Ranking
68th
in the world (QS 2027)
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Discover first-hand experiences from current students and recent graduates. Learn about studying at Birmingham, life on campus, and living in Dubai.
Course overview
The course offers a unique opportunity to explore mental health and wellbeing from diverse perspectives. Addressing of society's biggest questions, with a focus on the MENA region and the developing world
Our interdisciplinary Mental Wellbeing MSc emphasises the integration of the latest research and policy into teaching and practice. The interdisciplinary approach to our Mental Wellbeing MSc makes it a unique qualification which brings together disciplines ranging from psychology sociology and social policy, to medicine and philosophy.
The Mental Wellbeing provides the opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to make significant contributions to the interdisciplinary domain of mental health and wellbeing through patient support, research and policy.
Course structure
Here is a short overview of what you can expect during this course.
Term 1
Term 1
You’ll learn about the principles of mental disorders, their assessment and clinical diagnosis. You’ll also study Sociology of mental health, with a focus on ethics and professional practice within the mental health space. Finally, you will dive into research methods in mental health, covering topics like epidemiology, statistics, clinical trials, evidence synthesis, ethnography, and qualitative analyses.
Term 2
Term 2
You’ll learn to identify, assess, and manage suicidal presentations in clinical settings. You will also study youth mental health, including the onset of disorders, prevention strategies, and school-based mental health and neurodiversity.
Term 3
Term 3
You will work on completing your dissertation in mental health worth 60-credits.
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Course highlights
Research is a cornerstone of understanding mental health difficulties. Establishing a strong foundation for evidence-based treatments will help alleviate these difficulties. Through working alongside experts in mental health practice and clinical research, you will build your research and applied psychology skills. The degree has an emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches to mental health and wellbeing, preparing students to have a real world impact on practice, policy and research, offering a foundation for continued study a PhD level.
- Interdisciplinary approach to mental health and wellbeing
- Emphasis on evidence-based practice and policy
- Development of research skills to contribute to existing evidence base in the field of mental health
- 68th
in the QS World University Rankings 2027
- Top 100
for Psychology in the world
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Course delivery
Taught using a blended learning ‘flipped classroom’ model, you will be able to study at your own pace. You will work through training and exercises each week and undertake individual study and reading.
Seminar
Workshop
Online On Demand classes
Projects
- Flipped classroom learning model – study at your own pace with our online e-learning platform complimenting your on-campus study
- Taught modules - debate and think critically with experts in the field during seminar and workshop groups
- Research Dissertation – independent research project in the field of mental health will enhance skills development under the supervision of an expert academic supervisor
Assessment and methods
Given the richness and interdisciplinary nature of MSc Mental Wellbeing, this degree has varied assessment methods. Each assessment is tailored to each module. The way that the different assessments have been designed is to ensure that your studies help you to develop essential skills that are transferrable to future employment. Assessment methods include essays, portfolios and journals, oral and poster presentations.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
M.Sc. (Taught) Mental Wellbeing Full-time
Year: 1
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Sociology of Mental Health and Illness | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| LM Research Methods in Mental Health | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Suicide and Self-Harm | 20 | Semester 2 |
Teaching staff
Dr Afsana Faheem
Programme Director for MSc Clinical Psychology & MSc Mental Wellbeing Programmes
Dr Afsana Faheem joined the Department of Psychology at the University of Birmingham (Dubai campus) in 2023. Afsana's research background predominately focuses on inequalities in mental healthcare and treatment.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
from an academic institution in Psychology or a related subject
English language requirements
To study at the University, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Many applicants do this by submitting a recent IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result, or by completing a Presessional English course.
The level of English language proficiency required varies depending on your level of study and subject area.
You can view the full English language requirements, including accepted tests and required scores, on our entry requirements page for the Dubai campus.
International entry requirements
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination, and graduation.
- AED 160,925
September 2027 (full-time) per year
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your programme. To help you manage the cost of study, you can pay fees in full or in three instalments per academic year.
To secure your place, you must pay a non-refundable tuition fee deposit of AED 5,000 by the deadline stated in your Conditional Offer. This deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for a range of scholarships following a Conditional Offer from the University of Birmingham Dubai.
- Up to 30%
Tuition fee scholarships available for eligible students.
Application process
Applying to the University of Birmingham Dubai is straightforward. Applications are made directly through our online Admissions portal, with no application fee.
To avoid delays, please ensure all required documents are included with your application.
Find guidance on how to apply, key steps in the process and answers to frequently asked questions.
Career opportunities
MSc Mental Wellbeing develops key skills that are highly attractive to employers in the mental health domain including research skills, as well as presentation and report writing skills. Our students are excellent candidates for mental health-related, policy guidance or academic employment in private and public sector organisations. This MSc is also excellent preparation for PhD or other advanced degree positions.
Typical careers include:
- Mental Health practitioner
- Researcher
- Academic
- Policy guidance/evaluation
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
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 at our Dubai campus.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.