University of Birmingham - College of Life and Environmental Sciences
MSc in Mental Health (Youth/Interdisciplinary)
Birmingham, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 30,370 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international students | application deadline for home students - 29 August 2025
** for international full-time | GBP 15,185 - for international part-time | GBP 10,900 - for UK full-time | GBP 5,450 - for UK part-time
Key Summary
Discover why we are the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers ('Graduate Market in 2024' High Fliers report) at our on-campus Postgraduate Open Day.
As the only course of its kind in the country, embark on this unique opportunity to dive into 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 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).
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.
125th Anniversary Scholarships for International Students
We have a proud heritage of removing barriers to education. In 2025, we celebrate our 125th anniversary as a University. To mark this milestone, we’re offering £5,000 scholarships to students from a select number of countries.
Scholarships for international students
At Birmingham, we believe in removing all barriers to education, so all of our talented students can achieve their full potential. As an international student, you can take advantage of our wide range of University-run scholarships as well as the many scholarships and bursaries from external funding organizations.
The course comprises 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.
Year 1
The following must be taken:
- LM Dissertation in Mental Health
- LM Mental Health 1 - Principles of mental health and disorder
- LM Mental Health 2 - Youth Mental Health
- LM Research Methods in Mental Health
Students must select 60 credits of optional modules from the following list:
- LM Sociology of Mental Health and Illness
- LM Clinical Psychology and Developmental Diversity
- LM Philosophy and Ethics of Mental Health and Wellbeing
- LM Suicide + Self-harm
- The Neurobiology of Mental Illness
- 8th in the UK for Psychology (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- 12th in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) - out of 93 UK universities
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, career fairs, and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
- One-to-one career guidance from our college-specific advisors;
- CV and job application advice to help you stand out to employers;
- An annual programme of careers fairs on campus to meet employers and find out about a range of opportunities available;
- Employer presentations and networking sessions;
- Careers workshops to improve your interview skills and help you find work experience;
- Skills training for postgraduates;
- Graduate mentoring;
- Support and advice on setting up your own business;
- Online career action planning tools and self-enrolment career development courses to use in your own time and support your career planning;
- Specific support for postgraduate researchers, including events, workshops, advice sessions, socials and wellbeing events.
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 your non-academic commitments.
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.