The Institute for Mental Health and School of Psychology offers a 100% fully online, interdisciplinary MSc in Mental Health that develops a holistic view of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research and assessment types with a focus on youth mental health.
Targeted at graduates and professionals, this programme will help you get to grips with the causes of poor mental health, how to prevent it, and how to respond to illness.
Covering topics such as the psychology of youth mental health, research methods, ethics, biopsychosocial approaches to mental health, and service users involvement, this programme features twelve core modules lasting eight weeks each, giving you ample time to understand the core principles of mental health in manageable sections.
Request information to learn more about the online Mental Health MSc. We’re ready to answer any questions and are available to provide guidance, advice and honest feedback.
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Delivered by the Institute for Mental Health and School of Psychology, this online MSc Mental Health degree features the latest research and theories relating to youth mental health.
Plus, with full immersion in the international student community, this programme promises exposure to diverse global views and international contacts, helping you expand your knowledge and build new opportunities throughout your career. Graduate prepared to further your career in mental health services.
Online study. A flexible learning alternative for working professionals around the world
Most targeted university of top UK employers (High Fliers Research 2025)
In the UK for Psychology (QS 2025)
The online MSc features expert lecturers and researchers from multiple disciplines. You’ll be taught through a range of learning activities and assignments to consolidate your learning.
The Online Master of Science in Mental Health degree is a 180 credit programme that takes 2.5 years to complete. It is 100% online, and there is no residency requirement. There are twelve 10 credit modules and a 60 credit dissertation.
You’ll take mental health modules designed by the University of Birmingham’s Institute for Mental Health that focus on mental health research, practice and policy.
To gain a place at Birmingham 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.
in a related discipline from a UK university or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
If you do not meet the standard academic entry criteria, we take into account applications with practical experience of working with young people or in a mental health setting.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Total cost
Per module
*Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year. The fees listed above are for the academic year 2026/27.
The programme fee includes any online resources, including full access to the online learning platform, course materials and required digital reading materials. The fee does not include any personal expenses for new technical equipment or office supplies.
Our Online Birmingham Masters Scholarship offers £3,000 via a tuition fee discount, to support the brightest and best applicants undertaking a postgraduate course via distance learning in 2025.
Online postgraduate study is a significant financial commitment, and we want you to be completely aware of the associated costs – and all the support available – before becoming a student with us. There are a number of funding options available to help you, including loans, scholarships and employer reimbursement.
To apply for an online postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
If you have a question about your application or the application process, including whether your current degree qualifies you for the programme, contact us using the details below, and we will be happy to help. We’re ready to answer any questions and are available to provide guidance, advice and honest feedback.
Whether you’re a clinician or a professional with growing mental health responsibilities, this interdisciplinary programme provides essential insights to advance your career in this vital field.
To help compete in the global job market, all students will have access to bespoke advice from our employment consultants. They offer one-to-one coaching on Skype or other communication tools and can work with you to clarify your aspirations, supporting you in your future career. You could even develop an employment strategy to help open doors to a wide range of potential employers (both domestically and globally).
Your relationship with the University of Birmingham will continue long after your graduation. To make the most of your future career prospects, we will help you gain the skills, knowledge and attributes that employers are looking for.
As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers. You have the flexibility to study from wherever you are in the world, control your daily schedule, and still benefit from the academic, wellbeing, and career support as part of our global postgraduate community.
From the moment you enrol to the time you graduate, we will give you all the support you need to succeed. Whether you have questions about your application, assignment deadlines, technical issues or careers opportunities, we’re here to help.
