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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.

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

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

30 Jan 2027

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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Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health Science

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