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Mental Health Science

This postgraduate qualification is designed for those with an academic or professional interest in mental health science and the biological and psychological underpinnings of this discipline. It equips students with the necessary skills to critically evaluate the current literature, discuss contemporary issues and communicate a critical understanding of key topics in mental health science. Those who qualify from this programme, will have developed the skills and knowledge that are relevant for pursuing a research career, for employment, and to inform professional practice.

Key features of the course
• Develops knowledge and understanding of key topics in mental health science (stress, anxiety, depression, psychosis and dementia)

• Explores current issues and research at the forefront of mental health science

• Develops skills that are essential for a critical understanding of mental health science and relevant to professional practice.

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science entitling you to use the letters PGDip MHS (Open) after your name. You will have the opportunity of being presented at a degree ceremony.

Recognition in your country
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Read recognition in my country.

Credit transfer
If you've successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards Stage 1, reducing the number of modules you need to study. However, you won't be able to count it towards Stage 2. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Entry requirements

Entry to this qualification will typically require a minimum of an honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in science or a science-related subject (including psychological sciences, health science, mental health nursing or medicine).

If you have other study or experience that you believe equips you to take this qualification you can still apply, but must supply evidence of that study or experience. Your case will be referred to our MSc Admissions Panel. Depending on your previous qualification or experience, some background study may be necessary prior to registering for this qualification or its constituent modules. For further advice, please contact the MSc Admissions Panel.

Please note that this qualification is in two stages. Introduction to mental health science (S826) (Stage 1) should be studied before Core topics in mental health science: psychosis and dementia (SD816) (Stage 2).

All teaching is in English and your proficiency in the English language should be adequate for study at postgraduate level. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend that you have achieved an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7. You can assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies by visiting the IELTS website.

Duration

17 months - 4 years.

You can complete this qualification within 18 months, and up to a maximum of four years of starting the first module.

Number of credits

120 credits

Careers or further progression

Career relevance
This qualification is directly relevant to research and employment in the fields of medical and psychological sciences (neuroscience, psychology, health sciences). It will develop the critical skills and knowledge that are relevant to employment within the health sector, life sciences, medical and related fields, and to inform and strengthen professional practice.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

Further enquiries

Tel: (01) 678 5399
Fax: (01) 678 5442
Email: ireland@open.ac.uk

Subjects taught

Modules

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

Compulsory modules Credits
Introduction to mental health science (S826) 60
Core topics in mental health science: psychosis and dementia (SD816) *60

*Or the discontinued module SD815.

Modules should be studied in the order listed above.

You should note that the University's unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 40 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time.

Course web page

Link to course fee

Key information

Qualification letters: 
PGDip MHS (Open)
Qualifications: 
Postgraduate Diploma at UK Level 7
Attendance Types: 
Distance
Counties: 
Dublin
Apply to: 
Course provider

Course web page

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