The study materials guide your project planning and help with searching and evaluating the literature and writing your dissertation. As part of your first assignment, you’ll develop a proposal for a project on your chosen topic, guided by your tutor-supervisor.
Your project will typically be literature-based and must:
Project proposals that are health and social care-based or have a primary focus other than biological/psychological (e.g. education) fall outside this scope. Two intermediate submissions will help you to keep your project on track. You should check the SXH890 website and online forums frequently. This module also includes group discussions, online tutorials, and an online peer review activity.
The module is good preparation for further research in mental health science. It will develop skills and knowledge relevant to employment within the health sector, life sciences, medical and related fields, which will inform and strengthen professional practice.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
All materials are online. The module website includes:
You can only study this module as part of specific Open University qualifications.
SXH890 is a compulsory module in our:
MSc project module for MSc in Mental Health Science (SXH890) starts once a year – in November.
It will next start in November 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in November 2029.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
You must have completed both Introduction to mental health science (S826) and Core topics in mental health science (SD816).
You might find the following books helpful before and during your studies:
Your project must include a literature review. You’ll have to access literature resources electronically and undertake substantive online searches of electronic databases and journals. You’ll also be able to participate in online forums and activities. Consequently, you’ll spend extensive time using a computer and the internet.
The module uses real-time (synchronous) and asynchronous online discussions and an interactive whiteboard space. If you use assistive technology or have a hearing or speech impairment and have concerns about accessing this type of virtual environment and materials, you can visit the system provider’s website for information and contact us to discuss your options.
Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of module material are available where possible. Some online components might not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Due to our use of external websites and third-party content, we can’t guarantee the accessibility of all module components. PDF versions of most journal articles are available through the OU library and HTML full text. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader: mathematical and scientific notation could be particularly difficult to read in this way. If you use a screen reader to access material on screen, check that it’s compatible with the Open University Library’s electronic databases and resources before you start.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 07 Nov 2026 | 31 Oct 2027 | 08 Oct 2026 | Not yet available* |
| *This start date is open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed. We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information on the 25th of March. |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
