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Mental Health (Youth/Interdisciplinary) MSc
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptemberDuration1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
- AwardMaster of Science
- Entry requirements2:1 minimum in first degree in relevant discipline (examples include Psychology; Sociology; Social Policy; Medicine; Philosophy; Education).
- Fees£5,450 (part-time)
Course overview
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.
Course highlights
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.
- Benefit from a long and established history in world-leading interdisciplinary mental health research at Birmingham
- Learn from experts working directly with NHS partners to understand the causes of poor mental health and develop effective treatments and services
- Be part of the internationally renowned Institute for Mental Health (IMH)
- 8th
in the UK for Psychology (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- 58th
in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Course delivery
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.
- Taught modules – Our 20-credit modules are delivered through diverse teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, and journal clubs, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience
- Research-based modules – Work on your own and in groups whilst you study 20-credit research modules. You’ll enjoy regular supervision and directed research work coupled with a 60-credit dissertation
- Assessments – include formal and summative coursework and include essays, scientific reports, clinical case reports, scripting and oral and poster presentations.
Module information
The course comprises 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 for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any 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.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation in Mental Health | 60 | Semester 2 |
| LM 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 |
Students must select 60 credits of optional modules from the following list:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Sociology of Mental Health and Illness | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Clinical Psychology and Developmental Diversity | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Philosophy and Ethics of Mental Health and Wellbeing | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Suicide + Self-harm | 20 | Semester 2 |
| The Neurobiology of Mental Illness | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
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.
- 2:1 minimum in first degree in relevant discipline
(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.
English language requirements
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.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 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.
Paying your tuition fees
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.
Scholarships
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.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
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.
Careers Network
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.
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.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
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.