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Course type: Diploma
Credits: 120

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes: 2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Course cost: See Fees and funding
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science

: Course code: E91

This postgraduate qualification is for those with an academic or professional interest in mental health science and this discipline’s biological and psychological underpinnings. It equips you with the necessary skills to evaluate the current literature critically, discuss contemporary issues and communicate an understanding of key topics in mental health science. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge relevant for pursuing a research career, for employment, and informing professional practice.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Next start
Introduction to mental health science (S826) This online module introduces mental health science from biological, psychological and social science perspectives, focusing on stress, anxiety and depression and develops postgraduate study skills. See full description Register	60	30 Jan 2027
Core topics in mental health science: psychosis and dementia (SD816) This module takes an interdisciplinary ‘biopsychosocial’ approach to understanding psychosis and dementia, focusing on diagnosis, causes and interventions. See full description Register	60	03 Oct 2026
Or, the discontinued module SD815.

Compulsory modules

Credits

Next start

Introduction to mental health science (S826)

This online module introduces mental health science from biological, psychological and social science perspectives, focusing on stress, anxiety and depression and develops postgraduate study skills.

See full description

30 Jan 2027

Core topics in mental health science: psychosis and dementia (SD816)

This module takes an interdisciplinary ‘biopsychosocial’ approach to understanding psychosis and dementia, focusing on diagnosis, causes and interventions.

See full description

03 Oct 2026

Or, the discontinued module SD815.

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.

On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PGDip MHS (Open) after your name.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

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.

The programme is designed for those seeking to expand their knowledge and understanding of mental health from an interdisciplinary ‘biopsychosocial’ (neuroscience, psychology and health science) perspective. It is suitable for those who wish to move on to doctoral training, as well as those who are working in clinical roles who wish to further inform and strengthen their professional practice.

This qualification is suitable:

for those with a personal or professional interest in mental health science, who wish to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of mental health conditions, and cultivate key practical and professional skills required for employment and to strengthen professional practice

for those who are working in or planning to work in this field (practitioners or policy makers)

for those seeking employment as graduate research workers

for those wishing to pursue research careers (and careers in academia) and progress to PhD study (e.g. doctoral research in neuroscience, psychology, health sciences and fields allied to medicine)

as a stepping stone to a career in clinical psychology, or pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology

as professional development or for clinical roles in the NHS or other healthcare settings (including mental health nursing, behavioural therapy, psychological counselling etc.) that require specific expertise in this field (focusing on mood and affective disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and the dementias)

for graduates who are established in their field of work, and use the qualification as evidence of professional development (e.g. for promotion to more senior positions, or who may wish to take their career in a more specialist direction).

for clinicians (including GPs) who wish to specialise further in this area (Mental Health) as part of their continuing professional development

for others who may wish to take this course and move on to a leadership role or more senior positions in healthcare settings or policy-related roles in local or national organisations, or to move into the private sector (scientific publishing, education, teaching and advocacy, human resources, occupational health, management, consultancy or roles in pharmaceutical/life sciences industries).

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

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Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science

Modules

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

How long it takes

Career relevance

Request your prospectus

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How to register

Modules

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

How long it takes

Career relevance

Request your prospectus

Where do you live?