Psychology: Mental Health Sciences MSc

Program Overview

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The Mental Health Sciences MSc at Queen Mary University of London is a one-year postgraduate program that provides advanced knowledge and skills in mental health research. It combines social, developmental, neuroscientific, and genetic approaches to understanding mental illness, preparing graduates for careers in research, policy, and clinical practice. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, hands-on training, and supervision by leading researchers in the field.

Program Outline

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Objectives:

• Develop advanced-level knowledge and skills in research methods and data analysis.
• Acquire specialized expertise in the methodologies applied to mental health research.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the multifactorial nature of mental illness.
• Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Expand research and communication skills for dissemination of research findings.

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Program Description:

This program is structured as a one-year full-time course with a planned start date of September 2024. The program requires students to complete seven compulsory taught modules during the first semester and the second semester. Additionally, students are required to undertake a research project and write a 15,000-word dissertation in the third semester.

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Unique Features:

• Emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, integrating social, developmental, neuroscientific, and genetic perspectives.
• Hands-on training in advanced research methods and data analysis.
• Supervision by leading researchers in the field of mental health.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities.

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Outline:

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Taught Modules:

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Semester 1:

• Psychology MSc Research Project (15 credits)
• Advanced Research Methods and Statistics (15 credits)
• Social-Environmental Influences on Mental Health and Well-Being (15 credits)
• Cognitive Neuroscience (15 credits)
• Psychiatric Genetics and Genomics (15 credits)
• Academic Skills in Mental Health Sciences I (15 credits)
• Academic Skills in Mental Health Sciences II (15 credits)

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Semester 2:

• Developmental Approaches in Mental Health (15 credits)
• Mental Health in Context (15 credits)

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Dissertation:

• Research Project and Dissertation (15,000 words)

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Module Descriptions:

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Psychology MSc Research Project:

Introduces students to research methods and design, providing them with the foundational knowledge for conducting their dissertation project.

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Psychiatric Genetics and Genomics:

Introduces students to the genetic and genomic basis of mental illness, including genetic risk factors, gene-environment interactions, and epigenomics.

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Academic Skills in Mental Health Sciences I & II:

Develops students' academic and professional skills with a focus on critical thinking, communication, and self-management.

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Developmental Approaches in Mental Health:

Examines the developmental pathways and precursors of mental illness across the lifespan.

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Mental Health in Context:

Explores mental health issues within the broader societal context, including policy, service provision, and sociocultural influences.

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Research Project and Dissertation:

Students design and conduct an independent research project supervised by a member of the faculty. They then write a 15,000-word dissertation based on their research findings.

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Assessment:

Assessments in this program are a combination of written and oral formats across the different modules.

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Written assessments:

• Essays
• Presentations
• Reflective reports
• Annotated bibliographies
• Case studies

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Dissertation:

The dissertation is a substantial piece of written work based on the student's research project.

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Modules are assessed in a variety of ways:

• Essays
• Presentations
• Examinations
• Project work

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Dissertation:

• Progress reports
• Research logbooks
• Written dissertation
• Oral viva examination

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced researchers and educators with expertise in the field of mental health. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Lab practicals
• One-on-one supervision
A strong emphasis is placed on interaction and active learning. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions and engage with their peers and lecturers.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a variety of careers related to mental health research, including:

• Research Assistant
• Research Scientist
• Policy Analyst
• Clinical Psychologist
• Consultant
• Mental Health Therapist
• Academic/University Professor/Lecturer
• Public Health Worker
• Advocacy and Campaigning Professional
The program also provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue further postgraduate studies in mental health research.

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Other:

• The program is open to students who have a 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in Psychology with suitable content or in a related field such as Medical, Health, or Biological Sciences.
• Students who do not meet the English language requirements can undertake a pre-sessional English language course.
• The program is offered full-time, with a starting date of September 2024.
• The program is located at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on the Mile End Campus in East London.
• The program offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries to help students with the cost of their studies.

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Home: £11,450 Overseas: £24,000