MENTAL HEALTH at Canterbury Christ Church University

Why Msc Mental health?

Poor mental health affects a wide range of factors including our physical health, our relationships and our desire to take part in the world around us. Research highlights that poor mental health is an inevitable consequence of inequalities, adverse childhood experiences and trauma. How can we best respond to people whose lives are most affected by these factors? What are the key challenges faced by mental health service users and service providers? 

Students will learn about the importance of trauma-informed responses and responses that empower and support an individual in realizing their capabilities. We will explore the debates about diagnostic systems; dependence on the use of medications and the scarcity of talking therapies for people in mental distress.  How can we better plan for an inclusive mental health system that ensures there is no health without mental health? 

The MSc in Mental Health will provide structured learning to support the development of informed, inclusive and skilled practitioners and researchers. The course does not lead to a professional qualification (such as nursing, or counselling) but it does equip you for employment and progression in the mental health field. It would also benefit anyone likely to encounter people with mental health problems in the course of their daily work (e.g. housing officers, teachers, advice workers). The course covers current issues in mental health provision both in the UK and in a wider international context. 

Who is this course for?

The MSc in Mental Health programme is suitable for a wide range of people likely to have contact with the general public. Increasingly public facing roles include the need to recognize and understand the challenges of providing support to others in mental crisis. It is also aimed at graduates who want to start a career in mental health or for practitioners seeking to improve their practice. It would  suit researchers and policy makers with an interest in improving outcomes for people experiencing mental distress. 

The course provides flexible options for study and individual modules for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) can be studied to meet the needs of a wide range of professionals including: 

• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Nurses
• Occupational Therapists
• Paramedics
• Probation Officers
• Police Officers
• Medical Practitioners
• Healthcare workers

What can i do next?

Students undertaking the MSc Mental Health will be graduates entering the field or experienced practitioners who will bring their existing knowledge and skills to the course. It will provide the opportunity to share and learn from other practitioners from across the health and social care sector. Many jobs in this field require that you have work experience as well as knowledge of the key aspects of mental health care.  Please note that we do not provide you with work experience so this is an aspect of your development that you will need to organize.  We can give you advice on the type of volunteering or paid work that will enhance your employability. 

During your studies you will be accumulating the key knowledge and skills needed to demonstrate that you are equipped to respond effectively to needs of people in mental distress.  Evidence of your learning along with any work-based experience you are able to arrange for yourself will improve your job applications or enhance your prospects of career progression.