As the only course of its kind in the country, embark on this unique opportunity to dive in to youth mental health. Tackle some of society’s biggest questions, while becoming an expert in your field and making a difference in young people's lives.
Our interdisciplinary Mental Health MSc focuses on Youth Mental Health, integrating the latest research and policy into teaching and practice. The interdisciplinary and youth mental health focuses of our Mental Health MSc make it a unique qualification which brings together disciplines ranging from psychology sociology and social policy, to medicine and philosophy.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, in the first term you will typically complete the compulsory modules while in the second you will be able to choose from a range of optional modules (see below). This is based on a full time Masters course. Part-time study will include devising a study plan in the first weeks tailoring your studies to you non-academic commitments.
Teaching in the first term focusses on core modules. The core modules are designed to promote development of skills in critical analysis, understanding interdisciplinary research, and scientific writing.
In the second term you will be able to choose from a range of optional modules. Some optional modules are shared across MSc programmes in the School of Psychology. You can find examples below.
In the final term you will undertake a Dissertation in Mental Health and will be offered the opportunity to work on a research project with group and individual components linked to current research in the Institute for Mental Health at the University of Birmingham. This will give students the unique opportunity for contact with world-leading research-active staff based at the University of Birmingham.
This MSc offers the unique opportunity to learn and research alongside experts with expertise in mental health from a range of perspectives- such as practice (e.g. social policy), academia (e.g. psychology, neuroscience, sociology) and lived experience such as our Youth Advisory Group. It also provides a unique opportunity to study alongside diverse students from a range of professional and educational backgrounds.
in the UK for Psychology (QS World University Rankings 2024)
in the Research Excellence Framework (REF)
(out of 93 UK universities)
Our diverse teaching methods ensure a well-rounded educational experience, with assessments preparing you for the real-world challenges. The analytical, statistical, and communication skills honed during the course are invaluable.
The course consists of a series of taught core and optional modules. The core modules are designed to promote development of skills in experimental design, analysis, and scientific writing.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Full-time
Year: 1
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation in Mental Health | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Mental Health 1 - Principles of mental health and disorder | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Mental Health 2 - Youth Mental Health | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Research Methods in Mental Health | 20 | Semester 1 |
You must choose 60 credits from the following list:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology of Mental Health and Illness | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Clinical Psychology and Developmental Diversity | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Developmental Psychology and Neurodiversity (Distance Education) | 20 | |
| Modelling Change and Diversity: An introduction to structural equation modelling | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Philosophy and Ethics of Mental Health and Wellbeing | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Suicide + Self-harm | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Translational Cognitive Neuroscience | 20 | Semester 2 |
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.
(examples include Psychology; Sociology; Social Policy; Medicine; Philosophy; Education). We will also take into account practical experience of working with young people or in mental health settings.
A personal statement template is available to help you ensure your personal statement meets our requirements. Failure to include the requested information in the personal statement will result in delays to processing the decision on your application.
Please describe any relevant academic or professional experience that make you a good candidate for this programme.
Please confirm that you understand that this programme is not a clinical training programme i.e., does not provide training in counselling/clinical psychology, mental health nursing etc.
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:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Medical students in the UK who wish to intercalate may be eligible to apply for this programme. Register your interest to receive more information about our intercalation opportunities or contact mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk for details on how to apply.
Whether you're looking to develop a more focused set of psychology and interdisciplinary skills as you choose your next career move or you have already chosen to specialise in a particular area, our course will help you dive deeper and advance your learning. In doing so, you’ll be part of a leading research community, giving you an edge in the job market and PhD study.
Graduates from this programme have gone on to work for organisations including:
• University of Birmingham
• GLL
• Compass
• St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
• Apollo Secure Transport
• Potentials Therapy Centre
• Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Cygnet Health Care
• Walsall Council
Their job roles include:
• Clinical Psychologist
• Assistant Psychologist
• Therapeutic Care Practitioner
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Social Worker
• AMHP (Approved Mental Health Professional)
• Mental Health Practitioner
• Education Mental Health Practitioner
• Therapeutic Family Time Officer
• Residential Support Worker
• Research Associate
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
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