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Explore the mind and support better mental health with St Mary’s 100% online MSc Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing
St Mary’s 100% online MSc Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing is designed for graduates from non-psychology backgrounds or those seeking to deepen their understanding of mental health through the lens of psychological science. This flexible course builds a strong foundation in core psychological principles while developing a specialist focus on mental health and wellbeing. It offers an accessible route into psychology-informed careers or further academic study, with content relevant to a wide range of sectors.
You’ll explore all key areas of psychology including biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and individual differences, while gaining critical insight into how these fields inform our understanding of mental health. Conceptual and historical perspectives, alongside contemporary real-world applications, are woven throughout. You’ll also engage with major theoretical debates, such as nature versus nurture and the influence of biology compared to environment, which shape current psychological thinking.
The programme equips you with robust research skills, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. You’ll apply these in an empirical research project that explores a mental health topic of your choice, guided by expert academic supervision. Finally, you’ll graduate with a deeper understanding of mental health and a versatile set of research and analytical skills valued across many professional roles.
BPS Accreditation
An application for British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation has been submitted for this programme. Once approved, graduates will be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). BPS accreditation applies within the UK, students outside the UK should confirm recognition with their local professional bodies.
You’ll develop your capacity to…
Analyse current and historical perspectives in psychology, with a focus on mental health
Apply psychological theory and research to understanding mental health in applied and research settings
Evaluate developmental, social, and neuropsychological processes and their societal impact
Examine mental health concepts using multiple perspectives and research evidence
Design and conduct independent, ethically sound research to professional standards.
And grow your career…
Psychology graduates with expertise in mental health are in growing demand across psychology, healthcare, education, social services, and third-sector organisations. This programme prepares you for a variety of roles where psychological insight into mental health is valuable. It also supports your progression toward further training in clinical, counselling, or health psychology, among other pathways.
With a programme designed for you…
St Mary’s 100% online MSc Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing is delivered entirely online, allowing you to study around your existing professional and personal commitments. Asynchronous content means you can access lectures, readings, and discussion boards at your convenience, wherever you are in the world.
You’ll benefit from responsive academic support, collaborative learning tools, and a curriculum built around real-world application and applied assessment — all while being part of a supportive academic community.
Programme Modules
Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Examine the key psychological factors that influence mental health and wellbeing. This module explores conditions such as anxiety and depression, alongside the biological, psychological, and social factors that affect mental resilience. You’ll engage with frameworks like the biopsychosocial model and evaluate evidence-based, person-centred interventions. The module draws on contemporary research to help you understand prevention, early intervention, and recovery in diverse contexts.
£645
Mental Health in a Modern World
Explore how societal, cultural, and political factors impact mental health. This module examines the intersection of psychology with real-world issues such as inequality, digital culture, and global change. You’ll analyse mental health through an interdisciplinary lens and learn how psychological knowledge informs inclusive interventions that support wellbeing in today’s complex world.
£645
Biology, Brains and Bodies
Explore the biological foundations of human behaviour, focusing on how brain structure and function influence cognition, emotion, and personality. You’ll examine neuropsychological concepts, including neural networks and behavioural genetics, and investigate how typical and atypical biological processes affect psychological phenomena. Through real-world examples and research methods such as twin studies and neuroimaging, you’ll develop a critical understanding of the nature versus nurture debate and the biological roots of psychological traits.
£645
Cognitive Processes
Discover how the human mind processes information by examining core areas of cognitive psychology. You’ll study attention, perception, memory, decision-making, and language, and explore how these functions contribute to our understanding of the mind. Through theoretical models and empirical evidence, you’ll gain a critical perspective on cognitive functioning, including how current research informs real-world applications and clinical practices.
£645
Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
Examine what makes individuals unique by exploring key theories and research in personality, intelligence, emotion, and motivation. You’ll analyse the nature versus nurture debate, investigate psychometric testing, and reflect on how these differences impact wellbeing. This module will encourage personal reflection and critical thinking as you apply concepts to both research and everyday life.
£645
Development Across the Lifespan
Gain insight into how humans develop from birth through to old age, exploring the biological, cognitive, social, and cultural influences that shape our experiences. You’ll analyse key concepts such as attachment, language acquisition, and identity formation, while examining both typical and atypical development. By engaging with contemporary research and theories, you’ll deepen your understanding of how development is influenced by historical, societal, and cross-cultural contexts.
£645
Personality and Individual Differences
Examine what makes individuals unique by exploring key theories and research in personality, intelligence, emotion, and motivation. You’ll analyse the nature versus nurture debate, investigate psychometric testing, and reflect on how these differences impact wellbeing. This module will encourage personal reflection and critical thinking as you apply concepts to both research and everyday life.
£645
Social and Ethical Psychology
Investigate the social forces that shape human behaviour and the ethical considerations that underpin psychological research and practice. You’ll explore topics such as group dynamics, social influence, culture, and identity, while developing your ability to critically assess ethical dilemmas in contemporary psychology. The module bridges traditional and critical perspectives to help you understand the evolving nature of social psychology and the responsibilities of psychologists in society.
£645
Psychological Science: Research Methods and Statistics
Develop your skills in designing, conducting, and analysing psychological research using quantitative methods. You’ll learn to apply statistical tools and specialist software to test hypotheses, interpret data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. The module emphasises ethical research practices and equips you with the analytical skills needed for conducting your own psychological investigations.
£645
Dissertation
Design and conduct an independent research project on a topic of your choice, supported by expert supervision. You’ll apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme to carry out a rigorous, ethically sound study. This module enables you to deepen your understanding of psychological research, from formulating a research question to analysing data and presenting your findings.
£1,935
Entry requirements
To study St Mary's University's 100% online MSc Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing, you will need to have completed:
An undergraduate degree at 2:2 (or higher) in any subject, excluding BPS accredited Psychology degrees.
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English, or most recent education or work experience was not in English will need to demonstrate proficiency by completing an approved English language test such as IELTS (6.0 overall with no individual sub-scores under 5.5), Pearson PTE (55 overall minimum), or equivalent.
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