1. Kings College London
  2. Program
  3. Masters
  4. MSc Psychiatric Research

MSc Psychiatric Research

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Kings College London

Program Overview

he MSc Psychiatric Research at King’s College London equips students with advanced knowledge of psychiatric disorders, their causes, and research methodologies. It suits those aiming for academic, clinical, or research careers in psychiatry, psychology, or neuroscience.

Curriculum Structure:
Students explore modules such as Research Methods in Psychiatry, Advanced Statistics, and Neurobiology of Mental Disorders. The program integrates theoretical learning with practical lab experience, focusing on quantitative and qualitative research design. The Research Dissertation allows students to conduct independent investigation under expert supervision at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN).

Focus Areas: "Psychiatric disorders, neuroscience, research methodology, data analysis, mental health innovation"

Learning Outcomes: "Students gain expertise in psychiatric research design, statistical analysis, and critical evaluation of mental health studies."

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Offered by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), globally recognized for psychiatric and neuroscience research excellence.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): King’s College London ranks among the world’s top 25 universities (QS) and is a leader in mental health and psychiatric research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme focuses on applying health psychology theories and research methods to real-world clinical and public health challenges. Students develop practical skills through hands-on research projects and access to King's world-class health science facilities. This applied approach is delivered through:

  • Health Psychology Labs: Access to specialised research facilities within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), including psychophysiology equipment and behavioural observation suites.

  • Research Methods Training: Practical experience with statistical software like SPSS and R, plus qualitative data analysis tools such as NVivo for health-related research.

  • Substantial Research Project: A major empirical dissertation where students design and conduct original research in areas like chronic illness management, health behaviour change, or psychosocial oncology.

  • Clinical Research Links: Opportunities to engage with ongoing health psychology research through King's Health Psychology Research Group and its partnerships with NHS trusts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of King’s College London MSc Psychiatric Research develop advanced research and statistical skills for mental health careers. Typical job roles include Psychiatric Researcher, Clinical Trial Coordinator, Policy Advisor, and Scientific Writer:

  • King’s Careers Service, IoPPN research office, and NHS provide guidance, placements, and networking, as well as dissertation project supervision by active researchers.

  • High graduate satisfaction (100% in recent surveys); typical starting salaries range £32,000–£40,000 with excellent clinical, academic, and consultancy opportunities.

  • Practical partnerships include SLaM NHS Foundation Trust, Centre for Neuroimaging, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre.

  • Highly regarded for research excellence, the program equips graduates for high-impact academic, clinical, and industry leadership.

  • Graduates make substantial contributions to psychiatric research, treatment innovation, and policy development worldwide.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates often progress to PhD, clinical psychology doctorates, or leadership roles in health research, furthering expertise and influence in psychiatry and mental health.​

Program Key Stats

£42,800 (Annual cost)
£18,150
Sept Intake : 9th Mar


13 %
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
92
2:1
1190
29

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Graduates have gone on to work in a variety of organisations including: The NHS
  • The TCES Group
  • Hackney Learning Trust
  • The Depaul Charity
  • Colombo Institute of Research & Psychology
  • Al Masarra Hosptial

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