What is the role of empathy in the therapeutic process? How do you deliver tailored 1-2-1 support? In what ways does compassionate mind training support practitioner wellbeing?
Develop your clinical skills (including assessment, formulation, intervention design and evaluation) and knowledge of theories related to promoting psychological wellbeing. Evaluate therapeutic methods and enhance your reflective practice. You’ll complete a service-based dissertation project focused upon developing and advancing care and practice in a particular area.
The course is designed to support the development of core clinical competencies. It focuses on person-centred care in mental health settings and shaping professional practice values.
Through the core units, you’ll develop a thorough understanding of theoretical and practice frameworks in mental health settings, reflective practice and practitioner wellbeing.
You’ll explore popular therapeutic approaches (...
1 year, full-time
2 years, part-time
Who is the course for?
Our masters course is for those with an interest in working in mental health settings or those hoping to pursue a professional doctorate in clinical psychology or counselling psychology, or PhD study.
You might be a social worker, a mental health nurse, an occupational therapist working in mental health services, an educator, or a medical practitioner. Whichever field you work in, you’ll focus on connecting theory with practice, developing your awareness of yourself as a practitioner, and improving your clinical skills.
What will you study and how will you learn?
Through this course, you’ll advance your clinical skills in assessment, formulation, intervention planning, evaluation, reformulation and reflection. You’ll be able to critically consider the use of a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques across a variety of situations, supporting people with differing needs and strengths.
Some of the topics you’ll study include therapeutic approaches (with an emphasis on person-centred), and key policies and guidelines relating to common conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
You’ll consider theory-practice links appropriate to both the NHS and private sectors. This is to encourage you to develop a wider perspective on healthcare and the ability to critically appraise mental health provisions.
We focus on practitioner wellbeing in this course to help you become a self-aware and resilient practitioner. As a graduate, you’ll be able to recognise and meet your own wellbeing needs, as well as support those of your colleagues and clients.
You’ll learn through a variety of teaching methods, including preparatory materials, workshops and enrichment sessions to further support your academic development as a postgraduate student.
We assess your work through a variety of methods, such as critical essays, reports and problem based learning. Your final research piece is a dissertation focusing on mental health and wellbeing service development.
Typically, your dissertation consists of an empirical paper and a recommendations article. Your empirical paper will be up to 6,000 words and presents the theoretical basis, undertakings and findings of your work. Your recommendations article (normally 2,000 words) highlights implications and recommended changes informed by the findings of your work.
When will you study?
Full-time students should ensure they are able to attend all teaching and supervision meetings to maximise their learning experience throughout the course.
In year two, part-time students will need to attend core teaching sessions and allow time for dissertation prep. We recommend one day per week is allocated for independent study for the dissertation from the beginning of year two.
All students should be available for meetings with tutors and supervisors throughout the year.
Students should ensure they are available for the 40-hour integrated placement throughout the week during term two, to accommodate the schedule offered by the placement provider.
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
A 2:1 or above in an undergraduate degree course or overseas equivalent related to the allied health/social care professions (eg. psychology, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, social work, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, education), is typically required. Applicants with a 2:2 or equivalent in a relevant degree subject are also encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Successful completion of one unit within this course requires a full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure you are able to undertake a suitable placement component. The cost of the DBS check is included in your academic fees and further information about the DBS policy at MMU can be found here.
Finally, we will specifically look for applicants who can showcase their ability to develop skills in reflective and ethical practice.
Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here.
If you are unsure as to whether you meet the entry requirements for the course, please liaise with the admissions team who can provide further information.
Full-time fee: £9,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £1584 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Full-time fee: £18,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £3084 per 30 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books, e-books, and journals required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing.
This course provides a comprehensive theoretical and research foundation opening doors to a wide variety of careers in mental health settings working with different client groups. You could pursue a leadership position in the health and social care sector or work in civil services.
You will be well placed to progress to further training in psychological therapies and psychological wellbeing. This course also enhances your competencies, potentially allowing you to apply for Doctoral training in clinical or counselling psychology.
Please contact our course enquiries team.
The application submission deadlines for September 2024 entry are:
International students: Monday 22nd July 2024
UK or Home/ Channel Islands/ IOM students: Applications remain open - deadline to be confirmed
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.