Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health MSc
About this course
Research by the UK government has shown that an increasing number of adults and children in the UK are experiencing mental health difficulties, exacerbated by the after effects of the COVID-19 virus, together with the impact of the cost of living crisis. Mental health and psychological wellbeing interventions can help alleviate this crisis though, and on this course you’ll learn how to evaluate, assess, and advance understandings that will improve the lives of those you work with.
Whether you intend to work in the mental health sector, or currently do and want to develop yourself further, we’ll provide you with the psychological theory, practical application and research skills required. This is further enhanced by the opportunity to get real-world experience by working with an organization focusing on these areas.
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Gain experience, build your networks
Gain first-hand experience and build your professional networks by undertaking consultancy with an external organisation during your studies.
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Putting your skills into practice
with your independent research project, focusing on a topic of your choice.
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Set days in university each week
With 3 set days in university each week (2 for part-time students), balance your studies around your other commitments such as part-time work.
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Benefit from excellent support
from our academic team to enhance your learning.
150
(out of 1,049 evaluated institutions)
of MSc Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health students would recommend studying at NTU (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2023)
What you’ll study
In addition to learning the theory behind psychological wellbeing and contemporary issues in mental health, our modules focus on assessment and case formulation, research methods, professional skills, and how to apply this in practice.
As an NTU Psychology student, you’ll also get to undertake an independent research project where you’ll demonstrate the skills you’ve learned with us, which includes devising, conducting, analysing and presenting an empirical research study at postgraduate level, and disseminating this research to academic, practitioner, and service-user audiences. For those students with a different skills set, your research project can also be a Structured Review, which seeks to answer a specific question by analyzing the existing research using a rigorous protocol.
Assessment, Case Formulation and Intervention
The module aims to provide you with an introduction to central concepts and approaches to psychotherapeutic assessment, case formulation and treatment across the life-span, taking into account both contextual factors and diversity issues. Core components of psychological intervention that are common to all models will be critically considered. You will consider the issue of critical importance that psychotherapeutic practice is developed to support clients according to their needs.
Different theoretical frameworks, and the evidence-base that supports them, will be explored (for example cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, and humanistic-existential), as will different kinds of interventions (for example, psychotherapy counselling and coaching). This knowledge background will provide you with tools to reflect upon how theory and research findings can be applied in psychotherapeutic practice and how basic principles can be used as guidance when selecting relevant assessment, case formulation, and treatment techniques.
The module will cover both theoretical understandings and practical skill development.
Clinical Research Methods
This module will consider the components of good practice for the conduct of psychological research in clinical settings as well as offering you the opportunity to experience some research methods that might be used within that context. The responsibilities of psychological researchers will be explored in relation to key governance issues such as ethics, data protection, risk management etc.
The module will therefore encourage you to explore the key opportunities and challenges faced when conducting research in real-world, clinical settings, and will inspire creative approaches to designing and implementing clinically relevant research activities.
Psychological Wellbeing
This module will explore psychological wellbeing and theoretical approaches that have the potential to promote human growth and happiness.
The aims are:
- To provide a detailed and critical exploration of relevant theory and research which are pertinent to specific aspects of psychological wellbeing; for example, positive psychology, theories relating to quality of life.
- To critically explore ways in which positive psychological approaches can be applied in real world settings, including exploring practice-based implications.
- To consolidate learning across theoretical understandings and practical implications in ways that allow critical comparisons and synergistic conclusions to be drawn.
Research and Professional Skills
This module will introduce you to a range of key research and research dissemination skills necessary for the pursuit of an academic or professional career in psychology. The main aim of the module will be to ensure that you are capable of planning, carrying out, and seeking funding for ethically sound, independent research projects in a psychological setting, and that you are able to present the results of that research in a variety of media for both professional and non-professional audiences. The module will also focus on the development of skills to enhance employability and ensure you are equipped to best present yourself to prospective employers both within and outside of psychology.
Contemporary Issues in Mental Health
This module explores a number of advanced contemporary topics or ‘mini-modules’ in psychological wellbeing and mental health. The specific module topics change periodically in the spirit of the title ‘Contemporary Issues in…’ and will reflect cutting edge issues in research and practice. Each mini-module has its own set of aims, which will normally be one or more of the following:
- To provide a detailed and critical exploration of one or more contemporary issues which are currently pertinent to a specific aspect of psychological wellbeing or mental health.
- To critically explore contemporary debates relevant to specified topics within psychological wellbeing or mental health.
- To critically consider the practice-based implications of theoretical understandings of specified contemporary issues within mental health.
In addition the module aims to:
- Critically consider overarching contemporary issues that draw across mini-modules.
- Consolidate learning from across mini-modules, allowing critical comparisons and synergistic conclusions to be drawn.
Theory and Application to Mental Health
You'll be introduced to key theories underpinning research and practice in mental health and illness, including both traditional and more contemporary perspectives. Theories will be examined against their own socio-historic context and the contemporary context, facilitating a critical and comparative evaluation of relevant theories. In addition, you'll be introduced to methodological limitations and implications of these traditional and contemporary theories.
You'll then be provided with the opportunity to critically apply their theoretical understanding to 'real world' experiences and problems situated within mental health contexts. You'll be able to work in teams developing a useful skill set for use in practice and employment settings. Tasks provided will enable you to understand how psychological knowledge interacts with knowledge from other disciplines to form holistic critical understandings useful in applied contexts
The theoretical strand of the module will provide an introduction to pertinent theories in mental health. This will include a consideration of models such as the medical model, categorisation models (e.g. the rise of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual), bio-psychosocial model and constructivist models. You'll develop a breadth of general knowledge related to explanatory theories of mental health and illness, in addition to critical approaches to these theories. This will give you a firm grounding relating to theories in this area enabling them to then apply these to real world situations.
In the second term, you will apply the theoretical perspectives from term 1 to an applied scenario , as provided to the module through our external partner organisations. These scenarios address an issue currently facing the organisations, so giving you the opportunity to affect real practice and thereby the lives of their service users. Using an enquiry-based learning approach, you will identify learning issues in your scenario, research and explore theoretical understandings, and develop nuanced recommendations for better practice. These will be written up in a consultancy report, which will be sent to the partner organization.
Specialist Psychology Essay
This module provides you with the opportunity to comprehensively explore an area of interest in depth, within either Psychological Wellbeing or Mental Health under the supervision of a member of staff who has expertise within that field. The particular area will you focus on will be determined by your individual interests, but the final specific essay titles will be agreed in negotiation between the individual student and their supervisor. You'll be supervised through the small group tutorial programme and will have opportunities to discuss your progress with tutors and peers.
Research Project / Dissertation
This module enables you to comprehensively demonstrate your research abilities in relation to a chosen topic. It also develops your dissemination skills through drafting publications aimed at academic, practitioner and service user audiences.
Please note, students have the opportunity to complete a Structured Review (i.e., a non-empirical piece of work) if they so wish.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
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How you're taught
This course starts in late September. A two day induction is provided for all students which introduces you to your course, to your teaching teams and to the university facilities.
The course is completed in one year of full-time study (your final piece of coursework is submitted in late July) or two years part-time. The teaching terms run from late September to Christmas and then from January to Easter. The contact teaching for full-time students is delivered over three days per week, and for part-time students over two days per week.
Study and support
The course is delivered primarily through interactive workshops, seminars and discussions, small group teaching and one-on-one supervision. You are also allocated a personal tutor, who will be your primary point of contact whilst at University. Tutorials are once every other week, but we have an open door policy on the course and aim to be as accessible as possible.
In addition to the course level support, there is also support from a number of centralized services – e.g., the library for academic support, and student support services for help with mental health issues, for those students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, etc.
International students in psychology can also access additional language and study skills support, as well as help in acclimatising, via our own International Student Support Officer. There is also the “Global Lounge” which helps international students to feel part of the wider NTU community by organizing social events and trips out.
Assessment methods
You will be assessed in a variety of ways and on a modular basis through:
- Assessed essays
- Individual presentations
- Exam
- Research proposal
- Work-based portfolio
- Reflective essay
And your research project / dissertation work which is written up as an academic article suitable for publication in a peer reviewed academic journal.
An active research environment
Throughout the course you will benefit from research-informed teaching. Find out more about our psychology research, including our LGBTQ+ Health and Wellbeing Research Group, the Centre for Public and Psychosocial Health, Harm and Stigma Prevention in Forensic Psychology (HASP-FP), Emergency Services Research Unit and International Gaming Research Unit.
World-leading research
- In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 100% of NTU's research environment in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of quality.
In-sessional English language support
In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.
Careers and employability
Your future career in Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health
Students generally choose the MSc Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health because they wish to pursue a career working in a mental health setting or because they already work in such a setting and hope to improve their prospects of promotion and career progression. You may choose to pursue an academic and / or research career in psychology following graduation (by working as a research assistant or associate, for example, or by studying for a PhD).
Your qualification in Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health will be popular with a whole range of potential employers because, in addition to possessing in-depth theoretical knowledge of a range of mental health issues, you will also have acquired transferable skills.
Once you have completed the MSc in Psychological Wellbeing & Mental Health, you will have learned the following skills:
- Writing consultancy reports and essays
- Engaging in reflective practice
- Critical Thinking
- Presentation skills
- Develop research questions
- Time management
- Searching academic databases
- Group Work
- Working independently
- Formulating case plans and therapeutic interventions for clients / patients
- A portfolio of professional skills, addressing resilience and burnout, how to discuss sensitive issues, and professional boundaries
Previous graduates have gone on to careers as:
- Clinical Psychologists
- Psychological wellbeing practitioner
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Research assistant
- Recovery worker
- Independent Mental Health Advocate
- Disability advisor
- Care support worker
You will also benefit from working with local organisations such as Framework, Improving Lives, Fire Fighters Charity, etc. so improving your professional network and skills at working in applied settings.
Please note that for some careers, further study may be required. In all cases, completion of this course will facilitate your progress within such studies.
Careers and job application advice is available to all our postgraduate students and is provided on a one-to-one basis by the School Employability Team, plus our central careers and employability service.
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.
Campus and facilities
As a postgraduate Psychology student, you’ll mainly be studying in the Chaucer, Taylor and Newton buildings, at the centre of our vibrant City Campus. As well as a range of classrooms and lecture theatres, you’ll benefit from our dedicated Psychology learning environments.
We have specialist research laboratories including eye-trackers, motion capture labs, virtual reality and driving simulation suites, a mock prison cell, and an £80,000 EEG system. These facilities support your learning alongside staff research in the exciting areas of human cognition, behavioural neuroscience, human interaction and communication, and human development.
NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to stay busy between lectures. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our stylish Students’ Union building and two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets for every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and much, much more!
Take a few steps off campus and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure. Enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
UK students
Applying with prior qualifications
You will need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.2) in Psychology or an allied discipline such as social science, mental health nursing, health related practice or another recognised equivalent qualification.
Applying with non-standard entry qualifications/experience
Applicants without such qualifications will be considered on an individual basis but will be required to demonstrate how their experiences, their professional qualifications, and / or knowledge would enable them to study this course at Masters-level in their Personal Statement.
Additional requirements for UK students
Your application form requires a written statement in which you should outline the reasons for wishing to undertake the MSc Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health course. We will be looking to ensure that you have a sound rationale for joining the course based on a realistic appreciation of the materials to be studied and the related practice areas.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: You will need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.2) in Psychology or an allied discipline such as social science, mental health nursing, health related practice or another recognised equivalent qualification. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. You will be required to demonstrate how your experiences and knowledge would enable you to study this course at Masters-level in your Personal Statement.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
Your application form requires a written statement in which you should outline the reasons for wishing to undertake the MSc Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health course. We will be looking to ensure that you have a sound rationale for joining the course based on a realistic appreciation of the materials to be studied and the related practice areas.
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
