Psychology and Neuroscience of Mind-Body Interface
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Psychology and Neuroscience of Mind-Body Interface MSc
Key information
Delivery mode: In person, Classroom & Online Study mode: Full time, Part time Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ECTS 90 Application status: Open Start date: September 2025
Course essentials
Course aims:
- Develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the interaction between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the stress and immune system
- Expand basic science knowledge while having the opportunity to learn about clinical symptoms and treatment approaches
- Focus on clinical and molecular mechanisms of the brain and the mind, as well as interaction with body disorders and their underlying mechanisms
- Understand how to translate basic science into clinical practice
- Learn how to recruit patients, handle samples and carry out experiments – all skills which are highly valuable in academia and industry
Base campus: Denmark Hill Campus, Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience Regulating bodies: King's is regulated by the Office for Students
Entry requirements
UK applicants
- Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
- If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip)
International applicants
- Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications
- English language requirements: English language band D
- To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies
Selection process
- Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies
- Personal statement and supporting information:
- Personal Statement: Yes, A personal statement is required. You must answer the following two questions on the application form: Question 1: Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit in with your future plans? Question 2: How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme?
- Previous Academic Study: Yes, A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents
- References: Yes, One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago
- Other: Optional, You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application
Teaching & structure
- Teaching methods: Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials
- Module details:
- Psychology of Mind-Body Interface: 40 lectures, 8 seminars, 0 field/lab/studio/supervised learning, 252 self-directed study, 300 total
- Neuroscience of Mind-Body Interface: 40 lectures, 8 seminars, 0 field/lab/studio/supervised learning, 252 self-directed study, 300 total
- Therapeutic Approaches of Mind-Body Interface: 40 lectures, 8 seminars, 0 field/lab/studio/supervised learning, 252 self-directed study, 300 total
- Big Data in Mental Health Research: 20 lectures, 8 seminars, 0 field/lab/studio/supervised learning, 122 self-directed study, 150 total
- Placements: 4 lectures, 6 seminars, 120 field/lab/studio/supervised learning, 20 self-directed study, 150 total
- Dissertation: 0 lectures, 0 seminars, 400 field/lab/studio/supervised learning, 200 self-directed study, 600 total
Assessment
- Written Examinations
- Coursework
- Oral presentation
Structure
- Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits
- Required modules:
- Psychology of Mind-Body Interface (30 credits)
- Neuroscience of Mind-Body Interface (30 credits)
- Therapeutic Approaches of Mind-Body Interface (30 credits)
- Big Data in Mental Health Research (15 credits)
- Placements (15 credits)
- Dissertation (60 Credits)
Employability
- If you're joining us from a clinical background, you’ll graduate with additional clinical expertise, as well as a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying clinical symptoms
- If you have a biological background, you’ll boost your core science knowledge while exploring symptoms and treatment approaches
- You’ll have the chance to complete clinical placements across a variety of clinics within SLaM and KCH NHS Foundation Trust and research placements within laboratories across the whole IoPPN
- After you finish the course, you will be able to:
- Apply your skills in your career as a clinician
- Continue to further full-time study in an academic research environment (i.e., PhD)
- Apply to a taught clinical course (i.e., Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, if you have completed a BPS accredited undergraduate course before)
- Find a role within a clinical or pharmaceutical organisation
- Work within a research funding body
- Enter scientific publishing
Fees & Funding
- Tuition Fees:
- UK: Full time £16,950 per year (2025/26), Part time £8,475 per year (2025/26)
- International: Full time £40,000 per year (2025/26), Part time £20,000 per year (2025/26)
- Deposit:
- If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment
- The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000
- IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships: Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. The scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025
Funding
- To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section
Application closing date guidance
- We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process
- The final application deadlines for this programme are:
- Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
- Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
This interdisciplinary Master of Science program investigates the dynamic interplay between the mind and body, specifically exploring how stress manifests in both mental and physical symptoms. Students learn how psychological processes impact the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems, deepening their understanding of clinical symptoms and treatment approaches.
Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive and practical understanding of the intricate interactions between psychological processes, nervous systems, and immune systems.
- Expand knowledge in basic science while gaining valuable insights into clinical symptoms and corresponding treatment strategies.
- Delve into the intricate mechanisms operating within the brain and mind, encompassing their interaction with bodily disorders and underlying mechanisms.
- Master the translation of basic science into practical clinical applications.
- Acquire hands-on skills in patient recruitment, sample handling, and experimentation, equipping graduates with highly sought-after expertise in both academia and industry.
Description:
This innovative program delves into the intersection of psychology and neuroscience, integrating theoretical and practical knowledge. The curriculum encompasses both psychological and neuroscientific underpinnings of brain/mind processes, along with their intricate connection to physical symptoms. The program uniquely offers clinical and research placement opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and strengthen their current career prospects or prepare for diverse roles in academia, industry, or clinical settings.
Outline:
Content:
This program encompasses the following key topics:
- Psychology of Mind-Body Interaction: Understanding the psychological factors and processes influencing the mind-body connection.
- Neuroscience of Mind-Body Interaction: Exploring the neurological mechanisms involved in the mind-body interface.
- Big Data in Mental Health Research: Analyzing large datasets to glean insights into the mind-body connection.
- Placements: Practical experience at South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
- Dissertation: Conducting independent research under the guidance of leading experts at the IoPPN.
Structure:
The program consists of:
- Taught Modules:
- Psychology of Mind-Body Interface (30 Credits)
- Neuroscience of Mind-Body Interface (30 Credits)
- Therapeutic Approaches of Mind-Body Interface (30 Credits)
- Big Data in Mental Health Research (15 Credits)
- Placements (15 Credits)
- Dissertation: An independent research project (60 credits)
Module Descriptions:
Psychology of Mind-Body Interface:
Investigates the psychological factors affecting mind-body connections, including stress, and how they contribute to the development and exacerbation of mental and physical disorders.
Neuroscience of Mind-Body Interface:
Delves into the biological mechanisms underlying the mind-body connection, exploring its role in mental and physical health.
Therapeutic Approaches to Mind-Body Interface:
Analyzes various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and psychopharmacology, in managing mind-body connections.
Big Data in Mental Health Research:
Investigates the use of big data tools and techniques to analyze large datasets and gain insights into the mind-body interaction.
Placements:
Offers clinical and research placements at leading institutions, including the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, providing students with invaluable practical experience.
Dissertation:
Requires students to conduct an independent research project under the supervision of expert faculty at the IoPPN, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Assessment:
The program utilizes diverse assessment methods:
- Written Examinations: Assessing knowledge acquisition and understanding of theoretical concepts.
- Coursework: Evaluating students' critical analysis and application of learned concepts through assignments, essays, and presentations.
- Oral Presentations: Assessing students' communication and presentation skills through presentations of research findings or case studies.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive lectures: Delivered by experts, providing foundational knowledge and prompting class discussions.
- Engaging seminars and tutorials: Facilitating active learning through discussions, case studies, and problem-solving activities.
- Practical placements: Offering hands-on experience in clinical and research settings, enhancing understanding and skills.
Faculty:
- Highly qualified and experienced academics with expertise in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields.
- Internationally recognized researchers actively contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of mind-body interactions.
Unique Approaches:
- Integration of theory and practice: Combines academic learning with practical experience through placements and research opportunities.
- Exposure to cutting-edge research: Provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and research projects.
UK: Full time: £15,840 per year (2024/25) Part time: £7,920 per year (2024/25) International: Full time: £37,368 per year (2024/25) Part time: £18,684 per year (2024/25) Deposit Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment. The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000. If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer. If you receive an offer between 16 July and 15 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
