This course provides advanced training in the scientific and ethical principles common to all mental health research disciplines, together with skills in statistics, epidemiology and both biological and social methodology. A wide variety of modules are available for study including: neuroimaging, neurochemistry, genetics, transcultural psychiatry, clinical trials, health policy, social psychiatry and brain-behaviour interface.

The course is aimed at psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health practitioners interested in a career that involves mental health research. The advanced training in psychiatric research methods is likely to appeal to a range of students, from those interested in continued professional development to those wanting to pursue a PhD or training in clinical psychology.

Our students are based in the Department of Psychosis and can choose to have their individual research projects supervised by active researchers from this Department.

Dr Jane Boydell, Course Leader for MSc in Psychiatric Research.

The aim of this course is to provide a sound practical and theoretical knowledge base to guide the establishment, conduct and interpretation of mental health research and an understanding of the context in which the research takes place.

At the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate:

1. A grounding in the ethical and scientific principles common to all mental health research disciplines

2. Skills in statistics and epidemiological, biological and social research methodology

3. An ability to formulate research questions, design studies and conduct mental health research

4. Skills in reading, interpreting and applying research in the relevant mental health context

5. The ability to conduct one of the following: (i) a systematic review (ii) a protocol design or (iii) research project

6. The skills to write and publish a scientific paper. 

For those interested in a research career path within mental health.

Many of our students are not only interested in focusing on our programme of study but also wish to gain research experience during their time at the Institute of Psychiatry. For students who want to gather research experience we have a volunteer research placements scheme where students are placed within ongoing research projects. Under the supervision of active researchers our students get first hand experience of research and many go on to have their research dissertations supervised by these academics. There is also the opportunity to contribute to research papers and students have the opportunity to contribute to published work. (See our "Student Publications" section section for a list  of peer review publications our students have contributed to during and after their MSc in Psychiatric Research).

For those interested in a clinical career path within mental health.

As well at the above programme of study, for students considering a career in mental health, there are optional opportunities which may help inform the choice of future career. These include a South London and Maudsley NHS Trust clinical volunteer programme, for students interested in gaining some clinical experience. This year our students have placements at a therapy centre and In-patient ward at the Bethlem Hospital.

An extensive programme of talks and presentations takes place at the Institute of Psychiatry and offers a unique opportunity to hear the latest research findings and development in clinical practice. There are also opportunities for students to expand their knowledge of psychological treatments by attending lectures on talking therapies run by the Psychology Department.