Psychology of Mental Health, MSc

Psychology of Mental Health, MSc

Introduction

The MSc Psychology of Mental Health provides an in-depth study of the psychological principles underlying mental health and wellbeing.

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MSc
Duration
12 months or 24 months
Study Mode
Full Time or Part Time
Start Month
September
Location of Study
Aberdeen

This programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in assessment, research, and professional development.

The programme has established partnerships with key organisations including NHS Grampian and VSA, offering potential opportunities for practical experience.

What You'll Study

The programme is structured to provide comprehensive training in mental health and illness, behavioural and clinical assessment, research methods, and professional skills. You will study both quantitative and qualitative research methods, explore topics in psychological health, and complete a thesis project.

Your first term establishes fundamental knowledge in mental health assessment and research methodology, while developing essential professional skills. You'll explore the complexities of mental health and illness, learn clinical assessment techniques, and gain quantitative research skills.

Compulsory Courses

  • PS5065 - Mental Health Assessment
  • PS5063 - Principles of Mental Health
  • PS5064 - Professional Skills
  • BU5054 - Advanced Quantitative Methods and Analysis for Psychology

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Fee information
Fee category Cost
Home Students £11,100
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
EU / International students £26,250
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Seminars

Why Study Psychology of Mental Health?

  • Practical Experience Opportunities: Benefit from our partnerships with external bodies, offering potential placement opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
  • Expert Teaching Team: Learn from specialists including Dr Rachelle Ho, Dr Janine Cooper, Dr Helen Knight, and experienced clinical psychologists.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Gain expertise in mental health and illness, behavioural and clinical assessment, addiction studies, and both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
  • Research Opportunities: Conduct an independent research project in your area of interest, supported by our experienced academic team.
  • Career Development: Prepare for careers in mental health services or further specialised training, with opportunities in areas such as mental health education, policy development, and support services.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

BPS-accredited second class Psychology degree (2:2 or above) or BPS-accredited MSc Psychology conversion programme (commendation), or equivalent for international students.

Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

Degree Transcript
a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Careers

This programme would be of particular interest to people who intend to pursue a career where mental health is relevant or who wish to strengthen their CV before pursuing further training in fields such as clinical psychology, clinical research, or as a cognitive behavioural therapy practitioner.

Career paths our graduates may pursue include:

  • Support worker in mental health services
  • Policy advisor for mental health
  • Mental health educator (delivering workshops or training in schools, workplaces, or community settings)
  • Programme coordinator for mental health charities or NGOs
  • Health promotion specialist

The following roles may require additional training or certifications:

  • Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)
  • Clinical psychologist or counsellor
  • Assistant psychologist
  • Clinical researcher
Image for useful fact about this Subject

REF 2021

Overall 94% of our Psychology research ranks as world leading or internationally excellent

Our Experts

Our programme is delivered by experts combining academic excellence with professional experience in mental health and psychology. The teaching team includes specialists in cognitive behaviour, addiction studies, and clinical psychology.

Key areas of expertise include:

  • Cognitive biases and motivational behaviour
  • Addiction studies and behavioural assessment
  • Clinical psychology practice
  • Mental health research

Programme Coordinator
Dr Mei-Yi Rachelle Antoinette Ho
Other Experts
Dr Helen Knight
Dr Janine Cooper

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Facilities

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Psychophysiology Centre

Psychophysiology Centre

This facility consists of several spacious rooms that house electroencephalographic (EEG) equipment and sound-attenuated, shielded testing booths.

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Eye Tracking Facilities

Eye Tracking Facilities

The School of Psychology has four in-house eye trackers. The Eyelink 1000 system allows the recording of eye gaze at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX