One in four people will experience a mental health problem each year. This post-graduate qualification will give you cutting-edge knowledge of relevant theory and the ability to apply it to care for vulnerable people in mental health settings.

Why study Psychology of Mental Health?

Psychology of Mental Health aims to provide you with a chance to acquire an extensive knowledge base to progress into mental health related careers. The degree will educate you about the specialised aspects of caring for people with mental illness

During the programme you will have the opportunity to complete a work placement in an applied setting, providing you with valuable skills and experience that will aid your career development.

You will gain advanced qualitative and quantitative research skills and be expected to critically analyse existing research as you work towards your own original research project. This knowledge and understanding of academia will underpin the applied focus of the degree, in which the real-world implications of research are considered.

The masters is designed for people who are confident using research methods in academic settings, typically from having studied Psychology or a related discipline at undergraduate level. However, if you lack this experience there is a distance learning online “bridging module” available which will help prepare you for the advanced research methods and independent project modules. If you would like further information on this route into the programme please email the programme director.

The PGCert programme is an alternative qualification available to students who are interested in this field and may want to consider a career in mental health, but who don’t want to commit to a full-time course, or who don’t have a strong background in research methods. This would give you the experience of studying this fascinating area at postgraduate level and would provide a good route into further study in counselling and other related fields.

Why St Mary's?

You will have access to fully-equipped laboratories with high specification apparatus. Students will also achieve exit awards PgDip and PgCert.

Psychology is a well-established programme within the Department of Psychology and Pedagogical Science at St Mary’s. Our small and friendly team is committed to your well-being.

Career opportunities

In addition to being of interest to those wishing to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology, the degree could provide suitable training for anyone wishing to study for a PhD.

The programme could also aid those interested in progressing to careers in health-related professions such as psychotherapy, social work, mental health nursing, and occupational therapy as practitioners, researchers or managers.