    PG Cert There are no optional modules

    PG Dip

    Psychology & Neuroscience of Addiction* (15 credits)
    Psychology & Neuroscience of Affective Disorders (15 credits)
    Psychology & Neuroscience of Psychosis (15 credits)
    Pharmacotherapies in Mental Health (15 credits)
    Neuroimaging in Mental Health (15 credits)
    Child & Adolescent Mental Health: Child development (15 credits)
    Mindfulness: Neuroscience & Application (15 credits)
    Social, Genetic & Environmental Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
    Global Mental Health (15 credits)
    Neuroscience in Society (15 credits)

    MSc

    Psychology & Neuroscience of Addiction* (15 credits)
    Psychology & Neuroscience of Affective Disorders (15 credits)
    Psychology & Neuroscience of Psychosis (15 credits)
    Pharmacotherapies in Mental Health (15 credits)
    Neuroimaging in Mental Health (15 credits)
    Child & Adolescent Mental Health: Child development (15 credits)
    Mindfulness: Neuroscience & Application (15 credits)
    Social, Genetic & Environmental Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
    Global Mental Health (15 credits)
    Neuroscience in Society (15 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

    King’s is ranked fourth in the UK and 21st in the world for graduate employability (Times Higher Education's Global Employability University Ranking 2020).

    At King’s you’ll enter into one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse student bodies and join a legacy of graduates that are sought out by some of the leading employers in the field.The Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health MSc should:

    • benefit those wishing to become a graduate research worker and will optimise opportunities for PhD training. It will also provide a stepping-stone towards professional training as a mental health practitioner

    • enhance the career profile of those already working clinically in the field of mental health by increasing understanding and knowledge of the subject area which will help to inform clinical practice

    • provide transferable skills and knowledge that can benefit a number of career paths.

    Tuition Fees

    Your fees will be charged per module as you progress through the course. From now until September 2022, you will be charged £1,538 per module.

    The number of modules you take will be determined by your chosen award as outlined below:

    PG Cert: 4 modules (£6,152)

    PG Dip: 8 modules (£12,304)

    MSc: 12 modules (£18,456)

    Tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase (capped at 5%) each academic year in line with King's College London's terms and conditions. Each increase comes into effect in September of each year. From September 2022 onwards, modules will be charged at £1,575 per module.

    Additional Fees Information

    When you receive an offer for this course, you will be required to pay for your first module upfront, as a non-refundable deposit, to secure your place. This payment will be credited towards your total fee payment. Please note that a standard 14 day cooling off period will apply from the point of initial payment for your first module. Any subsequent payments are not subject to additional cooling off periods.

    The deposit cost for this course is the cost of one module (£1,538) plus a non-refundable application fee of £70. From September 2022, the deposit cost will be £1,575 plus a non-refundable application fee of £75.

    Student fees for the programme will be billed on a modular basis. Students are billed three weeks prior to the first day of teaching, with the due date being two weeks later (one week before teaching). If you no longer wish to study a module, you can take a break from your studies up until one week prior to the module starting. If payment has been made, the money will remain on your account as credit until you return.

    If you have registered for a PG Dip or PG Cert qualification but decide you wish to upgrade to a higher award, you will need to speak to your enrolment advisor. If you choose to upgrade your programme, you will enter a new cooling off period from the date of payment for your next module on the upgraded award. Any subsequent payments following this next module payment are not subject to additional cooling off periods.

    Additional Requirements & Costs

    Students will need access to a computer or tablet in order to complete the programme. Although KEATS is optimised for mobile, a desktop computer may be necessary for some parts of the course.

    We recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari or Microsoft Edge; full functionality cannot be guaranteed in older or less commonly used browsers.

    Students will require access to a high-speed internet connection (4Mbps minimum).

    We will endeavour to make as much study material as possible available online, but you may also need to purchase some books during your studies.

    This is an online course and you are not expected to go to campus, should you wish to do so, there are some additional fees to pay for:

    • Books, ebooks or articles (if you choose to buy your own copies)

    • King’s campus Library fees and fines

    • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

    • Graduation costs

    Funding

    The Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert provides a comprehensive and integrated exploration of our current understanding of the psychological and neuroscientific basis of mental health. It draws upon the wealth of research, education, clinical expertise and experience across the world- renowned Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN). The online master’s course promotes an understanding of the evidence base for comprehending the biological, psychological and socio-environmental factors important in the development and maintenance of mental health, and evidence underlining the development and efficacy of the range of treatments for mental health problems. IoPPN teaching staff are senior scientists, clinicians, and educators. Scientists will showcase cutting edge research into the causes and treatment of mental health problems; clinicians will be presenting current best practice in treatment approaches, and students will be supported by a team of educators with vast experience of designing and delivering scientific, clinical and applied education and training. The MSc pathway requires modules totaling 180 credits to complete the programme, 60 of which will come from the research dissertation. The Research Dissertation will permit you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and skills in research design, analysis and reporting. The Dissertation comprises 60 credits of advanced modules where you will acquire and demonstrate research skills using material and learning activities focussing upon a) research integrity and ethics; b) the selection and critical appraisal of empirical literature; c) the development of a research methodology to examine research objectives and hypotheses; and d) the analysis of qualitative or quantitative data to meet research objectives, and effectively communicate research findings. You will be able to explore a single research topic through carrying out a Synoptic Project, where you will be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have learnt during the course. The assessments completed across all four Research Skills modules combine into a portfolio of applied learning of approximately 10,000-15,000 words. The Postgraduate Diploma pathway requires modules with a total of 120 credits to complete the course, and the Postgraduate Certificate route requires modules with a total of 60 credits to complete the course. To complete the MSc will take a minimum of 2 years, and a maximum 6 years. A PG Dip will take a minimum of 16 months, and a maximum 4 years, while a PG Cert will take a minimum of 8 months and a maximum 3 years.

    Course Aims

    • Enhance the career profile of those already working clinically in the field of mental health by increasing understanding and knowledge of the subject area which will help to inform clinical practice.
    • Develop the knowledge and skills base for those with interest in psychology, neuroscience and mental health, or those working in, or planning to further their studies in, mental health as a practitioner or policy maker.
    • Support progression to employment as a graduate research worker or to doctoral study.

    Regulating bodies

    King's is regulated by the Office for Students

    Loading...

    Teaching methods - what to expect

    The programme is delivered entirely online. There are video lectures, coursework including critical appraisal of published work, essays and abstracts and self-directed learning activities. Assessment will include discussion board participation, multiple choice question and short answer question examinations. 

    The programme is flexible, and three levels of postgraduate qualification are offered:

    • Achieve a postgraduate certificate after completing 60 credits, a postgraduate diploma after 120 credit and a master’s degree after completing all 180 credits.
    • Complete four introductory modules in the foundations of mental health to earn your postgraduate certificate.
    • Complete four advanced modules in psychology and neuroscience disorders to earn your postgraduate diploma.
    • Complete all twelve introductory, advanced and research skills modules to earn your MSc.

    Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health PG Cert

     

     

    Module name

     

    Lectures (hours)

    Seminars/ tutorials / supervised learning

    (hours)

     

    Self-study time (hours)**

     

    Total (hours)

    Techniques in Neuroscience

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Psychological Foundations of Mental Health

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Mental Health in the Community

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Biological Foundations of Mental Health

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health MSc / PgDip

     

    Module Name

    Lectures (hours)

    Seminars/ tutorials/ supervised learning (hours)

    Self-study time (hours)**

    Total (hours)

    Biological Foundations of Mental Health

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Techniques in Neuroscience

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Psychological Foundations of Mental Health

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Mental Health in the Community

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Research Skills from Reviewing and Critical Analysis to Research Ethics (MSc only)

    10-15

    20

    105-120

    150

    Research Skills from Reviewing and Critical Analysis to Research Ethics (MSc only)

    10-15

    20

    105-120

    150

    Research Skills Synoptic Project I (MSc only)

    0

    20

    130

    150

    Research Skills Synoptic Project II (MSc only)

    0

    20

    130

    150

    Global Mental Health

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Neuroscience in Society

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Psychology & Neuroscience of Addiction

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Psychology & Neuroscience of Affective Disorders

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Psychology & Neuroscience of Psychosis

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Pharmacotherapies in Mental Health

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Neuroimaging in Mental Health

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Child & Adolescent Mental Health: child development

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Mindfulness: Neuroscience & Application

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

    Social, Genetic & Environmental Foundations of Mental Health

    10-15

    15

    115-120

    150

     

    Assessment

      The primary methods of assessment for this course are online examinations and coursework. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.

      Structure

      Required modules

      You are required to take.

      PG Cert

      Biological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
      Techniques in Neuroscience (15 credits)
      Psychological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
      Mental Health in the Community (15 credits)

      PG Dip

      Biological Foundations in Mental Health (15 credits)
      Techniques in Neuroscience (15 credits)
      Psychological Foundations in Mental Health (15 credits)
      Mental Health in the Community (15 credits)

      MSc

      Biological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
      Techniques in Neuroscience (15 credits)
      Psychological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
      Mental Health in the Community (15 credits)
      Research Skills: From Reviewing & Critical Analysis to Research Ethics (15 credits)
      Research Skills: From Methods & Procedures to Analysis & Reporting (15 credits)
      Research Skills: Synoptic Project I (15 credits)
      Research Skills: Synoptic Project II (15 credits)

      Optional modules

      In addition, students take 60 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include: *Optional modules and titles are subject to change

      PG Cert There are no optional modules

      PG Dip

      Psychology & Neuroscience of Addiction* (15 credits)
      Psychology & Neuroscience of Affective Disorders (15 credits)
      Psychology & Neuroscience of Psychosis (15 credits)
      Pharmacotherapies in Mental Health (15 credits)
      Neuroimaging in Mental Health (15 credits)
      Child & Adolescent Mental Health: Child development (15 credits)
      Mindfulness: Neuroscience & Application (15 credits)
      Social, Genetic & Environmental Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
      Global Mental Health (15 credits)
      Neuroscience in Society (15 credits)

      MSc

      Psychology & Neuroscience of Addiction* (15 credits)
      Psychology & Neuroscience of Affective Disorders (15 credits)
      Psychology & Neuroscience of Psychosis (15 credits)
      Pharmacotherapies in Mental Health (15 credits)
      Neuroimaging in Mental Health (15 credits)
      Child & Adolescent Mental Health: Child development (15 credits)
      Mindfulness: Neuroscience & Application (15 credits)
      Social, Genetic & Environmental Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
      Global Mental Health (15 credits)
      Neuroscience in Society (15 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

      King’s is ranked fourth in the UK and 21st in the world for graduate employability (Times Higher Education's Global Employability University Ranking 2020).

      At King’s you’ll enter into one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse student bodies and join a legacy of graduates that are sought out by some of the leading employers in the field.The Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health MSc should:

      • benefit those wishing to become a graduate research worker and will optimise opportunities for PhD training. It will also provide a stepping-stone towards professional training as a mental health practitioner

      • enhance the career profile of those already working clinically in the field of mental health by increasing understanding and knowledge of the subject area which will help to inform clinical practice

      • provide transferable skills and knowledge that can benefit a number of career paths.

      Tuition Fees

      Your fees will be charged per module as you progress through the course. From now until September 2022, you will be charged £1,538 per module.

      The number of modules you take will be determined by your chosen award as outlined below:

      PG Cert: 4 modules (£6,152)

      PG Dip: 8 modules (£12,304)

      MSc: 12 modules (£18,456)

      Tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase (capped at 5%) each academic year in line with King's College London's terms and conditions. Each increase comes into effect in September of each year. From September 2022 onwards, modules will be charged at £1,575 per module.

      Additional Fees Information

      When you receive an offer for this course, you will be required to pay for your first module upfront, as a non-refundable deposit, to secure your place. This payment will be credited towards your total fee payment. Please note that a standard 14 day cooling off period will apply from the point of initial payment for your first module. Any subsequent payments are not subject to additional cooling off periods.

      The deposit cost for this course is the cost of one module (£1,538) plus a non-refundable application fee of £70. From September 2022, the deposit cost will be £1,575 plus a non-refundable application fee of £75.

      Student fees for the programme will be billed on a modular basis. Students are billed three weeks prior to the first day of teaching, with the due date being two weeks later (one week before teaching). If you no longer wish to study a module, you can take a break from your studies up until one week prior to the module starting. If payment has been made, the money will remain on your account as credit until you return.

      If you have registered for a PG Dip or PG Cert qualification but decide you wish to upgrade to a higher award, you will need to speak to your enrolment advisor. If you choose to upgrade your programme, you will enter a new cooling off period from the date of payment for your next module on the upgraded award. Any subsequent payments following this next module payment are not subject to additional cooling off periods.

      Additional Requirements & Costs

      Students will need access to a computer or tablet in order to complete the programme. Although KEATS is optimised for mobile, a desktop computer may be necessary for some parts of the course.

      We recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari or Microsoft Edge; full functionality cannot be guaranteed in older or less commonly used browsers.

      Students will require access to a high-speed internet connection (4Mbps minimum).

      We will endeavour to make as much study material as possible available online, but you may also need to purchase some books during your studies.

      This is an online course and you are not expected to go to campus, should you wish to do so, there are some additional fees to pay for:

      • Books, ebooks or articles (if you choose to buy your own copies)

      • King’s campus Library fees and fines

      • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

      • Graduation costs

      Funding

      Further information

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