Program Overview

Master of Philosophy in Philosophy and Ethics of Mental Health

The Master of Philosophy in Philosophy and Ethics of Mental Health programme provides a learning opportunity about the two-way connections between mental health practice and philosophy. Graduates of this programme who come from mental health practice will be equipped with philosophical skills and knowledge that bring more clarity, understanding, and decision-making ability in mental health practice. Graduates of this programme who come from philosophy will gain more insight into areas of philosophy that are relevant to and enriched by the real-life experiences of mental health care users and practitioners.

Programme Description

The programme is intended for people who want to advance their previous education that was in a field relevant to mental health or in philosophy. They may have already obtained a master's degree, and may, for example, be a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist, music therapist, or a philosopher. The minimum admission requirement is an honours bachelor's degree or equivalent in a field of relevance to either mental health or philosophy.

Programme Structure

The programme comprises a taught and a conceptual research component. It may be taken full-time or part-time but should be completed within two years. The taught component consists of 4 modules. An assignment will introduce the subject material of each module, usually requiring about 40 hours each. In addition, an essay will be required on a topic from each module. Each essay should be between 5,000 and 6,000 words, reflecting conceptual research on any topic in the field. The four essays will be compiled for constituting a dissertation. Students will be encouraged to present at conferences and submit their work for publication.

Syllabus

The 4 modules explore a lively range of topics that are both highly relevant to current mental health practice and being actively debated and researched by philosophers. Case studies are thus used amply.

• Module 1: Core concepts in philosophy & mental health This module introduces philosophical knowledge and methods in the application to the core concepts used in mental health practice. It does so through the examination of case studies in mental health practice and the examination of the concept of mental disorder/illness. It draws on philosophical contributions from both analytical and existential-phenomenological traditions.
• Module 2: Philosophy of science & mental health This module examines the nature and role of science and of scientific methodology in mental health practice and research. It covers the main aspects of the clinical process (symptomatology, diagnosis, classification, aetiology, treatment, and prognosis), research, and the organisation of mental health services.
• Module 3: Philosophy of mind & mental health This module examines the themes shared by mental health practice and the philosophy of mind, such as the mind-body problem, subjectivity, rationality, personal identity, intentionality, agency, language & linguistics, meaning, ascription of responsibility, the relations between reasons and causes.
• Module 4: Ethics, values, and mental health This module examines various approaches of philosophical ethics to mental health practice and mental health research, including the approaches of bio-ethics, values-based practice, casuistry, perspectivism, and conceptual analysis. As related to mental health practice and research, it addresses issues such as capacity, consent, responsibility, personal autonomy, freedom, conflict of values, confidentiality, abuse, mental health legislation, jurisprudence, and professional ethics.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor honours degree or equivalent in a field of relevance to either mental health or philosophy is the minimum admission requirement.
• Practical experience and/or a relevant master's degree is strongly recommended.

Programme Duration

• One year full-time or two years part-time study

Curriculum

• Core Modules:
  • FEG 881 Core concepts in philosophy and mental health
  • FEG 882 Philosophy of science and mental health
  • FEG 883 Philosophy of mind and mental health
  • FEG 884 Ethics, Values, and mental health
• Research Module:
  • FEG 890 Dissertation: Philosophy and ethics of mental health

Examinations and Pass Requirements

• Students must complete the assignments of each of the core modules to a satisfactory standard.
• The dissertation must consist of four sections, each addressing a topic from the core modules.
• The first four sections of the dissertation should each be between 5,000 and 6,000 words.
• A minimum mark of 50% will be required in each section of the dissertation to pass.
• A student will be disqualified from further study towards this degree when they fail any one of the sections for the third time.

Degree with Distinction

The degree will be conferred with distinction on a student who obtains a mark of 75% or more for the dissertation.