1. University of York
  2. Program
  3. Masters
  4. MSc Psychology of Mental Health

MSc Psychology of Mental Health

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of York

Program Overview

The MSc Psychology of Mental Health at University of York is a research-led programme for psychology graduates who want to specialise in mental disorders, anxiety, trauma, and clinical research, preparing them for advanced study or mental-health careers.

Curriculum Structure:
In the year, students study core modules like An Introduction to Mental Health (psychopathology & diagnosis), Clinical Practice and Professional Issues (ethics, services, professional roles), and The Cognitive Neuroscience of Anxiety and Trauma (brain–cognition links). They build research skills through Research Design and Statistics, Clinical Research Methods, and complete an independent Empirical Project (dissertation).

Focus areas: “psychopathology, anxiety-trauma neuroscience, clinical ethics, research methods, mental-health interventions”
Learning outcomes: “understand diagnoses, evaluate treatments, apply neuroscience, conduct ethical mental-health research, prepare for doctoral or professional paths”
Professional alignment: follows scientist–practitioner model; strong prep for clinical-psychology PhD or research roles (not a licensed practitioner qualification)
Reputation: recognised for UK research excellence and graduate employability in psychology and mental health.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical research skills through hands-on projects in York's dedicated psychology labs, focusing on educational applications and child development research. This applied learning is central to the programme, with key experiential components including:

  • Research Project: Conducting an empirical dissertation using the department's specialised facilities.

  • Laboratories: Access to York's baby and child development labs for observational research.

  • Software: Training in statistical packages like R for data analysis.

  • Professional Development: Curriculum designed to provide British Psychological Society (BPS) Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

  • Specialist Facilities: Use of the York Neuroimaging Centre for educational neuroscience research where relevant to projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Psychology of Mental Health at the University of York gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills to pursue roles such as clinical psychology trainee, mental health researcher, wellbeing practitioner, and NHS allied health professional:

  • The university’s Careers and Employability Service offers tailored CV workshops, interview coaching, and placement support within NHS trusts and mental health organisations.

  • Graduates enjoy strong employment prospects, with typical starting salaries in clinical and research roles around £28,000 to £38,000, rising with experience.

  • The program is based on the scientist-practitioner model and prepares students for clinical and research pathways in mental health.

  • Strong partnerships with NHS, third sector, and research bodies provide excellent research and placement opportunities.

  • Graduates develop skills in clinical assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and applied mental health research.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can progress to Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) training or PhD research in mental health fields to advance clinical or academic careers.

Program Key Stats

£32,900 (Annual cost)
£12,000
Rolling


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

2.7
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
87
2:2

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Assistant Psychologist
  • Research Assistant
  • Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
  • Mental Health Support Worker
  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) applicant
  • Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) worker
  • Recovery Worker
  • Mental Health Advisor
  • Charity Sector Support Worker
  • Research Officer
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) practitioner

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