Mental Health MSc

Online postgraduate degree (MSc)

Want a rewarding career in mental health that makes a difference and to improve your knowledge and understanding of mental health? Make it happen with our online Mental Health MSc.

Apply now

Key facts about your online degree

How you'll study

This course is studied 100% online

Application deadline

Our next deadline is 27th May 2026

Course length

Choose to study over 1 or 2 years

Fees: £9,000

Payment plans available

Start dates

Start in January or September

Course overview

Our online Mental Health MSc is ideal if you are passionate about mental health and want to build on your existing knowledge or start a career specialising in this field. This online mental health course develops in-depth familiarity with the key issues affecting mental health and mental illness in national and international contexts, including legal, ethical and moral considerations, social inclusion and the complex landscape of specialist services.

Through modules in collaborative and specialist mental health care, research methodology and contemporary issues, you will learn to critically evaluate mental health research and explore innovative initiatives that promote recovery from complex mental health problems.

A final major project allows you to undertake your own research or work-based project and apply your learning in depth. Our online masters degree in Mental Health studies enhances your transferable skills and opens up opportunities in public and private health and social care services, charities, schools and other industries in the UK and internationally. Please note that this master's degree in mental health does not lead to a professional qualification as a mental health nurse.

Why choose this course?

Benefit from 100% online learning, giving you the flexibility to fit your studies around other commitments
Learn from experienced and passionate tutors
Develop expert knowledge and understanding of mental health, exploring key issues affecting mental health and mental illness in national and international settings
Learn how to critically analyse and synthesise mental health research
Broaden your career opportunities across a wide range of vital industries
Choose to study over 1 or 2 years depending on your other commitments

What you’ll gain

The ability to critically evaluate mental health research and understand how it informs and develops methods of care
Experience analysing innovative initiatives which promote recovery from complex mental health issues
An expert understanding of mental health issues and specialist mental health care
Transferable skills in communication, research and time management that employers in all industries value
Enhanced readiness for middle or senior-ranking roles such as Mental Health Lead, Advisor, Ambassador or Research Assistant across settings including schools, charities and health and social care services

Next application deadline: 27th May 2026

Apply now

Course modules and assessments

Modules

Due to the structure of this course, there will be instances where you will study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. At all times, you will be supported by our expert team in order for you to help manage your workload and assessment deadlines.

Please contact one of our advisers for further information on the pacing of this course. Our tutors are always happy to discuss the variety of options available to match your circumstances so that you’ll be able to schedule your study around your other commitments.

Promoting Innovation in Mental Health Care

Drawing on examples of good practice from a global perspective, this module focuses on collaborative working within mental health care, an approach which works alongside stakeholders and organisations. The inclusion of service users – along with their families and carers – in decision making has been a major shift in care delivery, as has the move from a medical model to a social model. This shift is underpinned by the emphasis on recovery principles rather than symptom management. The development of peer workers in the UK has also led to recognition of how individuals who have experience of mental health problems can contribute to the recovery of others.

Specialist Mental Health Care

Through studying this module, you’ll have the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge on specific mental health conditions. You will be able to understand and comprehend various specialised aspects of the ‘craft of caring’ for people with a serious mental illness. This module will also give you the chance to acquire a deep understanding of more complex individualised care, helping to improve the quality of treatment that a patient receives. The undertaking of this module will also give you the opportunity to explore varied specialisms in mental health studies, such as forensics, the elderly, those with learning disabilities, carers, child and adolescent mental health care needs. Specialist Mental Health Care will also allow you to consider an international perspective as treatment of, and attitudes towards, mental illness vary globally.

Contemporary Issues in Mental Health Care

Explore current factors in mental health studies from both a national and global perspective and examine a number of issues related to mental health and society. In this module you will develop an understanding of the way in which mental illness is portrayed through the media, as these interpretations of mental health and mental illness can have a significant impact on the way that these illnesses are perceived by society. This includes examining how mental health is represented in the news, on social media and within fictional sources including films and literature. You will examine how health care varies across different cultures and learn how this knowledge can be applied to current, or future, mental health services.

Research Methodology

With the increased emphasis on research in contemporary healthcare, it’s essential that you’re familiar with research methodology. The ability to critically analyse and synthesise research is a necessary skill in the application of research and delivery of effective patient care. You will revisit existing knowledge of the research process and further develop your skills in critical analysis and synthesis. You’ll also have the opportunity to critically appraise the ethical dimensions of research studies that seek to develop, improve and advance healthcare services.

Major Project

The Major Project is central to the Masters award and allows you to demonstrate your ability to synthesise learning from previous modules. You’ll use this learning as the basis for planning, conducting and writing up a literature review, using an enhanced approach to research or a work-based project. This is the opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to raise significant and meaningful questions in relation to your chosen topic and a critical understanding of research methodology and its relation to knowledge. You’ll be able to develop solutions to ethical dilemmas likely to arise in your research or professional practice. As well as expanding existing knowledge to contribute to the development of best practice and critiquing primary research.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways, from writing magazine articles and essays to delivering a presentation and a portfolio.

How you'll study

100% Online study

Dedicated support

Study online and graduate on campus

Our Mental Health MSc is studied 100% online.

You’ll study through Canvas, our world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, pc or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

You can choose to study our Mental Health MSc over 1 or 2 years. Please note that if you choose the 1-year option this is the equivalent of full-time study and may be a challenge if you’re employed full-time or have other life commitments. Our advisers will be happy to talk through your options in more detail.

On successful completion of your studies you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

Entry requirements

What you’ll need to start this course

You’ll need a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree.

If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level - with no individual score being lower than 5.5) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

As a distance learner, you'll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use of our online learning management system (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.

Please note: Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course, as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please contact us for further information.

Fees and Funding

Fees

The full tuition fee for this masters degree in mental health is £9,000.

The tuition fees you pay each year will be between £4,500 and £9,000 depending on how long you take to complete the course. You can choose to study our Mental Health MSc in either 1 or 2 years.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted. Please note that APL may affect your eligibility for a postgraduate loan.

Funding

Your masters in Healthcare Management can be fully funded by the Postgraduate Student Loans now available (subject to eligibility).

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.

What our students say

of our Alumni would recommend studying with ARU Distance Learning

found studying via distance learning either ‘very accessible’ or ‘quite accessible’

felt ‘much more confident’ or 'more confident’ at work

2026 Alumni survey with 268 respondents

I chose to study the MSc in Mental Health because I wanted to increase my knowledge and understanding of current issues in mental health. Professionally, this qualification will provide me with the confidence to seek more opportunities.

Rachel, Mental Health Alumni

Read Rachael's story

I chose ARU for their recognised global standing, their year-on-year improvements in higher education and partnerships with organisations demonstrated their investment in helping students.

David, Healthcare Alumni

Read David's story

The support from ARU has been amazing. Since day one, I have felt so supported and reassured. Being a distance learner, you do not feel like you are on your own.

Sophie, Psychology Alumni

Read Sophie's story

ARU have provided me with a very positive, enjoyable and beneficial learning experience, which I feel very fortunate to have been able to participate in.

Dean, Healthcare Alumni

Read Dean's story

Awards and recognition

Be part of the University of the Year

We're proud to be the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. The prestigious THE awards honour ’exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year, and reflect ARU’s success in delivering high-impact projects during this period, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award recognises the difference we make in the region and our communities – while also acknowledging the broader impact of our world-leading research, and the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

Supported distance learning

We understand that distance learning is different to traditional campus study and if you’re new to online study you may have concerns or apprehensions about studying your MSc Mental Health, and that’s natural.

To help put your mind at ease we have a dedicated Distance Learning Support Team to help and support you throughout your time at ARU, starting with your first online induction and staying with you right through to graduation. In addition, you’ll also be supported by specialist MSc Mental Health tutors, well experienced in supporting distance learning students.

Once you start your MSc Mental Health, we encourage the creation of online communities and many of our learners find these connections with others invaluable, helping them to stay motivated, share concerns or make new friendships.

Visit our support page to learn more about our support services.

Visit support

Careers

Everything you need to know about building your career in mental health

What could an Msc Mental Health do for my career?

While our Mental Health MSc doesn’t lead to a qualification as a mental health nurse, there are a number of careers that this online degree will prepare you for.

Gaining a more specialist understanding of mental health will greatly benefit those aiming for a career in social care, or looking to become an advocate for those with mental illness. Completion of a Mental Health master’s degree can also be a stepping stone to influential roles in local and national government with the aim of making access to mental health services easier for those who need them.

Our degree programme is particularly suited to those already working in health and social care who are interested in progressing their career. Developing a specialism in mental health will open up further career options, allowing you to change roles more easily and making you a more valuable employee. Because our degree is fully online, it is perfectly suited to those who are already working in related industries or those simply looking to seek out a new vocation. Not only does the flexibility of our schedule allow you to fit your study around your working hours, but our course is designed to fit alongside your career so that you will be able to see how the theories that you learn apply in the real world and put your studies into practice in your current role.

What job roles can I consider with a masters in mental health?

MSc graduates will strengthen their employability to open opportunities in middle or senior ranking roles within the Health & Social Care and Education sectors, both nationally, and potentially internationally. These are just some of the job roles that Mental Health MSc graduates may consider:

Mental Health & Wellbeing Practitioner
Education Mental Health Practitioner
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
Psychological Therapist
Support, Time and Recovery Worker
Primary Mental Health Workers
Children's Wellbeing Practitioners
Social Work
Mental health research assistant
Public health Adviser

Please note that some of these roles require further studying and an accredited qualification.

What skills will I get from a mental health masters to help my career?

What can I study after an MSc Mental Health?

Careers Advice Service

Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability Service to help you whatever stage your career, whether that’s landing your dream job or the next progression step.

We offer:

careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
help with your CV, job searches, applications and interview preparation
an online portal packed with useful careers resources
our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.

FAQs

A selection of popular questions

Why Study a Masters Degree in Mental Health?

There is an increasing awareness of the importance of understanding, treating and preventing mental health issues. Not only is awareness of mental health on the rise, but the stigma surrounding mental illness is also on the decline.

But despite increased discourse around, and destigmatisation of, mental health issues, the statistics still indicate major cause for concern, with an average of one in six people reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety to their GP. Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics has reported that during the Coronavirus pandemic, the number of adults suffering from mental health problems doubled.

The prevalence of mental health issues and mental illness demonstrates that the demand for qualified professionals to aid in its understanding and treatment is more urgent than ever.

Studying a mental health Masters will allow you to kick start your career in a way that has a life changing impact on others. Completion of this master’s degree in mental health studies will enhance your employability in a range of industries from government roles which help individuals access vital services, to positions in both public and private health and social care.

With this online Masters in mental health, you will build a career that vastly improves the lives of others.

Why study your online Mental Health masters at Anglia Ruskin University?

When you study a postgraduate degree at a distance learning institution such as ARU, you’ll have full flexibility to study on a schedule that suits your individual needs.

Our online postgraduate mental health course is ideal for anyone who wants to kickstart or advance their career in mental health care. At ARU, we design our distance learning courses with full flexibility in mind in order to accommodate your lifestyle. This means that regardless of your other responsibilities, you can set yourself on the right track to a career that changes lives and makes a real-world impact in improving mental health.

The fully online nature of our master’s degree in mental health studies means that you can craft your own study timetable whilst engaging in full time employment if you choose. This provides an added benefit not only for those already working in mental health and social care positions, as you will be able to apply your learning from day one of your studies, but also for those working in a range of other industries. The opportunity to put the knowledge and methodology that you acquire into practice will allow you to enhance your understanding of the principles and theories surrounding mental health studies.

Our expert tutors are passionate about improving the conditions of mental health awareness and treatment in society, and they are fully equipped to guide you on the way to developing a meaningful career in the mental health arena.

Take the next step, apply today

Next application deadline: 27th May 2026

Your future, on your terms. Apply now before the application deadline.

Apply now