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Kings college London Msc in psychology and neuroscience of Mental health

I am considering this course and wondered if anyone has done this and can provide any insights? I know it’s not BPS accredited. I have a Masters in HR and founder of a mental health startup focusing on the South Asian diaspora. I am keen to pursue a masters in psychology to further strengthen my credentials and credibility. I may not necessarily want to become a practicing psychologist but more to gain a deeper understanding of mental health and psychology of the human nature
Its really hard to say as people have different reasons for wanting to join the course and many have found its not what they expected.

There are 4 core modules - techniques in neuroscience and biological foundations of mental health which are complex and heavily fact/science based. Then psychological foundations of metal health is less fact/science based and can seem wishy washy. Mental health in the community is all about MH services in the UK.

Following on, there are 10 available advanced modules, though only 4 can be selected. The final elements are 2x research modules and a synoptic project which is effectively 2 modules combined.

Content is presented via recorded lectures, and written transcripts only, both of which can be printed. The lectures were recorded between 2016-2020 so hardly cutting edge or up to date. Some content (ie TiN) probably doesn't need updating but MHC should talk about the impact of social media and covid on MH services but doesn't.

Interactions with the faculty members is almost non-existant and google/AI will be what you will use to figure out things you don't understand. There are student WhatsApp groups which the university thinks are unnecessary but it's the only support we get.

The university thinks 20-25 hours per week is sufficient but many people don't have a science background and spend way more time trying to understand the content and writing their essay.

Each module is technically 8 weeks, starting on a Tuesday, ending on a Monday, with the next module starting the day after. However, with the deadlines for submission of discussion board responses (10%) of the mark, MCQ (30%), and essay (60%), you actually only have 6 weeks to learn all the content and complete all assessments.

As a result, you need to select from a choice of 3 essay titles immediately before reading any content to be able to submit an essay plan at the end or week 2, receive feedback at the end of week 3, to submit the final version at the end of week 5.

Support for reading/finding papers for essays is minimal, but there is even less support for writing essays. The library team are excellent and do their best but it should come from the IoPPN as there are differences between writing a psychology and neuroscience paper which isn't clearly explained And the library team can't provide specific examples for all subjects. Examples of essays are not provided at all.

You have to be really disciplined to not get distracted by content that doesn't help you pass as you won't have time to do it all. Most of us feel we will need to re-read all the content at some point to really take it in and understand it fully.

The administration and communication from the university is appalling and expectations are not managed effectively. Expect that to be frustrating and probably chaotic.

Given the lack of accreditation; the confusing and dull presentation of information, most of which is out of date, or seemingly uninformative as the narrative for why certain information is included versus excluded isn't provided; the time pressure and significant content that needs to be understood sufficiently to pass each module; the cost of the course and minimal support from the university; I would question the value of the course and time/energy/financial commitment to achieve the masters.
Reply 2
Original post by Mayfield24
Its really hard to say as people have different reasons for wanting to join the course and many have found its not what they expected.
There are 4 core modules - techniques in neuroscience and biological foundations of mental health which are complex and heavily fact/science based. Then psychological foundations of metal health is less fact/science based and can seem wishy washy. Mental health in the community is all about MH services in the UK.
Following on, there are 10 available advanced modules, though only 4 can be selected. The final elements are 2x research modules and a synoptic project which is effectively 2 modules combined.
Content is presented via recorded lectures, and written transcripts only, both of which can be printed. The lectures were recorded between 2016-2020 so hardly cutting edge or up to date. Some content (ie TiN) probably doesn't need updating but MHC should talk about the impact of social media and covid on MH services but doesn't.
Interactions with the faculty members is almost non-existant and google/AI will be what you will use to figure out things you don't understand. There are student WhatsApp groups which the university thinks are unnecessary but it's the only support we get.
The university thinks 20-25 hours per week is sufficient but many people don't have a science background and spend way more time trying to understand the content and writing their essay.
Each module is technically 8 weeks, starting on a Tuesday, ending on a Monday, with the next module starting the day after. However, with the deadlines for submission of discussion board responses (10%) of the mark, MCQ (30%), and essay (60%), you actually only have 6 weeks to learn all the content and complete all assessments.
As a result, you need to select from a choice of 3 essay titles immediately before reading any content to be able to submit an essay plan at the end or week 2, receive feedback at the end of week 3, to submit the final version at the end of week 5.
Support for reading/finding papers for essays is minimal, but there is even less support for writing essays. The library team are excellent and do their best but it should come from the IoPPN as there are differences between writing a psychology and neuroscience paper which isn't clearly explained And the library team can't provide specific examples for all subjects. Examples of essays are not provided at all.
You have to be really disciplined to not get distracted by content that doesn't help you pass as you won't have time to do it all. Most of us feel we will need to re-read all the content at some point to really take it in and understand it fully.
The administration and communication from the university is appalling and expectations are not managed effectively. Expect that to be frustrating and probably chaotic.
Given the lack of accreditation; the confusing and dull presentation of information, most of which is out of date, or seemingly uninformative as the narrative for why certain information is included versus excluded isn't provided; the time pressure and significant content that needs to be understood sufficiently to pass each module; the cost of the course and minimal support from the university; I would question the value of the course and time/energy/financial commitment to achieve the masters.
Thank you so much for your in-depth explanation! This has been extremely helpful! I have an offer from University of Portsmouth and University of Liverpool for the MSc in Psychology - might consider that instead as it is also accredited by the BPS.

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