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An image to illustrate the Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science
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.
This postgraduate diploma is the same as the first two-thirds of our MSc in Mental Health Science (F78). The first half of this diploma is the same as our Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health Science (K46).
To gain this qualification, you'll study two compulsory 60-credit modules.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study both of the following:
Introduction to mental health science (S826)
This module introduces mental health science from biological, psychological and social science perspectives, focusing on stress, anxiety and depression.
Next start date: 30 Jan 2027
See full description
6030 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.
Next start date: 03 Oct 2026
See full description
6003 Oct 2026
Subject to regulations, if you’ve passed the discontinued module SD815, you may count this instead of SD816.

By studying the Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science, you’ll:
You’ll study through resource-based online learning, supported by tutors and structured activities.
You’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Dip MHS (Open) after your name.
Your postgraduate diploma may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
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 to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You’ll study the Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science part-time, completing 60 credits per year over a two-year period. Typically, this translates to 16–20 hours of study per week.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.

You must complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science within four years.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
You must have either:
We’ll ask you to prove you have this when you register for your first module. If you have questions about your suitability, contact the MSc Admissions Panel.
We recommend you have:
Our free course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, helps you develop the skills and confidence to manage the requirements and demands of postgraduate study.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
The fees and the funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are for guidance only.
Modules starting in the 2026/27 academic year are 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.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£6,610*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*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.
Learn more about spreading the costs with monthly instalments and our other funding options below.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
This qualification is directly relevant to research and employment in the fields of medical and psychological sciences (including neuroscience, psychology, and 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 for those working in clinical roles who want to deepen their understanding and strengthen their professional practice.
This qualification is suitable:
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
This qualification is open for prebooking. Select the module you will study first, read its full description, and follow the instructions to reserve your place. We’ll contact you when you can complete your registration.
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Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.
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This qualification is open for prebooking. Select the module you will study first, read its full description, and follow the instructions to reserve your place. We’ll contact you when you can complete your registration.
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