Mental Health PhD/iPhD

Program Overview

The program emphasizes cutting-edge research skills, research themes in various mental health areas, and a 1+3+1 format for the Integrated PhD option. Graduates pursue careers in academic research, clinical psychology, public health, and other related fields.

Program Outline

The program emphasizes identifying the causes of mental disorders and suicide to develop and evaluate novel complex interventions. The program lasts for 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time, and can also be taken as an Integrated PhD program lasting 5 years.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Equip students with cutting-edge research skills in experimental, epidemiological, qualitative, and neuroimaging methods.
• Enable students to conduct research on the fundamental causes of mental disorders and suicidal behavior.
• Foster the development and evaluation of innovative therapies for the prevention and treatment of mental illness and suicide.

Research Themes:

The program offers research opportunities in the following themes:

• Suicidal behavior research
• Psychological therapies
• Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression
• Big data and mental disorder
• Neuropsychology of neurological disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities
• Attachment, childhood maltreatment, and mental disorders

Outline:

Research Project:

Students are assigned a supervisor and participate in an individual research project tailored to the expertise of their supervisor. The Integrated PhD option allows for a 1+3+1 format, where students complete a year of taught masters-level modules before embarking on their research project.

Coursework:

• During the taught year, students engage in research-led modules that help them fine-tune their research ideas and discuss potential projects with supervisors.
This includes modules on academic topics, research methods, laboratory skills, and critical evaluation of research data.
• Students must achieve sufficient grades in these modules to proceed to their pre-selected PhD research project.

Schedule:

Integrated PhD program follows a 1+3+1 format:

• Year 1: Taught masters-level modules alongside established masters programs.
• Years 2-3: PhD research with lab work, culminating in an examinable independent research piece in year 4.
• Year 5: Thesis writing.

Assessment: Assessment methods in the program include:

• Dissertation: Students submit a thesis based on their independent research project.
• Examinable research piece: During the PhD research years, students complete an examinable piece of independent research.
• Grades: In the Integrated PhD format, students' grades in the taught masters modules are considered for their progression to the research phase.

Teaching:

Methods:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods:

• Research-led teaching: Encourages students to fine-tune their research ideas.
• Supervision: Students are mentored by experienced research supervisors.
• Interactive discussion groups and seminars: Facilitate knowledge sharing and critical analysis.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration: Students benefit from working with researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Faculty:

The program boasts a diverse faculty of clinical and scientific experts who utilize various approaches, including:

• Experimental psychology and psychophysiology
• Functional neuroimaging
• Multilevel modeling of complex datasets
• Health services research
• Qualitative methodologies
• Clinical trial methodologies

Careers: Graduates of the program may pursue careers in the following areas:

• Academic research
• Clinical psychology
• Public health
• Government policy
• Pharmaceutical industry

Other:

• The program has strong links with the NHS and service user and carer organizations.
• Students collaborate with researchers from across the UK and beyond.

UK: £4,786 International & EU: £30,240 Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee. Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.