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Mental Health and Wellbeing MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

This course reflects national and international developments in the enhancement of mental health and wellbeing, exploring psychological problems including depression, anxiety and stress.

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Overview

The Mental Health and Wellbeing course is designed to nurture an understanding of the factors that characterise and influence mental health and wellbeing. The course aims to provide a grounding in relevant theory and research, as well as develop research methods skills, and an appreciation of real-world practice; all of which is designed to develop graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact in the field of mental health and wellbeing.

Completion of the course will lead to a number of career opportunities worldwide, including in research, teaching, and applied settings. Students might use the course as a stepping stone to specialised PhD study. Furthermore, although the course does not culminate in a practitioner qualification, its content is highly relevant to those eventually wishing to apply for training in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, counselling, or coaching.

The course is taught by a range of experienced psychologists, which includes a mixture of academic psychologists and practitioner psychologists. Our diverse teaching team includes those who specialise in areas such as mental health, psychological wellbeing, clinical psychology, life coaching, and counselling. Staff in the Division of Psychology are currently undertaking research related to mental health and wellbeing, including research across different cultural contexts. Teaching facilities include dedicated laboratory and practical work areas, an observation suite and a vision research laboratory.

Key features

  • Develop your practical and professional skills through short inter-professional education (IPE) events involving interactions with people with lived experiences, service users, and health and social care professionals
  • Build an awareness of the range of contemporary and traditional therapeutic approaches that may be employed in the treatment and prevention of mental health problems.
  • Develop a critical understanding of the psychological theory and research that underpin the study of mental health and wellbeing.
  • Understand traditional and contemporary approaches to the study of wellbeing and living a good life, including interventions to improve wellbeing, and the application of wellbeing principles in varied contexts such as work and school.
  • Benefit from our experienced teaching staff, which includes a compliment of both research active academic psychologists as well as practitioner psychologists.
  • Put theory in practice in our dedicated psychology teaching facilities including a suite of research rooms and computer labs with the latest experiment building software. 

  • This course is block taught meaning you will study one or two modules at a time, instead of several at once; providing you with a simpler timetable with more time to engage with your studies and to enjoy other aspects of student life.

 

Scholarships

DMU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

International student scholarships

Find out about available international scholarships or visit our fees and funding page for more information.

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DMU has been shortlisted for the Postgraduate Award in the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), as voted for by students.

  • UK
  • EU/International

Start date: September 2024

Course code: C84174

Duration: One year full-time; part-time over two or three years      

Attendance: 

Students can expect to attend up to three days of classes at the university a week. 

You will also be required to attend an Induction, with some preparation and skills development for postgraduate studies.

You may be required to attend the university for an interview as part of our selection process.

The programme involves inter-professional education (IPE) events. These events may require attendance outside of standard teaching days.

Fees and funding:

2024/25 full-time for UK student: £7,500

Find out more about postgraduate course fees and available funding.

Find out more about additional costs and optional extras associated with this course.

Please visit dmu.ac.uk/international for more information or call us on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70.

 

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Start date: September 2024

Course code: C84174

Duration: One year full-time; flexible part-time over two or three years

Attendance: 

Students can expect to attend up to three days of classes at the university a week. 

You will also be required to attend an Induction, with some preparation and skills development for postgraduate studies.

You may be required to attend the university for an interview as part of our selection process.

The programme involves inter-professional education (IPE) events. These events may require attendance outside of standard teaching days.

Location of study: DMU Leicester UK

Fees and funding:

Full-time 2024/25 fees for international students: £16,800

Find out more about postgraduate course fees and available funding.

Find out more about additional costs and optional extras associated with this course.

Please visit dmu.ac.uk/international for more information or call us on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70.

 

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

  • Applicants are usually expected to have (or be predicted to obtain) a 2:1 honours degree in psychology or psychology and a second subject.
  • Applications will also be considered from students who hold a 2:1 honours degree from a relevant but non-psychology based course.
  • Applicants should have studied at least one Psychology module at undergraduate level, and have undertaken training in quantitative/qualitative research methods and data analysis.
  • Other appropriately qualified/experienced applicants with a science or social science background will be considered on the basis of the university's accreditation for prior learning/accreditation prior experiential learning procedures.
  • You will also be asked to complete a declaration form before you begin your studies.
  • Applicants may be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process. If you are unable to attend, alternative arrangements may be made.
English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it. 

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessment

Academic expertise

 

Course modules

The MSc consists of theoretical, work-related and research-based modules as described below. Please note that ALL modules are compulsory for successful completion of the award. There are no optional modules.

  • Introduction to Mental Health (15 credits)
    Considers mental health concepts within diverse frameworks, focusing on contemporary challenges and critical insights into theories, research, policy, and practice. The module includes a focus on current issues relating to social determinants of mental health, including topics such as: experiences of minoritised groups such as BME, LGBT+, refugees and asylum seekers, people living in poverty, and disabled people.
  • Introduction to Wellbeing (15 credits)
    Considers wellbeing as the experience of positive emotions, satisfaction with life and psychological functioning in important domains of life including work and relationships. Wellbeing principles will be applied to topics such as: disability, posttraumatic growth, mindfulness and sustainable happiness.
  • Wellbeing in the Modern World (30 credits)
    Considers human wellbeing in the context of the modern world within selected themes, such as: the impact of digital technology on wellbeing; issues of culture, ethnicity and wellbeing; economic factors and wellbeing; nature connectedness and wellbeing.
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing: Assessments and Interventions (30 credits) 
    Considers decreased wellbeing as manifested in psychological issues, including anxiety disorders, depressive illness, and substance abuse. A variety of psychotherapeutic approaches are explored.
  • Research Methods and Data Analysis Psychologists (15 credits)
    Introduces you to the process of research design and the selection of appropriate research strategies for research into mental health and wellbeing. This includes exploring a range of approaches to data collection and analysis, with an emphasis on qualitative methods.
  • Research Methods for Understanding and Evaluating Mental Health and Wellbeing (15 credits)
    Develops a range of quantitative and transferable research methods skills situated in the context of mental health and wellbeing.
  • Research dissertation (60 credits)
    Allows you to conduct an original research study on a mental health or wellbeing related topic.

You also have the opportunity to undertake one of two combinations of modules and exit with a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert), or undertake all modules, except the dissertation and exit with a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip); as well as completing the full MSc programme.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching typically includes lectures, group seminars and individual tutorials. You are encouraged to become an independent and proactive learner, and we will recommend reading and electronic resources for independent study to help develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge.

Students are provided with the opportunity to attend and participate in two short one-day inter-professional education (IPE) events within clinical and community contexts.

Learning activities are designed to help you develop your teamwork, presentation and problem-solving skills, plus more traditional academic skills such as synthesis, evaluation and application. We also help you to develop your skills and understanding in professional areas such as ethics and reflective practice.

You will benefit from the support of a personal academic tutor, who you are encouraged to meet with regularly. We also offer a range of additional support services to help you develop the skills required for Master’s level study.

Assessment is based exclusively on coursework, for which bespoke guidance materials are provided. The kinds of coursework that you will undertake are varied, and include:

  • Formal essays
  • Research reports
  • Presentations
  • Scoping Reviews
  • Case studies

The dissertation provides you with an experience of the research process from its inception to completion.

Teaching contact hours

Contact hours may vary in different weeks but typically on a full-time programme you can expect around 3 full days of teaching, which will include small and medium group teaching and regular individual tutorials. Students will also be expected to undertake personal study outside of scheduled teaching.

Academic expertise
The course is taught by experienced  psychologists, which includes both academic and practitioner psychologists. Our diverse teaching team includes those who specialise in areas such as mental health, psychological wellbeing, clinical psychology, life coaching, and counselling. Staff in the Division of Psychology are currently undertaking research related to mental health and wellbeing.

Research in the Division of Psychology
The Division of Psychology at De Montfort University prides itself on its thriving research culture. In REF2021 (Research Excellent Framework), psychology earned several accolades: 75% of our research impact was ranked World-leading (4*) or Internationally Excellent (3*), and our research power was ranked 7th relative to other post-92 universities (and 38th across the sector). Our research expertise and experiences feed directly into our teaching, helping to inform both our Undergraduate and Postgraduate provisions. 

Facilities and features

 
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Health and Life Sciences facilities

Investment of £12 million in Health and Life Sciences has developed our first-class teaching and learning facilities to help you develop your practical experience and theoretical knowledge beyond the classroom. 

We offer excellent facilities including dedicated computer laboratories with the latest analysis software, individual research cubicles, interview rooms, and an observation suite, all supported by our psychology technicians.  Psychology students benefit from access to a suite of research rooms and computer laboratories which are restricted to Psychology postgraduate students. The Psychology Division also provides a wide range of software and equipment to support the development of experimental studies and resources to facilitate the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data - both electronically and in person.

Library services

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including Learning Zone, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

Learning zones

Our Learning Zones and The Greenhouse also provide space for group or individual work and study.

There are 1,600 study places across all library locations, more than 700 computer stations, laptops to borrow, free wi-fi and desktop power outlets.

You can also book rooms with plasma screens, laptops and DVD facilities for group work and presentations, secure an individual study room with adjustable lighting or make use of our assistive technology.

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

DMU's award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities DMU Careers Team
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Inter-Professional Education (IPE) Events

All on-campus students are provided with the opportunity to attend and participate in two short one-day inter-professional education (IPE) events within clinical and community contexts. These involve meeting, observing, and working alongside service users and healthcare professionals from a range of backgrounds.

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Graduate careers

Completion of the course will lead to a number of career opportunities worldwide, including research, teaching and those within the caring professions. It also facilitates career development and progression. Other students might use the course as a stepping-stone to specialised PhD study.

Although the course does not culminate in a qualification in Clinical Psychology, its content will be highly relevant to those applying for training in this area, or within related fields such as psychotherapy (e.g. The NHS Talking Therapies, formerly IAPT Service), counselling or coaching. There are also opportunities in the field of public health and well-being (e.g. in areas such as smoking cessation, safer sex promotion, drug and alcohol use). A full day of employability and enhancement events is held in either the Spring or Summer semester of each year.

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DMU Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

 

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