نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Philosophy, Mental Health and Psychology MSc

The Philosophy, Mental Health and Psychology MSc at the University of Birmingham is a postgraduate degree that deepens your understanding of mental health and the human mind. You will study across the three subject areas to broaden your perspectives on mental health and confidently lead discussions around ethics, the mind, and mental wellbeing.

Course Overview

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of mental health, philosophy, and psychology. You will learn from experts across Philosophy and Psychology as you pursue original research and specialize with a variety of optional modules. The course runs over 12 months full-time, with the option to study part-time over 24 months.

Course Structure

• The course comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation or project.
• Modules run for one term, with full-time students normally taking three modules per term in the first two terms.
• There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, with an emphasis on guided independent learning.
• One-third of your degree is your dissertation or project.

Autumn Term

• September - December (11 weeks)
• Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.

Core Modules

• Philosophy of Cognitive Science (20 credits)
• Choose one of the following two modules:
  • Research Methods & Skills in Psychology (20 credits)
  • Research Methods in Mental Health (20 credits)
• Choose one of the following two modules:
  • Philosophy and Ethics of Mental Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)
  • Philosophy and Mental Health (20 credits)
• Choose one of the following three modules:
  • Dissertation (60 credits)
  • Dissertation in Mental Health (60 credits)
  • MSc Research Project (60 credits)

Optional Modules

• Students must select 60 credits from the following modules:
  • Bioethics (20 credits)
  • Different Minds: Child and Animal Intelligence (20 credits)
  • Epistemology (20 credits)
  • Mental Health 1 - Principles of mental health and disorder (20 credits)
  • Mental Health 2 - Youth Mental Health (20 credits)
  • Philosophy of Mind (20 credits)
  • Proposing Research in Psychology (20 credits)
  • Psychology and Religion: Islamic Perspectives (20 credits)
  • Research Skills and Methods in Philosophy (20 credits)
  • The Neurobiology of Mental Illness (20 credits)
  • Suicide and Self-harm (20 credits)
  • Sociology of Mental Health (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 Honours Degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject, such as Philosophy, Theology, Sociology, Psychology, Neuroscience, Linguistics, or other similar disciplines.
• If your undergraduate degree is in another subject, you can still apply. We consider every application on its merits, and we’ll consider applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.
• If your undergraduate degree is below a 2:1, you can still apply. Applications with less than a 2:1 undergraduate degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• We may also require you to submit a writing sample and attend an interview.
• If you have been out of academia for some time, we will accept a professional reference and one academic reference, rather than the standard requirement for two academic references.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
  • LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

• The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment, and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
• Fees for 2026 entry:
  • £11,250 (full-time)
  • £5,625 (part-time)
• We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
• The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
• Tuition fee deposits for international students are required before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

Career Opportunities

• By studying a postgraduate degree in Philosophy at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths.
• Our Philosophy postgraduate students have gone on to work in careers such as 'Data Scientist/Data Engineer', 'Civil Servant', and 'Bid Writer' in organizations such as The Philosopher's Yard, ITV News, and the UK Civil Service.
• This course puts you in a strong position for further PhD study, especially in philosophy, mental health, or psychology.
• Please be aware this course is not BPS accredited.

Student Experience

• At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life.
• Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home.
• We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.