Program Overview

Psychology of Mental Health, MSc

Introduction

The MSc Psychology of Mental Health provides an in-depth study of the psychological principles underlying mental health and wellbeing.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

This programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in assessment, research, and professional development.

The programme has established partnerships with key organisations including NHS Grampian and VSA, offering potential opportunities for practical experience.

What You'll Study

The programme is structured to provide comprehensive training in mental health and illness, behavioural and clinical assessment, research methods, and professional skills. You will study both quantitative and qualitative research methods, explore topics in psychological health, and complete a thesis project.

Stage 1

• Your first term establishes fundamental knowledge in mental health assessment and research methodology, while developing essential professional skills.
• You'll explore the complexities of mental health and illness, learn clinical assessment techniques, and gain quantitative research skills.

Compulsory Courses

• PS5065 - Mental Health Assessment
• PS5063 - Principles of Mental Health
• PS5064 - Professional Skills
• BU5054 - Advanced Quantitative Methods and Analysis for Psychology

Stage 2

• Building on your foundation, the second term deepens your understanding through specialised topics in addiction and advanced psychological health.
• You'll develop qualitative research skills and engage in critical review of current research.

Compulsory Courses

• PS5558 - Psychology of Addiction
• PS5562 - Advanced Topics in Psychological Health
• PS5563 - Applied Project Development
• PS5566 - What Can Qualitative Psychology Tell Us About People?

Stage 3

• Your final stage of the MSc is dedicated to your thesis project, where you'll apply your research skills and theoretical knowledge to conduct an independent research study in an area of mental health psychology that interests you.

Compulsory Courses

• PS5906 - Psychology of Mental Health Thesis

Fee Information

• Home Students: £11,100
• EU / International students: £26,250

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: Second class Psychology degree (2:2 or above) or MSc Psychology conversion programme (commendation), or equivalent for international students.
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 (with 5.5 in Listening, 5.5 in Reading, 5.5 in Speaking, and 6.0 in Writing)
  • TOEFL iBT: 90 (with 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing)
  • PTE Academic: 62 (with 59 in Listening, 59 in Reading, 59 in Speaking, and 59 in Writing)
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: 176 (with 162 in Listening, 162 in Reading, 162 in Speaking, and 169 in Writing)

Careers

This programme would be of particular interest to people who intend to pursue a career where mental health is relevant or who wish to strengthen their CV before pursuing further training in fields such as clinical psychology, clinical research, or as a cognitive behavioural therapy practitioner.

Career paths our graduates may pursue include:

• Support worker in mental health services
• Policy advisor for mental health
• Mental health educator (delivering workshops or training in schools, workplaces, or community settings)
• Programme coordinator for mental health charities or NGOs
• Health promotion specialist

The following roles may require additional training or certifications:

• Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)
• Clinical psychologist or counsellor
• Assistant psychologist
• Clinical researcher

Our Experts

Our programme is delivered by experts combining academic excellence with professional experience in mental health and psychology. The teaching team includes specialists in cognitive behaviour, addiction studies, and clinical psychology.

Key areas of expertise include:

• Cognitive biases and motivational behaviour
• Addiction studies and behavioural assessment
• Clinical psychology practice
• Mental health research

Programme Coordinator:

• Dr Mei-Yi Rachelle Antoinette Ho

Other Experts:

• Dr Helen Knight
• Dr Janine Cooper

Facilities

• Psychophysiology Centre: This facility consists of several spacious rooms that house electroencephalographic (EEG) equipment and sound-attenuated, shielded testing booths.
• Eye Tracking Facilities: The School of Psychology has four in-house eye trackers. The Eyelink 1000 system allows the recording of eye gaze at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz.