Overview

Scholarships available, see Fees & Funding section for more information.

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.

While our Mental Health Studies course, which was established in 1992, offers mental health professionals a range of opportunities for continuing professional development, an equally high number of our students have not yet embarked on professional training. Some come with a relevant first degree, usually in psychology, and already have work experience in the mental health field.

Key benefits

  • Choice of two optional modules on offer in different mental health fields.
  • Choice of six optional modules on offer in different research methods.
  • Regular contributions from practising clinicians, including world leading experts across all psychiatric specialties from the allied South London & Maudsley Hospital (SLaM), and from visiting specialist lecturers.
  • Well-established Voluntary Clinical Placements module within SLaM, the largest UK NHS Trust.
  • Opportunity to join existing research projects or develop your own research ideas.
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The teaching staff on the course are very supportive and encouraging - I feel that their efforts contributed a lot to me maturing academically
DamlaPast student, Mental Health Studies MSc

Course essentials

Our Mental Health Studies course consists of the following modules: One 30-credit core module – Basic Mental Health; a combination of two 30-credit optional modules in Mental Health (a single choice from cluster one: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Psychological Therapies; Clinical Pathways: Assessment & Lived Experience; and a single choice from cluster two: Social and Community Mental Health; Women’s Mental Health; Disaster Response: Mental Health, Behaviour & Communication); a combination of two 15-credit modules in Statistics and Research Methods; and a 60-credit Research Dissertation.

The core Basic Mental Health module provides an overview of the theoretical perspectives on mental illness, diagnosis and assessment, psychiatric disorders and treatment, and approaches to management and care.

The optional modules in Mental Health focus on a variety of psychological therapies, lived perspectives, clinical assessment, social and community mental health, women’s mental health and disaster response.

The modules in Statistics and Research Methods cover quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and provide the foundations for your own research project.

We use a delivery method that ensures students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching is complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

Key Information

Course type:

Master's

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 180/ECTS 90

Application status:

Open

Start date:

September 2026

Administrative bodies

Regulating body

Application closing date guidance

Base campus

Students outside the main building at Denmark Hill

Denmark Hill Campus

Denmark Hill, in Southwark, London, is a vibrant area known for its historical landmarks and green spaces. Home to King's College and the Maudsley Hospitals, it also features Ruskin Park, named after John Ruskin, and the Camberwell College of Arts.