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Develop your knowledge and skills in mental health research, supported by clinical and academic experts in the field.
Year of entry: 2025 (September)
1 year full-time,
2 years part-time
September 2025 (semester dates)
Join us online or in person to find out more about postgraduate study at York.
Upcoming eventsDevelop your skills and knowledge in mental health research, supported by clinical and academic experts in the field.
Gain the confidence to work in clinical and research roles in mental health. By integrating theory and evidence with clinical practice, you'll develop an in depth understanding of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and psychosis.
You’ll study the evidence base for different treatments and populations, focusing on areas such as child and adolescent mental health, forensic psychology and serious mental illness. Throughout the programme, you'll learn from staff who are active researchers. They'll bring expertise from backgrounds in clinical psychology, psychiatry and mental health nursing to their teaching.
You’ll have access to networking opportunities and research seminars through our Mental Health and Addictions Research Group and the Institute for Mental Health Research at York. You’ll also have the chance to join our regular series of events where mental health professionals and researchers come together to share knowledge and best practices.
This course can also be taken as a postgraduate diploma (PGDip).
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The Mental Health Research MSc has been the best next step in my career. It offers the opportunity to develop an array of research and transferable skills to apply in research and clinical careers with content delivered by leading mental health researchers. The course leaders are supportive and ensure every lecture is interactive, cutting edge and enjoyable.
Abigail, Mental Health Research MSc
You will learn from academics and researchers with extensive experience in mental health research and clinical practice.
You will be supported in your employment goals right from the first semester with dedicated careers guidance and research skills workshops.
From the first semester, you’ll gain hands on experience of cognitive behavioural therapy approaches, explore clinical case studies and learn psychological formulation techniques. You'll interact with internationally recognised academics and healthcare professionals carrying out impactful mental health research. You'll develop an in-depth understanding of research study design and analytical techniques.
Alongside training in clinical mental health through our core modules, you’ll gain practical experience with a range of research methods. You’ll also learn how to write research proposals and evidence briefings.
You’ll undertake an independent research project and we will support you to publish your findings. Graduating as a reflective practitioner, you'll have a firm grounding in research methods.
You will study two option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course
The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. For further information please get in touch.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
In the summer semester, you will focus on an independent research project. You will be encouraged to publish your findings where possible and to communicate your research to wider audiences, for example, through blogs, articles, and presentations.
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £10,090 | £23,910 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. |
£5,045 | £11,955 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2025/26 throughout the year.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
We are pleased to work with Chevening Scholars to offer funding for our Masters programmes. Chevening Scholarships provide one year of fully-funded postgraduate study in the UK for international (including EU) students. The scholarships are open to early and mid-career professionals who have the potential to become future leaders.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures and interactive workshops, designed to provide practical experience and skills training for carrying out mental health research.
You will have access to classrooms and labs in the Department of Health Sciences, and to our virtual learning environment for online resources to facilitate your learning.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
You will be assessed throughout your degree in a variety of ways, including exams and a range of written assignments.
Support will be available during your degree with the Writing Centre and Maths Skills Centre, who can help you develop your academic and study skills. You will be supported by an academic tutor who will work with you to provide feedback on your work and identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
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From the moment you begin studying with us, we'll work with you on your personal development goals and future career aspirations. Whether you're interested in clinical psychology, a PhD or moving straight into a clinical or research role, we provide bespoke support ensuring you graduate in the best position to take your next steps.
You’ll have access to careers workshops, research networking opportunities and guidance with clinical psychology and PhD application processes from our programme team.
Graduates from our programme have progressed to clinical roles in the NHS and third sector mental health organisations, including assistant psychology and wellbeing practitioner positions.
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2.2 or equivalent in a relevant subject, for example, psychology, nursing, social work or medicine. Applications are also welcome from intercalating medical students, and from candidates with sufficient work experience in mental health. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 459-494, with 426-458 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
Get in touch if you have any questions
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