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Psychological Well-being MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

This course reflects national and international developments in the enhancement of mental health and wellbeing, exploring psychological problems including depression, anxiety and stress.

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Overview

A rapidly expanding field worldwide, Psychological Well-being evaluates the factors that characterise and influence mental health and wellbeing, nurturing your understanding of the cultural, social and economic contexts in which they develop.

​The psychological well-being course is taught by a range of experienced psychologists with a diverse background, including not only psychological well-being, but also areas such as clinical psychology, counselling, and mental health. The teaching team includes academic psychologists as well as those with practitioner experience. Staff in the Division of Psychology are currently undertaking research related to psychological well-being and mental health. Teaching facilities include dedicated laboratory and practical work areas, an observation suite and a vision research laboratory.

Completion of the course will lead to a number of career opportunities worldwide, including research, teaching, and those within the caring professions. It also facilitates career development and progression. Other students might use the course as a stepping stone to specialised PhD study.

Although the course does not culminate in a qualification in Clinical Psychology, its content will be highly relevant to those applying for training in this area, or within related fields such as psychotherapy, counselling or coaching.


Key features

  • Develop your practical and professional skills through short inter-professional education (IPE) events involving interactions with clients and health and social care professionals.
  • Develop an awareness of the range of contemporary and traditional therapeutic approaches that may be employed in the treatment and prevention of mental health problems.
  • Extensive investment in our dedicated psychology teaching facilities allows you to put theory into practice.
  • Benefit from inter-professional learning and develop a range of transferable skills, alongside individuals from a range of backgrounds and sectors.
  • We were among the first universities to offer training in this area at master's level.
  • Flexible study opportunities – in addition to full-time, you can also study by distance learning, allowing professional development alongside work.
  • Develop a critical understanding of the psychological theory and research that underpin the study of mental health and wellbeing.

“I wanted to say how incredibly useful MSc Psychological Well-being is proving at the moment. I have started a role leading a project ... which will support and empower individuals experiencing mental health difficulties to make positive improvements in their lifestyle and physical self-care. I love it - I'm using almost everything I have learned on the Well-being course!”

Melanie Ward, MSc Psychological Well-being graduate

Scholarships

DMU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

International student scholarships

Find out about available international scholarships or visit our fees and funding page for more information.

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Health Psychology

Masters by Research

  • UK
  • EU/International

Start date: September 2024

Duration: 

One year full time on campus or via distance learning      

Attendance: Full-time students can expect to attend up to three days of classes at the university a week. 

The course is available fully online for distance learners. You will also be required to attend an Induction, with some preparation and skills development for postgraduate studies.

You may be required to attend the university for an interview as part of our selection process.

For on-campus students, the programme involves inter-professional education (IPE) events. These events may require attendance outside of standard teaching days.

Location of study: De Montfort University Leicester UK

Fees and funding:

2024/25 full-time and Distance Learning for UK student fees: £8,200

Find out more about postgraduate course fees and available funding.

Find out more about additional costs and optional extras associated with this course.

Please visit dmu.ac.uk/international for more information or call us on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70.

 

Start date: September 2024

Duration:

One year full time on campus or via distance learning    

Attendance: Full-time students can expect to attend up to three days of classes at the university a week. 

The course is available fully online for distance learners. You will also be required to attend a one day programme of induction in addition to a one day programme of preparation and skills development for working at postgraduate level.

You may be required to attend the university for an interview as part of our selection process.

The programme involves two placements; each of one day duration. These placements may require attendance outside of standard teaching days.

Location of study: De Montfort University Leicester UK

Fees and funding:

Full-time 2024/25 fees for international students: £16,800

Find out more about postgraduate course fees and available funding.

Find out more about additional costs and optional extras associated with this course.

Please visit dmu.ac.uk/international for more information or call us on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70.

 

Entry criteria

  • Applicants are usually expected to possess (or be predicted to obtain) a 2:2 award or higher from a BPS-accredited psychology course.
  • We will consider applications from students with a non-psychology undergraduate degrees who possess a 2:1 or above and can demonstrate significant experience in a health context and/or knowledge of health practices, policies and systems.
  • Applicants should have studied at least one Psychology module at undergraduate level, and have undertaken training in quantitative/qualitative research methods and data analysis
  • Other appropriately qualified/experienced applicants with a science or social science background will be considered on the basis of the university's accreditation for prior learning/accreditation prior experiential learning procedures
  • You will also be asked to complete a declaration form before you begin your studies
  • Applicants may be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process. If you are unable to attend, alternative arrangements may be made.
English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it. 

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessment

Academic expertise

 

Course modules

The MSc consists of theoretical, work-related and research-based modules as described below. Please note that ALL modules are compulsory for successful completion of the award. There are no optional modules.

  • Approaches to the Study of Well-being (15 credits) - provides an introduction to the study of mental health and well-being from a variety of perspectives including: evolution and development, physiology and neuroscience, philosophy and positive psychology
  • Well-being Through the Lifespan (15 credits) - extends the study of psychological perspectives on well-being and explores influences on, and potential threats to, psychological well-being at key stages throughout the lifespan (e.g., in childhood, at work, in older age)
  • Lifestyle, Wellness and Well-being (15 credits) - relates to national and international initiatives concerned with the maintenance of physical health and well-being, exploring the effects of lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, drinking alcohol, drug use, eating behaviour) on physical and psychological well-being
  • Well-being in Cultural, Economic and Social Contexts (15 credits) - focuses on well-being within a broader, rather than individual, framework. You will explore the cultural context of well-being in addition to social and economic influences and considerations
  • Approaches to Psychological Problems (30 credits) - considers decreased well-being as manifested in psychological problems, including anxiety disorders, depressive illness and substance abuse. A variety of psychotherapeutic approaches are explored.

  • Research dissertation (60 credits) - allows you to design and conduct an original research study on a well-being related topic of your choice.
  • Research Methods and Data Analysis for Applied Psychologists (15 credits) - introduces you to research design and a range of approaches to data collection and analysis with a particular emphasis on qualitative methods.
  • Research Methods for Understanding and Evaluating Psychological Well-Being (15 credits) - develops a range of practical research methods skills situated in the context of psychological well-being.

You also have the opportunity to undertake one of two combinations of modules and exit with a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert), or undertake all modules, except the dissertation and exit with a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip); as well as completing the full MSc programme.

Further information is available from the course leader.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching typically includes lectures, group seminars and individual tutorials, You are encouraged to become an independent and proactive learner, and we will recommend reading and electronic resources for independent study to help develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge.

The majority of your studies will take place at the university but we also incorporate community-based learning experiences on your inter-professional education (IPE) events. There is a significant focus on developing skills that are transferable to a variety of careers and contexts on national and international levels.

Learning activities are designed to help you develop your teamwork, presentation and problem-solving skills, plus more traditional academic skills such as synthesis, evaluation and application. We also help you to develop your skills and understanding in professional areas such as ethics and reflective practice.

You will benefit from the support of a personal academic tutor, who you are encouraged to meet with regularly. We also offer a range of additional support services to help you develop the skills required for Master’s level study.

Assessment is based exclusively on coursework, for which bespoke guidance materials are provided. The kinds of coursework that you will undertake are varied, and include:

  • Formal essays
  • The production of research reports
  • Real-time and web-based presentations
  • Literature reviews
  • Case studies and reflective writing

The dissertation provides you with an experience of the research process from its inception to completion.

Teaching contact hours

Contact hours may vary in different weeks but typically on a full-time programme you can expect 9 contact hours of teaching, which will include small and medium group teaching and regular individual tutorials.

You will experience lectures, seminars, workshops and practical classes. This should be supplemented by around 28.5 hours a week of personal study

Academic expertise
​The psychological well-being course is taught by a range of experienced psychologists with a diverse background, including not only psychological well-being, but also areas such as clinical psychology, counselling, and mental health. The teaching team includes academic psychologists as well as those with practitioner experience. Staff in the Division of Psychology are currently undertaking research related to psychological well-being and mental health.  

Research in the Division of Psychology
The Division of Psychology at De Montfort University prides itself on its thriving research culture. In REF2021 (Research Excellent Framework), psychology earned several accolades: 75% of our research impact was ranked World-leading (4*) or Internationally Excellent (3*), and our research power was ranked 7th relative to other post-92 universities (and 38th across the sector). Our research expertise and experiences feed directly into our teaching, helping to inform both our Undergraduate and Postgraduate provisions. 

Facilities and features

Health and Life Sciences facilities

Investment of £12 million in Health and Life Sciences has developed our first-class teaching and learning facilities to help you develop your practical experience and theoretical knowledge beyond the classroom. 

We offer excellent facilities including dedicated computer laboratories with the latest analysis software, individual research cubicles, interview rooms, and an observation suite, all supported by our psychology technicians.  Psychology students benefit from access to a suite of research rooms and computer laboratories which are restricted to Psychology postgraduate students. The Psychology Division also provides a wide range of software and equipment to support the development of experimental studies and resources to facilitate the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data - both electronically and in person.

The MSc Psychological Well-being at DMU provides the opportunity to complete a programme with a distinctive focus on mental wellness and we were one of the first Universities in the UK to offer training in this area.

Library services

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including Learning Zone, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

Learning zones

Our Learning Zones and The Greenhouse also provide space for group or individual work and study.

There are 1,600 study places across all library locations, more than 700 computer stations, laptops to borrow, free wi-fi and desktop power outlets.

You can also book rooms with plasma screens, laptops and DVD facilities for group work and presentations, secure an individual study room with adjustable lighting or make use of our assistive technology.

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

DMU's award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities DMU Careers Team
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Inter-Professional Education (IPE) Events

All on-campus students are provided with the opportunity to attend and participate in two short one-day inter-professional education (IPE) events within clinical and community contexts within Leicester and/or Leicestershire. These involve meeting, observing, and working alongside service users and healthcare professionals from a range of backgrounds. Costs (usually travel) associated with IPE events are variable.

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Graduate careers

Completion of the course will lead to a number of career opportunities worldwide, including research, teaching and those within the caring professions. It also facilitates career development and progression. Other students might use the course as a stepping-stone to specialised PhD study.

Although the course does not culminate in a qualification in Clinical Psychology, its content will be highly relevant to those applying for training in this area, or within related fields such as psychotherapy (e.g. The NHS IAPT Service), counselling or coaching. There are also opportunities in the field of public health and well-being (e.g. in areas such as smoking cessation, safer sex promotion, drug and alcohol use). A full day of employability and enhancement events is held in either the Spring or Summer semester of each year.

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DMU Global


This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.


 

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