OverviewThis flexible and unique programme is designed to allow practitioners who work in mental health services to build upon previous knowledge and experience in the field. It aims to enhance this prior knowledge and experience to facilitate your development and mastery in mental health-related skills and knowledge. It is anticipated that completing this MSc will enable you to contribute to the enhancement of professional mental health practice, research and service development.This course is delivered entirely online.Why study MSc/PgDip Mental Health Studies/PGCert Healthcare Studies at Middlesex?You will be given the opportunity to study with others from a wide range of mental health settings and backgrounds, both nationally and internationally. It is hoped that the diversity of this learning environment stimulates enhanced learning of mental health issues, leading to improved practice and service development.This MSc will allow you to plan your own individual study pathway to meet your personal, professional, academic and service needs. Furthermore, the optional modules can be taken at a pace and frequency that suits your circumstances, taking into account issues such as your location and work-life balance. As such, a number of modules are available via distance learning.The best way to undertake this programme is over a minimum of two years. This will enable you to continue working in clinical practice and use that practice to help you complete the assignments on the course. You will complete the programme by choosing from a selection of modules that are available in the department. Please note that although we have an October start, dependent upon your choice of modules, it may be that your first class dates for your first modules may have a January start. This will be discussed with you when you start on the programme and choose the modules you wish to undertake.In order to complete the programme applicants must be working in mental health or mental health related caring services with direct access to service users. They must be working with mental health service users during the course of their studies. This is so that assessments on the programme can be completed. EU and International students will need to provide evidence in their application that they have arranged such access before their application can be processed.Overall, the programme is designed so that, where possible, credits achieved through prior study are recognised as part of the award.CareersHow can the MSc/PgDip Mental Health Studies/PGCert Healthcare Studies support your career?This programme is aimed at practitioners who have experience of working in a mental health setting. It provides an excellent opportunity for them to use their existing expertise, professional qualifications or work experience to gain a recognised qualification.The Programme has been specifically designed to further your career within the industry through enhancing existing professional practice through personal development and self-managed learning, as well as consolidating and expanding your professional network. You will have the opportunity to gain a qualification that is directly relevant to your field of work and the projects you complete will also make a significant contribution to the achievement of your work objectives. Combined, these benefits provide a powerful stimulus to career development and enhancement in your professional area.