This is an MSc with a unique syllabus that explores the role of different contexts in how we interpret and deal with complex mental health issues. It is suited for anyone who wish to embark on a career in mental health but also existing professionals who would like to top up their knowledge on psychological therapies. This course covers exclusively professional skills, with hands on activities on assessment and formulation, tips on delivering the best practice and how to look after yourselves as mental health professionals.

• Learn about psychological therapies, their application and effectiveness
• Take a supervised placement in a mental health setting
• Gain research and writing skills
• Learn from experts in the field

What you'll study

Across the UK theres a need for professionals of all kinds to gain expertise in psychological therapies. This course is an ideal next step for those who are already working in mental health, who want to go on to train as therapists, who want to complete research and those who work in related areas, such as social work, human resources or the voluntary sector.

On this MSc, youll have the opportunity to critically examine different approaches to understanding mental disorder. Well build your confidence in using psychological therapies but also develop your ability to understand the evidence base for these therapies – and assess which therapies might work for different types of disorder.

oull gain the knowledge to assess mental health problems, understand their origins and how to help recovery. Youll learn about psychological therapies including individual cognitive behavioural therapies, cognitive analytic therapies, psychodynamic therapies, as well as group and family therapies.

Online learning students also undertake placements in a location convenient to them: your tutor will support you to identify a suitable placement.

Youll also develop your research skills and complete a research project. By the time you complete the programme, youll be a skilled communicator, adept at expressing your ideas in spoken or written form.

This MSc is an academic course and does not lead to clinical accreditation.

Mental Health: Psychological Therapies is also available to study to Postgraduate Diploma PgDip level.

Career paths

This programme gives you a range of career options. It is ideal if you want to do clinical psychology or psychotherapy training, including IAPT services, in the future.

It is also tailored to people working in mental health care who want to advance their careers by demonstrating their expertise in psychological therapies.

Recent graduates have gone on to:

• complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, qualifying them to work as psychological wellbeing practitioners within the NHS
• further doctoral-level training in clinical and counselling psychology
• psychological assistant positions in the NHS and third-sector providers.

Our recent graduates are working in roles such as Assistant Psychologist, Academic Research Fellow, Advocate Multi-Disciplinary, Associate Mental Health Worker, Children and Young People Practitioner Trainee, Clinical Psychologist, Early Intervention Manager, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Psychotherapist, Social Therapist (Mental Health Nursing), Trainee CBT Therapist, Trainee Mental Health and Well Being Practitioner, and Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.