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MSc Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture at the University of Exeter is an interdisciplinary programme that explores psychedelics from scientific, medical, psychological, philosophical, and cultural perspectives. The programme is ideal for students, healthcare professionals, researchers, therapists, and those interested in the future of psychedelic research, as it develops knowledge of psychedelic science, therapeutic applications, ethical considerations, and their wider impact on society.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
During this one-year master’s programme, students explore the foundations of psychedelic studies through core modules such as Psychedelics – Mind: Metaphysics and Neuroscience, Psychedelics – Medicine: Clinical Application and Evaluation, and Psychedelics – Culture: History, Anthropology, Ethics. These modules help students understand how psychedelics influence the brain, their potential role in healthcare and therapy, and the ethical, historical, and cultural discussions surrounding their use.
Students develop research and analytical skills through modules including Behavioural Science Research Skills, Introduction to Statistics, and Current Research Issues in Psychedelics. These modules enable students to critically assess scientific evidence, understand research methodologies, and evaluate current developments in the growing field of psychedelic studies.
The programme concludes with Project Psychedelic, where students complete an independent research project focused on an area of interest within psychedelic studies. Students can also choose optional modules such as Magic and Ritual, Current Issues in Mind and Cognition, Behavioural and Systems Neuroscience, Philosophy and Psychedelics, and Advances in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience, allowing them to explore specialist areas across psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and healthcare.
Focus Areas:
Psychedelic science, psychedelic-assisted therapy, neuroscience, clinical applications, psychology, medicine, philosophy of mind, consciousness studies, ethics, anthropology, cultural studies, behavioural science, research methods, mental health innovation, altered states of consciousness
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the scientific and cultural foundations of psychedelics, evaluate current psychedelic research, explore therapeutic applications, analyse ethical and social issues, develop research skills, apply critical thinking to scientific evidence, understand neuroscience and consciousness, examine cultural perspectives, complete independent research projects, communicate complex ideas effectively
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The MSc Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture provides specialised academic training in the emerging field of psychedelic studies. The programme develops interdisciplinary skills relevant to careers in healthcare, psychology, research, counselling, mental health innovation, and future psychedelic-assisted therapy fields.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Exeter offers a research-led learning environment with expertise across neuroscience, medicine, psychology, philosophy, and cultural studies. Through this interdisciplinary programme, students gain insights from academics involved in advancing research and understanding of psychedelics, preparing them for future opportunities in this rapidly developing area.
Students on the University of Exeter's MSc in Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture develop practical skills through interdisciplinary research projects and engagement with clinical, anthropological, and policy-based approaches. They utilise the university's specialist research centres and have access to unique archives and labs. This experiential learning is delivered through:
Research Project: A substantial independent dissertation on a psychedelics-related topic, often using qualitative, historical, or mixed methods.
Centre Links: Direct engagement with the Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health and the Exeter Centre for Ethnobotanical Studies.
Digital Tools: Use of digital humanities tools and qualitative analysis software like NVivo for researching cultural and historical data.
Archival Work: Potential access to the Bodleian Libraries' historic psychedelic collections and Exeter's own ethnobotanical archives.
Seminars & Networks: Participation in seminars and events with the Exeter Psychedelic Research Network, connecting with leading academics and practitioners.
Graduates of the MSc Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture at the University of Exeter are prepared for interdisciplinary careers and research roles in emerging psychedelic therapies, mental health treatment, and cultural studies. Typical roles include Psychedelic Therapist, Clinical Researcher, Policy Advisor, and Mental Health Practitioner.
Exeter’s Student Support and Employability services offer dedicated career advice, mentorship, and connections to cutting-edge research and healthcare networks.
The psychedelics healthcare industry is growing rapidly, with predicted market values reaching £8.4 billion by 2028, creating new career opportunities.
The program is taught by world-leading researchers with extensive university and healthcare partnerships in psychedelic research and therapy.
Graduates benefit from long-term career prospects in psychedelic medicine, mental health, and interdisciplinary research fields.
Graduates successfully enter research, clinical, policy, and therapeutic roles.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often continue to doctoral research in psychedelic science, clinical psychology training, or advanced interdisciplinary roles.
The MSc Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture programme is taught at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, Exeter, Devon, UK, providing students with access to a research-focused academic environment and specialist university facilities.2:1 degree in any subject. Candidates with relevant professional or practical experience will be considered.English language requirements include IELTS Academic (including Online and One Skill Retake) with an overall score of 6.5 and no band below 6.0, or TOEFL iBT (including Home, Paper Edition, and MyBest Scores) with an overall score of 90 and a minimum of 21 in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.The University of Exeter does not charge an application fee for postgraduate taught Master’s applications.India: Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK Second-Class Honours (2:1).USA: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2/4.0.China: A bachelor’s degree from a Chinese university recognized by the Ministry of Education with a minimum score of 75% for UK 2:1 equivalence.Assistant PsychologistResearch Assistant (in NHS/clinical settings)PhD Researcher (Clinical Psychology)Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) TraineeHigh-Intensity Therapist (IAPT) TraineeMental Health Support Worker
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