Psychology of Mental Health (MSc)

How will I be taught?

• Our teaching is informed by our research and combines academic rigour with practical relevance. Our internationally acclaimed teaching team consists of academics who are at the forefront of knowledge within their field. They bring the lessons learnt from their most recent research into the classroom, giving you access to up to date real life examples and scenarios and critical psychological thinking.
• Most modules involve a mixture of lectures, small group teaching (seminars and tutorials) and practicals. In a lecture, the lecturer will be giving an overview of a particular aspect of the module content (as well as opportunities for you to ask questions and be reflective). Lectures are recorded and are available soon after delivery to help with clarity and understanding of the topic. In seminars and tutorials, you will have an opportunity to discuss ideas, apply concepts and consolidate your understanding in the topic. In practicals, you will be able to apply the techniques and theory you have learnt about and get experience conducting experiments.
• In your dissertation, you will work in small groups together with a supervisor to complete a novel research project. You will use your group to generate ideas and discuss general issues to do with your dissertation topic as well as having an individual input.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods vary from module to module. You can expect a mixture of exams, coursework, essays, practical work, presentations, individual and group projects.

How will I be supported?

You will be allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of your studies. Normally, your personal tutor will teach on your programme, and you will keep the same personal tutor throughout.

Your personal tutor will be able to give you advice on academic issues. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies, your personal tutor should always be your first point of contact; they will be able to put you in touch with the wide range of expert student support services provided by the University and the Students' Union as appropriate.

For day-to-day information, the Professional Academic support staff of our Postgraduate Student Hub are available, in person, by telephone or by email during term time to answer your questions.

You will be provided with written feedback on all coursework. This will be given in sufficient time to inform you how to complete the next piece of related work. You are also encouraged to speak to your tutors if you require extra guidance on how to improve.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Display a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of key psychological theories, concepts, and their historical development, with a focus on mental health.
• Critically evaluate psychological theories and concepts, using empirical evidence to support analysis and argument, within and beyond the field of psychology, with a focus on mental health.
• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of the relevance and limitations of psychological research in real-world contexts and across cultures and communities.
• Demonstrate a specialist knowledge of key research paradigms, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, ethical issues, digital tools, and appropriate statistical techniques, to psychological inquiries.

Intellectual Skills:

• Critically apply and evaluate a range of research techniques, including quantitative and qualitative methods, and measurement techniques, to research questions, using digital/electronic tools and appropriate statistical methods.
• Demonstrate effective application of scientific research skills to design ethically sound experiments, and critical assessment of research questions using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Independently design and conduct a research project using theory and empirical research.
• Critically evaluate to a specialist level how psychological factors influence behaviour in research with a focus on mental health.
• Synthesize psychological theory and empirical research to propose practical, evidence-based therapeutic interventions for individuals with mental health conditions.  

Professional Practical Skills:

• Display application of specialist ethical principles in psychological research and professional practice with a focus on mental health.
• Reflect on and evaluate the application of psychological theory and practice.
• Communicate complex psychological ideas and their evaluation clearly, using verbal, written, and digital formats, while considering diversity and ethical implications.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Independently gather information and generate ideas, including the use a range of digital tools to communicate information clearly and appropriately, with an awareness of audience.
• Contribute to teamwork in situations with a mental health focus, with the necessary skills for collaboration, showing sensitivity to interpersonal and contextual factors.
• Effectively collect, store, and use data in psychological research and practice, and show critical appreciation of different techniques for doing so.
• Clearly present complex information in a variety of contexts and teams to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Reflect on personal strengths and weaknesses for ongoing development.