THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

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1 THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION FOR MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) 1) Awarding Institution: University of Edinburgh 2) Teaching Institution: University of Edinburgh 3) Programme accredited by: British Psychological Society 4) Final Award: MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) 5) Programme Title: MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) 6) UCAS Code: Not applicable Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group(s): Psychology 7) Post-holder with overall responsibility for QA: Suzanne O Rourke 8) Date of production/revision: March ) External Summary ( words) The MSc in Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) is a British Psychology Society accredited degree programme in psychology. Graduates will be eligible to apply for graduate basis for chartered membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society and will be able to pursue careers as psychologists. The programme covers all areas of psychology but is unique in its focus on mental health. We will consider how the various areas of psychology, including developmental psychology, neuropsychology, differential psychology, cognition, and social psychology help us to undestand mental health and illness. Students will also learn psychological research methods and undertake their own research project in an area relating to mental health. The programme will provide students with a firm grasp of psychology as a science and also its applciation to mental health and illness. The programme is based in the Clinical Psychology but will be delivered jointly with the department of Psychology. Students will benefit from studying with world-leading experts in many areas of psychology including, clinical psychology, neuroscience, developmental science and differential psychology.

2 10) The educational aims The principal aim of the Programme is to offer a BPS accredited MSc Conversion programme that covers psychology as a science and relates this specifically to understanding mental health and illness. Students will also develop a range of research skills and carry out their own research project on an area relating to mental health. The programme aims to: Enable students to develop in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of psychology as a science Encourage psychological literacy in all aspects of students lives Encourage students to consider how psychological perspectives can aid our understanding of mental health and illness Develop research knowledge that will enable students to discuss, share, present and analyse data and information in various formats and from a range of sources. Develop research methods and data analysis skills Equip students with a wide range of transferable skills including: o Skills of critical thinking, high level of judgment and decision making o Self-evaluation and reflection skills o Time-management skills o Oral and written communication skills 11) Programme outcomes: The intended learning outcomes of the programme are: a) Core knowledge of all aspects of psychology as specified by the British Psychological Society b) Psychological literacy in their work and their everyday lives c) An understanding of psychological perspectives on mental health d) A strong understanding of research methods and statistical techniques e) A variety of research skills and the ability to conduct a piece of empirical research f) A range of transferable academic skills 11a) Knowledge and understanding The programme equips students with the knowledge and understanding of core areas of psychology: Individual Differences Developmental Psychology Social Psychology

3 Cognitive Psychology Neuropsychology and biological psychology Conceptual and theoretical issues in psychology 11b) Psychological Literacy The programme will encourage psychological literacy in students work and everyday lives: Critically consider and reflect upon of the value of psychology in understanding personal and professional relationships Use of psychological science to understand and reflect upon social and community issues Critically reflect on psychological research to support their interactions with others To use their knowledge of psychology to critically consider the actions of others Use their knowledge of psychological research methods to critically reflect upon science and social statistics as they are reported in the media 11c) Psychological Perspectives on Mental Health The programme will provide students with a broad array of theories and research evidence that will enable them to critically reflect upon mental health and illness. These include: Individual differences in mental health and illness Developmental factors in mental health Neuropsychological processes in mental health Social psychological factors such as stigma and prejudice Cognitive processes and biases associated with mental illness 11d) Psychological Research Knowledge The programme includes s on research methods and analytic techniques. Students will be able to: Critically reflect on research and evidence on psychological theories and mental health Understand data collection methods and issues Understand different statistical techniques and their uses 11e) Psychological Research Skills Following the programme the students gain psychological research skills. These include: The ability to carry out their own empirical research The ability to analyse data appropriately using SPSS The ability to write technical research reports 11f) Transferable Academic Skills Graduate attributes in this area are: Effective skills in and use of e-learning, ICT and library resources Effective listening and interpersonal skills Excellent team working skills Development of automonous and self-regulated learning Academic writing skills Effective time management skills

4 12 Programme structure and features This Programme is full-time over 1 year or part-time over up to 5 years (invoiced at level). Students exit with an MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) The MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) involves completion of 180 credits including a 60-credit empirical research project dissertation. The content of the programme is strongly guided by the BPS accreditation by partnership process. Where a student decides that they do not wish to undertake an empirical project a parallel programme exit route that is not a conversion programme will be offered and they will complete a non-empirical literature-based research project. Semester Option Credits SCQF Level Assessment 1 Development & Developmental Psychopathology 1 Individual Differences in Mental Health 1 Social Psychology and Mental Health 1 Theoretical & Conceptual Tutorials 1 Discovering Development As specified in 1 Research Methods: Data Management and Analysis 2 Neuropsychology & Biological Psychology 2 Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Disorders Christmas Break 2 Psychological Therapies 10 10/11 As specified in 2 Option: 3 rd & 4 th year As specified in

5 Psychology Options (x1) 2 Research Methods: Data Management and Analysis Easter Break Summer Research Project ,000-9,000 word dissertation Total 180 SCQF 11 Optional Courses These are established 3 rd and 4 th year BSc Psychology 10 credit options that could be taken as outside options for the programme and allow students some flexibility in subject choice within their programme. Exit Awards: MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) (180 credits including empirical project) PG Diploma Psychology of Mental Heath (120 credits of taught options) PG Certificate Psychology of Mental Heath (90 credits of taught options) Entrance Requirements 2.1 degree IELTS 7 (with no element less than 6.5) 13. Teaching and Learning Methods and Strategies The programme combines 10 credit and 20 credit options and a 60-credit research project. Teaching approaches and methods across the programme are focused on excellent delivery of psychological science and its application to mental health. All s will engage the learners actively through a range of face-to-face formats including: lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes, and supervision meetings. A range of group work and individual tasks will be represented in the programme. Courses will be taught through a combination of pedagogical methods, directed self-study, and independent study. The teaching approaches will mirror those already established in accredited BPS programmes (i.e. BSc Psychology, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology). The pedagogy used across the programme will be varied but common features will ensure that students have a clear overview of the programme and its aims and ILOs. The programme will benefit from the online environment of Learn, which will be used to complement face-to-face classes, tutorials and workshops. Students will have full access to The University of Edinburgh digital library collections including a large selection of ebooks and ejournals.

6 14. Assessment Methods and Strategies The methods of assessment will vary between s and include exams, written essays, poster presentations, research proposals, class tasks, and a research dissertation. 15. Career Opportunities Graduates will be eligible to register with the British Psychological Society as graduate members. The degree will open access to careers where a psychology degree is necessary or advantageous. It also opens opportunities for advanced professional training in psychology (Clinical Psychology or Educational Psychology), which require an undergraduate degree in psychology. Students will also develop a range of sophisticated psychological research methods skills through the programme that will open career opportunities in research, including research assistant posts and doctoral research training.