The MSc in Mental Health Science is designed for students from a diverse range of backgrounds who want to take a deep dive into mental health, explore the evidence base, develop skills in handling data and involving people with lived experience, and conduct high quality mental health research.
Drawing on the University of Bristol's renowned strengths in Psychology and Epidemiology, this MSc will equip you with the skills to explore what mental health is, why some people have better mental health than others, and how mental health difficulties can be treated and prevented.
This MSc includes a mix of theoretical training and hands-on skills development. You will graduate with a strong grasp of the evidence base in mental health science, particularly applied to contemporary mental health challenges like rising rates of difficulties in young people, with a strong focus on the biopsychosocial approach. In addition, you will develop your skills in involving people with lived experience.
The programme consists of six taught units and a research portfolio.
The research portfolio will allow you to develop strong research skills to advance knowledge in mental health science. During this unit you will build the components of a research project step by step, with regular feedback to help you to develop your skills and confidence in appraising and conducting research.
This MSc can be taken part time: you would complete units 1, 3, 4 and 6 in your first year, and then units 2 and 5 alongside the research portfolio in your second year.
Visit our programme catalogue for further details on the unit content.
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Psychology or closely related disciplines (e.g. Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology); or any quantitative subject such as Biology, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Engineering, Geography, Health Care, Mathematics and Medicine, where a module at 2.1 will be required in a quantitative research methods module.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional qualifications; please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .
Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
Overseas applicants: 12 August 2027. Home applicants: 9 September 2027.
Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2026 until all places are filled.