MSc Global Mental Health

Mental ill-health is one of the leading causes of the global burden of disease, with high rates of premature mortality, disability, and human rights violations. Nevertheless, it continues to be neglected worldwide. There is insufficient commitment and investment towards care for those living with psychosocial disabilities, as well as initiatives for mental health promotion and prevention.

Study our MSc Global Mental Health to be at the forefront of change in this field. Partnering with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), Kings College London, we pioneered the first specialist course in this area. Our expertise in clinical and public health paired with their long-standing reputation in psychiatry made us the perfect match.

Our course is hosted by the Centre for Global Mental Health. The Centre is dedicated to advancing knowledge and action to reduce inequity in mental health and improve access to high-quality, evidence-based solutions across the world.

Centre members have been at the forefront of many global mental health initiatives. As a student, youll hear about their wide range of research, development, engagement, advocacy and capacity-building projects worldwide.

We offer comprehensive training in all aspects of this evolving and dynamic field. Youll have the opportunity to interact with leading researchers, public mental health practitioners from different global regions, professionals, and communities across relevant disciplines and sectors.

What you will learn

Explore the mental health challenges facing low-resource settings around the globe

Create strategies to reduce the burden of mental disorders

Develop research protocols to investigate key epidemiological, intervention and policy issues

Build confidence communicating ideas and research results with policymakers

Apply research skills to monitor and evaluate mental health programmes

Studying this programme, youll learn how to initiate, develop and oversee mental health programmes in low-resource settings, and to carry out and critically evaluate research in global mental health. These skills will prepare you to make a valuable contribution to research, public health, policy and practice.

Well share our latest research insights into mental health inequalities, as well as mental health across different contexts and the impact on quality of life. As part of the course, youll also carry out your own research. Past students have looked at the impact of issues like climate change and conflict, as well as the role of art and music. Alternatively, you might do a policy report where youll collect data and present it in a way that helps policymakers understand its implications and how it can be applied.

Who is it for?

We want to help create a world where mental health is promoted, people living with psychosocial disabilities are valued and empowered, and their human rights are protected. If you want to help us on this mission, this course is for you.

Youll be the type of person who wants to see a shift to a more holistic approach embraced on a global scale. Perhaps you work in health care, social services, education or government. You might work in international development or non-government organisations. Or you might be interested in this area from a human rights perspective. You might also like to use this degree for intercalated study.

The normal minimum entrance qualification for the MSc Global Mental Health is a first degree at Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) standard from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard; or a registerable qualification in medicine, appropriate to the programme. A background (study, work or volunteer activities) in a mental health-related field is desirable but not essential. Applications with an appropriate technical qualification, or equivalent qualification and experience from overseas, are also welcomed. Given the cross-cutting nature of mental health, the programme caters to a range of disciplinary backgrounds so a psychiatry or psychology background is not mandatory. However, in the absence of a typical disciplinary background for this MSc, applicants will need to use their personal statement to highlight their relevant experience to strengthen their application. Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirement, but who have relevant professional experience may still be eligible for admission. Qualifications and experience will be assessed from the application. Intercalating students You will need the equivalent of a bachelor's degree to undertake an MSc. This will usually require you to have a BSc degree or have completed the first three years of your medical degree.