Clinical Mental Health Sciences

The MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences at University College London is a comprehensive postgraduate programme designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills related to mental health assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. This course offers a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, and social sciences to foster a holistic understanding of mental health disorders. Students will explore various topics, including the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to mental illness, as well as contemporary models of diagnosis and treatment. The programme emphasizes evidence-based practice, encouraging students to critically evaluate research and apply it to clinical settings. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical placements, learners will develop essential skills in clinical assessment, communication, and ethical decision-making. The course also prioritizes the development of research competencies, enabling students to undertake independent investigations into areas of mental health interest. Designed for those aspiring to work in clinical settings, mental health research, or further academic study, this MSc prepares graduates for roles such as clinical psychologists, mental health practitioners, or researchers. The programme is delivered by esteemed faculty with extensive clinical and research experience, ensuring that students receive high-quality education grounded in current best practices. Overall, the MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences at UCL aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes necessary to make a meaningful impact in the mental health field and to contribute to the advancement of mental health services and research.

Students will develop an in-depth understanding of current evidence regarding mental health problems and the interventions provided to address them, as well as enhancing their research skills. A wide range of options from across the School of Life and Medical Sciences at UCL allows students to tailor a programme that fully fits their needs.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of 1–2 core double modules (30–60 credits), 4–6 optional modules (60–90 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits).

A diploma may be awarded to students who complete the equivalent of 8 taught single modules, amounting to 120 credits.

A certificate may be awarded to students who complete the equivalent of 4 taught single modules, amounting to 60 credits.

Core modules

• Core Principles of Mental Health Research (double module)
• Clinical Mental Health (double module – compulsory only for those who do not have at least six months’ full-time experience, or the equivalent, of working in mental health settings).

Optional modules

• Students who take the Clinical Mental Health module will choose at least one option (15 credits) from the following:
• Current Research in Depression and Anxiety
• Current Research in Dementia
• Current Research in Learning Disability
• Current Research in Psychosis
• Mental Health Services – Policy, Design and Evaluation
• Culture in the Clinic
• Advanced Treatment and Management of Dementia (only to be taken if Current Research in Dementia has already been taken)
• Please note: Students who do not take the Clinical Mental Health module will select at least three modules (45 credits) from the above list
• Any UCL modules approved by the Programme Director can be selected to make up the remaining credit(s). Note that due to timetable clashes only one Institute of Child Health module may be taken by each student. Approved options, from across UCL, include:
• Ethnicity, Migration and Health (Department of Epidemiological and Social Methods in Public Health)
• Social Determinants of Health (Department of Epidemiology and Public Health)
• Higher Functions of the Brain (Institute of Neurology)
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Child Mental Health (UCL Institute of Child Health)
• Interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health – Psychological (UCL Institute of Child Health)
• Quality Improvements in Health (UCL CHIME)
• Neuroimaging: Introductory Science and Methods (Institute of Neurology)
• Neuroimaging: Imaging Modalities (Institute of Neurology)
• Treatment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health - Pharmacological (UCL Institute of Child Health)
• (Note that due to timetable clashes only one UCL Institute of Child Health module may be taken by each student)

NB: due to timetable clashes only one UCL Institute of Child Health module may be taken by each student.

Research project/report

All students undertake a final project. This may be a research project, to be reported as a paper of 6,000-8,000 words ready for submission to a specified journal, a blog of 1,000 words and a 20-minute talk, or a clinical project of 10,000 words reporting on a clinical topic or service evaluation.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars and workshops, with considerable use of supporting online learning. Assessment methods include one unseen examination, coursework including designing questionnaires and protocols and analysing data, giving talks and presenting posters, and a final report in the format of a journal paper or brief for clinicians or service planners.

Placement

The programme team support students in obtaining volunteer placements in relevant mental health care and research settings, but this is not a formal part of the course and is entirely optional.

An upper second-class Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related scientific or social science discipline, or a professional health qualification (medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, social work) or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
Candidates who do not have at least six months’ full-time work experience (or the equivalent) in a mental health service setting or in clinical mental health research are required to take the Clinical Mental Health double module.

The MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences at University College London offers a comprehensive overview of funding options available to prospective students. The program itself benefits from various financial aid packages, including scholarships, bursaries, and student loans, which aim to support students financially throughout their studies. UCL provides several merit-based scholarships specifically for postgraduate students, such as the UCL Graduate Research Scholarships and specific departmental awards. These scholarships often cover partial tuition fees and sometimes include maintenance stipends, especially for research-centric programmes. Additionally, external funding sources such as national research councils, charitable foundations, and professional bodies may offer grants and bursaries for students pursuing mental health sciences. It is recommended for applicants to explore options like the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) grants, which provide generous support for research students.

International students should consider additional funding avenues such as the Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and university-specific awards designed to attract students globally. UCL also provides personalized financial advice and resources through its Student Funding Office, guiding applicants in identifying suitable funding options and completing necessary applications. Furthermore, students can consider part-time work opportunities and Teaching Assistantships to help offset living expenses. Loan options are widely available through the UK government for eligible students, including postgraduate loan schemes which can cover tuition fees and living costs.

Students are encouraged to meticulously review the specific eligibility criteria and deadlines for each funding source. The overall cost of the MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences includes tuition fees, which vary for domestic and international students, as well as accommodation, living expenses, study materials, and travel. UCL’s transparent fee structure and financial support programs are designed to reduce the economic barriers for students pursuing advanced studies in mental health sciences. Prospective students should regularly monitor the UCL website and contact the university’s financial support services for the most current information regarding available funding options and application procedures.

The MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to equip students with in-depth understanding and practical skills related to mental health. This program is ideal for individuals seeking careers in clinical psychology, mental health research, or related fields. The curriculum covers various aspects of mental health assessment, diagnosis, and intervention strategies. Students are introduced to evidence-based practices and the latest developments in mental health sciences.

Throughout the program, students engage with a variety of modules including abnormal psychology, research methods, neuropsychology, and psychological therapies. UCL's focus on empirical research allows students to develop strong analytical skills, critically evaluate scientific literature, and design their own research projects. The program also emphasizes understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence mental health, fostering a multidisciplinary perspective.

Taught by leading experts and researchers in the field, the MSc offers opportunities for practical training through internships and collaborative projects with clinical settings. Students benefit from UCL’s extensive network of mental health services and research centers, providing real-world experience and professional development opportunities. The program prepares graduates for further clinical training, PhD research, or careers in mental health policy, advocacy, and service provision.

The MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences typically spans one year full-time or two years part-time. Admission requirements include a relevant undergraduate degree, usually in psychology, neuroscience, or a related discipline, along with a strong academic record. Prospective students should demonstrate a commitment to mental health issues and possess analytical and communication skills suitable for rigorous scientific work.

UCL is renowned for its research-driven environment and commitment to societal impact, integrating the latest scientific advances into its teaching. The program’s campus is situated in the heart of London, offering access to a vibrant cultural and professional hub, with numerous resources for students pursuing careers in mental health research or clinical practice.

Graduates of the MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences are well-positioned to pursue further clinical training, such as becoming a chartered psychologist, or to continue their research studies with a PhD. Many alumni also find roles in mental health advocacy, policy development, and non-governmental organizations that address mental health issues locally and globally. The program’s multidisciplinary approach and emphasis on empirical evidence make it a strong foundation for a wide array of career paths in the mental health sector.