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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Full-Time -
12 Months -
21 Sep 2026
Build your career expertise
Gain a deep understanding of mental health issues and treatment that will enable you to make responsible, complex decisions and develop in your role as a qualified professional.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Explore advances in contemporary mental healthcare
- Gain a comprehensive and advanced understanding of mental health issues
- Consider the fundamental assumptions which underpin attitudes to mental illness
- Study current issues, debates and research into mental health and treatment
- Reflect on and share your experiences of working with clients and service users from a variety of cultures
- Discuss ideas for best practice with your peers and academic tutors
- Examine case studies, from a range of personal and professional perspectives, to promote greater awareness of diversity and anti-oppressive practice
- Develop a global perspective in relation to the diverse populations of professional and service users you’ll engage with
Teaching expertise
You’ll be taught by a team of academics with a breadth of experience and expertise in mental healthcare. Your learning will be supported by guest speakers and experts from our industry partners. You’ll also gain insight into the sector via modules which have been developed in partnership with stakeholders including students, graduates and professional practitioners.
Study centred around you
You’ll build an individualised programme of study throughout your course by choosing from a range of option modules from different subject areas. This will help tailor your learning so it’s relevant to your practice interests and professional development. You’ll conclude your studies by planning and conducting your own research project.
Why study the MSc Applied Mental Health Practice course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Engage with academic and industry-led experts
- Share best practice and apply your learning to the workplace
- Tailor your study to suit you and your career aspirations
- Prepare for a more senior role by studying a course that supports the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework
Why Leeds for health? Employing over 196,000 health and science professionals, Leeds is the UK’s leading centre for healthcare and innovation. Find out why studying here is the right choice for you.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of healthcare, counselling, psychotherapy, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy or social work, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of healthcare, counselling, psychotherapy, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy or social work, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
Distance learning
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you’ll have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you’ll also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Technical requirements for distance learning study are detailed in the full guide. Visit our distance learning website for more information.
Overall workload
Each module on our distance learning courses is individually designed to maximise your learning so study requirements will vary. As a general guideline, you’ll need to allocate around 10 hours per week to complete each module, plus a further five hours for additional reading and assignments. However, this may vary depending on the module. Teaching and learning will be delivered using a range of interactive resources. This typically includes audio and video content, group discussions, reflective exercises, quizzes, online reading and much more. All these resources are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment and can be accessed at a time and place that suits you.
What you'll learn
Learn to understand and identify how your practical experiences and activities relate to the wider field of mental health. This module develops your critical understanding of the theory, research, socio-political and cultural influences that underpin mental health practices in use today. Ultimately, you'll be able to analyse the core beliefs behind the theory guiding your practice and reflect on their effectiveness in real-world situations.
Designed for professionals working in a variety of settings, this module examines the critical discourse on a range of mental health disorders. You'll develop a detailed analysis of the aetiology, presentation, and impact of mental health conditions. You'll enhance your understanding as you explore these issues from individual, diagnostic, systemic, transcultural, and spiritual perspectives.
Develop your understanding of the professional influences that can impact on practice. During this module, we'll discuss issues such as ethics, navigating different (and sometimes contradictory) professional standards, multidisciplinary working, and cultural diversity. You'll examine these topics in relation to their influence on your professional identity and working with clients.
Gain the theoretical, methodological and practical foundation for social research, enabling you to act as a social researcher and resolve practice-based problems. You'll investigate sources and the nature of evidence, research theories and approaches, design options, methodologies, project planning, fieldwork preparation, and data analysis. The module also covers a range of research methodologies, linking them with problem appraisal and appropriate design choices.
Develop a critical understanding of the key concepts, core skills and existing evidence base for a range of therapeutic approaches used in current mental healthcare. This module enables you to critique your practice from different perspectives and reflect on how this understanding applies to your work.
Plan, carry out and report on an original, advanced and independent piece of research with guidance from a supervisor. During this process, you'll show initiative and responsibility as well as the capacity to reflect on evidence as you link your research theory to practice. This module aims to enhance your individual knowledge and skills appropriate to master's level study while encouraging personal and professional development.
What you'll learn
This module is designed for you if you work as a counsellor or in the health and social care sector. This includes roles such as mental health worker, nurse, occupational therapist, dietitian, or social worker. You'll gain a critical understanding of cognitive behavioural therapy as an approach to working with people. In addition, you'll build your reflexive knowledge of a range of theories and skills and apply them in practice.
This module is designed for you if you work as a counsellor or in the health and social care sector. This includes roles such as mental health worker, nurse, occupational therapist, dietitian, or social worker. We'll investigate motivational interviewing as an approach to working with people. You'll gain a critical understanding of the key concepts that support advanced behaviour change, clinical frameworks, and the current evidence base. Finally, you'll develop and apply these skills in your own areas of practice, reflecting on their relevance and impact in the field.
Designed for professionals working across a variety of settings, this module looks at different trauma-informed models and approaches. By using an ecological, systemic approach to explore issues from different perspectives, you'll enhance your knowledge and develop a critical understanding of trauma. This includes studying the individual, micro and macro systems throughout the life course. Ultimately, you'll build and apply your skills in practice while reflecting on the impact of the different types of trauma on individuals and families.
Fees and funding
£8,670
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £8670. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£8,670
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £8670. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£8,670
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £8670. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- You’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£8,670
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £8670. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- You’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
This course is designed to support your professional development and working knowledge of mental health practice. You’ll examine the core concepts, treatment practices and associated competencies needed to work effectively with mental health clients in your role. With your enhanced expertise, you could find yourself working in a higher-level role in:
- Maternal mental health
- Mental health promotion
- Dementia care
- Occupational therapy
- Counselling
Or in many sections of society, including:
- Prisons
- Education
- Healthcare
- Social support services
This course is designed to help qualified professionals develop their knowledge, skills and awareness of the key issues, debates and treatment approaches in mental health, to advance their practice and career potential.”
Paul Nicholson
Course Director
Paul Nicholson
Course Director / School of Health
Paul Nicholson is a BACP accredited relational psychotherapist, training supervisor, senior lecturer and postgraduate Course Director. He has worked in mental health since 1997 and as a therapist in the NHS, voluntary sector and in private practice since 2005.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
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