MSc in Mental Health Science

The qualification provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this degree, you will have:

• Systematic understanding and knowledge of key topics in mental health science (stress and anxiety, depression, psychosis and dementia)
• A critical awareness of the specialised areas (key topics), including an understanding of contemporary issues and future developments in these areas of mental health science
• Knowledge and understanding of theories, research methods and techniques applicable to advanced scholarship in the study of mental health science.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in mental health science
• Evaluate research methodologies, develop critiques and propose alternative hypotheses where appropriate
• Deal with complex issues both systematically and proficiently and make informed judgements on the basis of available evidence
• Demonstrate originality of thought in the application of knowledge.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Undertake a self-directed study to advance your knowledge and understanding of mental health science
• Plan, manage and conduct a scientific project (from biological or psychological perspectives) in an area of mental health science
• Use independent learning skills required to continue your professional development
• Demonstrate a professional approach to practice (proficiency in skills relevant to employment or research, e.g. showing evidence of the use of initiative and personal responsibility; reflecting on your own learning and planning your development needs; demonstrating self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems; be able to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level)

Key skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Use information and communication technology (ICT) to locate information, analyse and present data and to communicate effectively with others
• Critically assess primary and secondary literature in the area of mental health science
• Communicate information and conclusions effectively, to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Be aware of the social and ethical issues that arise in mental health science.

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

60 credits from:

• Introduction to mental health science (S826)

60 credits from:

• Core topics in mental health science: psychosis and dementia (SD816)

Or, the discontinued module SD815

60 credits from:

• MSc project module for MSc in Mental Health Science (SXH810)

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

The teaching in this qualification is via module texts, electronic media and online forums. The material provided is mostly resource-based, with online study guides, and you are therefore encouraged to plan your own learning programme. Teaching materials use a variety of learning approaches, which may include self-assessment questions, working with audio and visual learning materials, reference electronic texts, directed reading, electronic journals, computer conferencing, and web-based resources.

Teaching materials are also provided for conducting searches, communication via posters and presentations, and critiquing literature. You will work independently with the teaching materials but may form self-help groups with other students, communicating online in modules or individual study group forums. Tutors will support learning individually and within groups, electronically.

Understanding of principles and concepts is assessed through tutor-marked assignments (TMAs), and end-of-module assessments (EMAs). You'll submit TMAs and receive feedback through the online TMA service. You will submit an EMA for each of the modules in the qualification. You receive feedback on all assessed work, with particular emphasis being given to the development of skills through the period of each module. Cognitive, key and practical/professional skills are developed throughout the programme in parallel with knowledge and understanding within this qualification.

This qualification is directly relevant to research and employment in the fields of medical and psychological sciences (neuroscience, psychology, health sciences). It will develop the critical skills and knowledge that are relevant to employment within the health sector, life sciences, medical and related fields, and inform and strengthen professional practice.

The programme is designed for those seeking to expand their knowledge and understanding of mental health from an interdisciplinary ‘biopsychosocial’ (neuroscience, psychology and health science) perspective. It is suitable for those who wish to move on to doctoral training, as well as those who are working in clinical roles who wish to further inform and strengthen their professional practice.

This qualification is suitable:

• For those with a personal or professional interest in mental health science, who wish to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of mental health conditions, and cultivate key practical and professional skills required for employment and to strengthen professional practice
• For those who are working in or planning to work in this field (practitioners or policymakers)
• For those seeking employment as graduate research workers
• For those wishing to pursue research careers (and careers in academia) and progress to PhD study (e.g. doctoral research in neuroscience, psychology, health sciences and fields allied to medicine)
• As a stepping stone to a career in clinical psychology, or pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology
• As professional development or for clinical roles in the NHS or other healthcare settings (including mental health nursing, behavioural therapy, psychological counselling etc.) that require specific expertise in this field (focusing on mood and affective disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and the dementias)
• For graduates who are established in their field of work, and use the qualification as evidence of professional development (e.g. for promotion to more senior positions, or who may wish to take their career in a more specialist direction)
• For clinicians (including GPs) who wish to specialise further in this area (Mental Health) as part of their continuing professional development
• For others who may wish to take this course and move on to a leadership role or more senior positions in healthcare settings or policy-related roles in local or national organisations, or to move into the private sector (scientific publishing, education, teaching and advocacy, human resources, occupational health, management, consultancy or roles in pharmaceutical/life sciences industries).