Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Science at The Open University

Programme overview

The Diploma is for those with an academic or professional interest in mental health science and its biological and psychological underpinnings, building skills to evaluate current literature critically.

Duration: 2 years part-time (60 credits per year, 16-20 hours a week). | Intake: October 2027 (next start shown on page) | Study mode: part-time distance learning | Location: Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

120 credits: two compulsory 60-credit modules, Introduction to mental health science (S826) and Core topics in mental health science: psychosis and dementia (SD816).

Career pathways

Intended for those working or planning to work in mental health science (practitioners or policy makers), seeking employment as graduate research workers, or pursuing research careers and PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must have either a UK honours degree (or equivalent) in a science-related subject (including psychological sciences, health science, mental health nursing, medicine or a BPS-accredited psychology degree) or evidence of other study or experience that equips them for the qualification. A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 is recommended.

GBP 7,000 for the whole programme (2026/27). Total for the qualification at 2026/27 prices with England selected as location; paid one module at a time. Module materials, tuition, assessment and exams included; fee valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Source

Intake: October 2027 (next start shown on page)

Duration: 2 years part-time (60 credits per year, 16-20 hours a week).

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