Psychology of Mental Health MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Dundee

Program Overview

The MSc Psychology of Mental Health at the University of Dundee equips students with advanced theoretical and research skills to understand and investigate the psychological determinants of mental health, including work-based and research placements. It suits psychology graduates or allied-health professionals aiming for research roles, assistant psychologist posts or further training in mental-health disciplines.

Curriculum structure:
In the first stage you will study core units such as Research Foundations (PY51001) and Psychology in Practice (PY50003) where you build methodological rigour, reflective professional skills and apply psychology in workplace settings.
In the next stage you select specialist modules—such as Foundations of Adult Mental Health (PY50429) or Developmental Psychopathology (PY50418)—exploring mental-health across the lifespan, neuro- and developmental appreciations, and the impact of adversity.
The programme concludes with an extended Research Dissertation (PY52004) where you conduct an independent empirical project integrating theory, method and placement experience in a mental-health context.

Focus areas:
"mental health across lifespan, developmental and neuro-psychology of disorders, applied research methods, professional placement experience"

Learning outcomes:
"Graduates will apply advanced research methods to mental-health enquiry, critically evaluate mental-health theory and interventions across lifespan and conduct an independent empirical project in a relevant applied context."

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This MSc provides strong preparation for doctoral study and roles such as assistant psychologist, research assistant or mental-health practitioner; however, it does not itself confer chartered psychologist status.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Dundee’s School of Psychology offers well-equipped labs (EEG, eye-tracking) and excellent links with community and health-services which contribute to graduates gaining research-led and applied mental-health roles post-completion.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through mental health research projects and engagement with clinical approaches. They utilise the School of Psychology's specialist facilities and have access to mental health research groups. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A dissertation in mental health psychology
Facilities: Access to psychology research laboratories
Software: Training in statistical analysis software
Clinical Insights: Teaching from mental health practitioners
Applied Focus: Development of mental health assessment and intervention knowledge

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Psychology of Mental Health at the University of Dundee equips graduates with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical research skills to address mental health challenges. Graduates are prepared for roles in mental health research, clinical support, policy development, and therapeutic services, demonstrating strong employability and career progression opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services include personalized career coaching, employability workshops, and support for securing research and clinical placements.
Graduate employment rates are high, with typical starting salaries ranging between £28,000 and £35,000 depending on role and sector.
The program is supported by partnerships with NHS Health Boards and mental health organizations, offering robust practical experience and networking.
The degree is valued for its research and clinical relevance but is not a professional accreditation; it serves as an excellent foundation for further clinical training.
Typical graduate roles: Mental Health Researcher, Clinical Support Worker, Policy Advisor, and Psychological Therapist.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may progress to doctoral (PhD) research in clinical or mental health psychology or enter professional clinical training pathways such as the MSc Psychological Therapy in Primary Care, a BPS- and BABCP-accredited NHS-funded program.