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Course type
Certificate
Credits
60

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
1 year 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 Certificate in Mental Health Science

Course code: K46

This postgraduate certificate is for those with an academic or professional interest in mental health science and the biological and psychological underpinnings. Focusing on stress, anxiety and depression, you’ll broaden your knowledge and understanding of these affective disorders, recognising different lines of evidence, and appreciating the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of current knowledge. By the end, you’ll have the necessary skills to critically evaluate current literature, begin to discuss contemporary issues, and communicate a critical understanding of the key mental health science topics you’ve studied.

  • Develop your knowledge and understanding of stress, anxiety and depression
  • Explore current issues and research at the forefront of mental health science
  • Gain professionally relevant skills essential for critically understanding mental health science

This postgraduate certificate is the same as the first half of our Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science (E91) and the first third of our MSc in Mental Health Science (F78).

Course type
Certificate
Credits
60

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
1 year 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

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

Modules

To gain this qualification, you need 60 credits as follows:

60 credits from:

Compulsory module 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

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 20 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health Science. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PGCert 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. 

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.

You may register for Introduction to mental health science (S826) before providing evidence that you meet the entry requirements; however, your place is not guaranteed until you provide this.

You must have either:

  • a UK honours degree (or equivalent) in a science-related subject – including psychological sciences, health science, mental health nursing, medicine, or a BPS-accredited psychology degree. Ideally, your degree included the study of FHEQ level 5 and 6 neuroscience or biological/cognitive psychology
  • evidence of other study or experience you believe equips you to take this qualification.

If you have questions about your suitability, contact the MSc Admissions Panel.

How long it takes

Most students study the Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health Science part-time, completing 60 credits over one year. Typically, this means 18 study hours each week.

You must complete the Postgraduate Certificate in in Mental Health Science within two years.

Career relevance

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

The programme is for those seeking to expand their knowledge and understanding of mental health from an interdisciplinary ‘biopsychosocial’ (neuroscience, psychology and health science) perspective. And for those who wish to advance to doctoral training and those working in clinical roles who want to further inform and strengthen their professional practice.

This qualification is suitable:

  • if you have a personal or professional interest in mental health science and want to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of mental health conditions, and cultivate key practical and professional skills for employment and to strengthen professional practice
  • if you’re working or planning to work in this field (practitioners or policy makers)
  • if you’re seeking employment as a graduate research worker
  • if you want to pursue a research career (or career in academia) and progress to PhD study (e.g. doctoral research in neuroscience, psychology, health sciences and fields allied to medicine)
  • if you want a stepping stone to a career in or to pursue 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)
  • if you’re a graduate established in your field of work, and need a qualification as evidence of professional development (e.g., for promotion to a more senior position, or to take your career in a more specialist direction)
  • if you’re a clinician (including a GP) who wants to specialise further in mental health as part of your continuing professional development
  • if you want to move on to a leadership role or more a senior position in a healthcare setting or policy-related role 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 a roles in the pharmaceutical/life sciences industries).

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