Brayford Pool
3 Years
6 Years
C840
Understanding mental health is key to working across a range of settings both within and outside of healthcare environments. Across this course, you can learn about diagnosing mental health disorders, examine factors influencing mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan, and understand vulnerability and resilience in the context of psychological and cognitive process. The course also explores approaches to treatment, looking at therapy and counselling skills and exploring the theory behind these
This degree aligns closely with the Psychology BSc (Hons) degree. The specialist elements of the programme are taught by a mix of experienced practitioners, researchers, and guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds such as working with those who have complex mental health needs. Areas of expertise within the teaching staff on the course, include psychobiological mechanism of mental health vulnerability, mindfulness in children, and models of wellbeing. There is also expertise in areas such as sleep, gambling, and eating disorders across the wider School of Psychology. These are offered as electives in the third year to enable further specialisation to complement the core mental health programme.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
Conduct research alongside our expert academic team
A range of optional modules
Specialist facilities including sleep, EEG, and psychophysiology labs
International study and work experience options
Depending on the level and topic of content, teaching takes place across lectures, seminars, and workshops. Most modules involve two hours a week timetabled teaching time, and you'll be expected to actively contribute to small group sessions and to undertake independent study. Course materials are posted to an online virtual learning environment to supplement face to face teaching and to support onsite and remote study.
There are dedicated Psychology Labs for student projects as well as the research labs that you may use as part of your final year research project.
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This module aims to introduce students to a wide range of topics outlining the structure and functions of the brain and nervous system, and the relationship between these brain structures and the behaviours, both covert and overt, resulting from them. The module serves as the foundation for the second year core module in cognition, and a number of elective modules expand on ideas introduced here.
This module provides an introduction to three major areas of psychological theory and research, Developmental, Social and Individual psychology. The topics are covered in Semesters A and B respectively and grouped thematically. Content across all topics is embedded in the context of major, relevant general, developmental, social and individual differences theories.
This module provides an introduction to mental health disorders with regard to their historical context, classification and aetiology. Based on established theoretical and research context, this course will critically examine a range of approaches to understanding the nature of mental health problems through the use of primary research sources, in order to broaden the students understanding regarding the complexity of this topic and current debate issues in the field.
The specific objectives of the modules are:
- Demonstrate an awareness of the historical development of the concept of abnormality and mental health disorder.
- Be familiar with some of the more prevalent psychological disorders, such as anxiety and mood related disorders and demonstrate an understanding of the stigmatising impact mental health diagnoses can have.
- Have an understanding of the current criteria necessary for a diagnosis of the major psychiatric disorders covered in this module and knowledge of the main diagnostic systems used in health and research settings.
- Describe the role that individual differences and contextual factors can play in mental health and disorder.
The module will introduce students to science-backed tools and habits that they can use to improve their own skills, social awareness and wellbeing, and to enhance their own lives as psychological literate citizens. Students will typically develop skills in scientific and psychological literacy, critical thinking, self-reflection, written and oral communication and teamwork.
This module aims to provide an in depth evaluation of mental health and disorder with regard the role of biological processes. Based on established theoretical and research context, this course will critically examine a range of biological theories regarding the nature of some of the most common and prevalent mental health problems such as schizophrenia and evaluate the role of the stress response in mental health more widely. This module will broaden the students understanding regarding the complexity of this topic and current debate issues in the field.
The specific objectives of this module are to:
Critically evaluate some of the main theories regarding biological psychopathology at the genetic, neurochemical and neuroanatomical level.
Apply an understanding of the role of physiological processes such as the stress response system and the immune system in the context of mental health and disorder.
Show detailed understanding of some of the mechanisms by which drug treatments used to treat disorders covered in this module are thought to work at the level of synapse.
Apply principles of drug design and clinical research to the evaluation of drug treatment efficacy in the treatment of specific mental health disorders.
Show a critical understanding of the role that individual differences and contextual factors can play on biological processes considered important to mental health and disorder.
The module extends the investigations of cognition that began in the first year. Areas critical to our understanding of cognition are considered in more depth, with consideration of both classic and current research into cognitive processes from both a cognitive and cognitive neuroscience approach.
This module aims to examine the concepts, theories, research methods and influencing factors in child development relevant to the period from birth to pre-adolescence.
The module aims to provide an introduction into psychological assessments using psychometrics, including questionnaires and scales. Based on the established theoretical and research context, this module will consider a range of assessment tools used in psychology to assess an individual’s behaviour or behavioural disposition, and provide an introduction into psychometric test development. The modules also aims to provide students with the opportunity to administer, score, and interpret psychological tests.
This module seeks to explore some of the central issues of social psychology, including how people deal with social information, such as the causes of behaviour and social categories, and how groups function and interact.
This module aims to broaden the understanding of mental health to encompass psychological well-being. Based on the established theoretical and research context, this module will consider an additional range of psychological disorders in terms of their assessment, aetiology, research background, and impact on the individual’s functioning and the environment they interact in.
This optional, year-long module enables students to spend a year studying abroad at one of the University’s approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the year abroad. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. Upon their return, as part of the assessment for this modules, students are required to critically reflect upon their experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.
This module aims to create a valuable opportunity for students to gain important insights and improve their skills and prospects relevant to employment or further study (i.e. within psychology or related subject areas) by undertaking relevant work experience.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
The aims of the module assessments are to provide a measure of the development and attainment of course outcomes, including the attainment of high-level intellectual skills such as critical analysis and evaluation.
Accordingly, the nature of the assessment varies across the three levels of the course. The assessments at levels one and two aim to focus on the acquisition and understanding of knowledge and skills. In contrast, the level three assessments place far greater emphasis on the ability to apply, analyse, and evaluate knowledge.
The way you're assessed may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, research reports, research diaries, research or clinical proposals, or dissertations; practical exams, such as oral and poster presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations, essay-based examinations, or in-class tests (including multiple-choice tests and short-answer questions).
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist. The BPS is the main professional body representing psychology and psychologists in the UK.
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You can choose to take a year out between year two and your final year of study. You'll be able to select one of the following options:
International Study
This option provides an opportunity to explore study in a new overseas culture and environment at one of the University's approved partner institutions. Choosing this option leads to (International Study) being added to your award title upon successful completion of the course. You can find out more on our Global Opportunities webpage.
A Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. No extra tuition fee is payable to the host university, but students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. Travel grants and an overseas rate maintenance loan may be available for eligible students from Student Finance. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.
Work Experience
This option offers the opportunity to enhance your personal and professional development by gaining experience in a real workplace setting, which could help develop the skills relevant to future employment or further study. Selecting this option leads to (Work Experience) being added to your award title upon successful completion of the course.
A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
New students can join groups within the school including those that support LGBTQIA+, disability, BAME, mature students, commuters, and carers. Students can also join DigiPsych, our on-line magazine run for students by students in the School of Psychology. DigiPsych publishes anything that may be of interest to psychology students including reviews of psychological and non-psychological articles, stories, and opinion pieces.
Moreover, we have a weekly programme of guest lecturers invited from all over the world. Previous speakers for our special Lincoln International Seminars include Elizabeth Loftus. In addition to our work experience opportunities, many modules include employer presentations and activities. Students can also meet employers at our annual Psychology Works careers fair.
Students are also encouraged to network with our alumni. We have approximately 100 graduates from Psychology, representing a variety of professional roles, offering networking, and mentoring to current students.
Our School aims to produce critical thinkers and independent researchers who are able to tackle psychological problems and issues using a systematic, critical, and analytical approach.
As part of this process, first year students undertake training in areas important to psychological research, such as using statistics software. In the second year, students may be able to utilise these skills by working alongside an academic supervisor to conduct an original research project. This culminates with students being able to undertake a substantial research study of their own for the dissertation component of their degree.
In addition to the taught components of research, students are encouraged to participate in the research culture of the School more broadly, with the opportunity to be involved as volunteers in research activities, such as our Summer Scientist programme, and to compete for paid studentships offered by the University of Lincoln and the British Psychological Society to conduct further research over the summer, typically in between the second and third year of the course.
We also have a number of active research groups within the school. These are conducting exciting research into areas such as mindfulness interventions in adults, the effect of dog-assisted interventions in school children, investigating the impact of calorie menu labelling on those with eating disorders, and neural entrainment of brain rhythms to aid sleep. You can read more on our Research webpage.
The University has invested £19 million in the Sarah Swift Building, a dedicated facility for the School of Psychology. Our range of specialist research laboratories allow you to gain practical experience. You will also have access to IT suites and technical staff who can offer support in the design and execution of experiments and assistance with specialist software.
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The EEG lab allows our researchers to identify activation patterns in the cerebrum, in response to stimuli, to find out when and which parts of the brain respond to these.
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Research in this lab investigates how visual cognition is shaped and influenced by our environment, experience and knowledge. Current research is examining how visual cues are processed in the brain.
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Research here categorises conceptual development including speech perception, language acquisition - particularly word learning and grammar.
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The Molecular laboratory houses a contained wet lab for chemical and biological analyses on site and stores samples from participants before, during, and after processing and analysis.
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This dedicated facility conducts full polysomnography, actigraphy, home sleep monitoring, and computerised behavioural testing in the areas of neuroscience, sleep, and wellbeing.
This programme provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and as such, you will be well-placed to consider further professional training in psychology. Graduates of this degree may wish to consider working in range of fields that relate to mental health as well as progressing to postgraduate study, working in healthcare or other settings related to mental health e.g. charity organisations. Students can also progress to develop further research expertise through conducting a MRes or PhD or use their transferable skills to contribute more widely outside of the area of mental health.
Lincoln is an extremely supportive and community driven university, with the interests and voice of its students at the heart of the Psychology department.
Lauren Chamberlain-Jones
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Mental Health
104 to 120 UCAS Tariff points.
This must be achieved from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. For example:
A Level: BCC to BBB
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction Distinction Merit
T Level: Merit Overall
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 104 to 120 UCAS points to be achieved from 45 Level 3 credits.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English and Maths . Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Please note application assessment criteria may vary by country and we may close to applications from some domiciles. Please view the Your Country pages of our website before making an application.
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
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