How can we think about mental health? Are psychological properties reducible to neural properties? What can both philosophy and psychology bring to our understanding of mental health?
On this unique interdisciplinary programme, you will explore philosophical and psychological approaches to the mind and mental health.
You will have the opportunity to learn from experts from across the Department of Philosophy, and the School of Psychology drawing on the world-leading research environments in research centres such as the Institute for Mental Health and the Centre for Human Brain Health. You will pursue original research drawing from a wide range of potential topics supervised by experts in these areas. You will take modules from across all three disciplines, but have the choice of which area you would like to specialise in.
This programme is aimed at graduates with a background in philosophy, psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, theology or sociology. Graduates from a range of other backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. It can also be used as a route into PhD research.
By studying this course you will develop many skills that are useful in both academic and non-academic settings:
Critical thinking skills: You will develop your ability to analyse problems and assess opinions from different viewpoints. This is highly useful for problem-solving and decision-making.
Communication skills: You will gain experience in presenting and explaining abstract concepts, scientific ideas and complex arguments in an accessible manner. You will also be good at persuading others by presenting logical and coherent arguments.
Writing skills: You will develop your skills in communicating effectively in writing. This includes being able to write clearly and concisely without compromising rigour.
Research skills: You will be able to identify problems and collect the necessary information to resolve them in a timely manner.
Why study this course?
Taught by experts – The University of Birmingham has established world-leading research centres at the intersection of Philosophy, Mental Health and Psychology, such as the Institute of Mental Health and the Centre for Human Brain Health, providing you with the opportunity to study alongside some of the top interdisciplinary researchers thinking about mental health across these fields. You will have the opportunity to pursue original research supported by these fantastic interdisciplinary research environments, and by the highly-ranked Department of Philosophy and School of Psychology. The Department of Philosophy was ranked 1st in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education), and the School of Psychology was ranked in the top 100 in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2022).
Interdisciplinary study – this unique course provides co-teaching from across philosophy, mental health and psychology, meaning that you will take modules from across all three disciplines and gain an understanding of how they interact with each other.
Be a part of an active postgraduate community – you will join a lively and stimulating community in the Department of Philosophy, School of Psychology and the Institute for Mental Health. You will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research activities, including research seminars and events such as our speaker series, various workshops, reading groups and conferences throughout the year.
Choose from a wide variety of modules - you will have the opportunity to build the course you study around your interests with a range of optional modules available from across Philosophy, Mental Health and Psychology.
Access to a wide range of services – as a postgraduate student you will have access to services such as the Academic Writing Advisory Service and the Bank of Assessed Work which will aid your transition from undergraduate to postgraduate level, or back into academia after a time away.
The postgraduate experience
The College of Arts and Law offers excellent support to its postgraduates, from libraries and research spaces to career support and funding opportunities.
