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An image to illustrate the Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health Science
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.
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).
To gain this qualification, you'll study one 60-credit module.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study 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

By studying the Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health Science, you’ll:
You’ll learn through supported online study, guided activities and expert tutor feedback.
You’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health Science upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Cert MHS (Open) after your name.
Your postgraduate certificate 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 Certificate in Mental Health Science part-time, completing 60 credits over a one-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 Certificate in Mental Health Science within two 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, Introduction to mental health science (S826). 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.
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.

£3,500*
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 2027. 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 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 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, a website, interview simulation and 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.
Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.
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