About Mental Health, PhD - at Lancaster University

This online PhD in Mental Health meets the needs of those wishing to gain a deep and critical insight into mental health theory, research and practice and to develop or enhance research skills while fulfilling their existing responsibilities. The programme is offered part-time, online and combines innovative distance learning with an optional face-to-face annual autumn Academy held in Lancaster.

The programme brings together theory, research and practice related to various areas of mental health, including workplace mental health, public mental health, clinical mental health, and physical and mental health. Whether you are based within a healthcare setting, local government, education, research or management, this online PhD in Mental Health is your chance to work with world-leading academics on the production of a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge within your area of professional practice.

This part-time, flexible doctorate runs over a minimum of four and a maximum of seven years. The programme begins with a five-day Induction Academy which you can join in person or remotely. Each of the subsequent academic years start with a three-day autumn Academy while the rest of the course is delivered via e-learning.

Years 1 and 2 consist of taught modules delivered online. In Year 1, students take a specialist module that covers the theory and practice of mental health followed by a module on research philosophy and a module on research design. Year 2 modules may include: Systematic Reviews, Data Analysis, Research Design and Practical Research Ethics.

From Year 3 onwards, students undertake an independent research study, which will conclude with the submission of a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge. The research project will be supervised from the University but can be undertaken in students’ own location or workplace. Supervision meetings take place using video conferencing software such as Microsoft Teams. During the annual autumn Academy students meet with supervisors face to face.

A number of mental health research groups work from Lancaster University’s prestigious Division of Health Research. For example, the Spectrum Centre, which has attracted more than £20m in funding since its launch, is the only specialist research centre in the UK dedicated to translational research into the psychosocial aspects of bipolar disorder and associated conditions (including recurrent depression, anxiety, and psychosis), as well as developments in their treatment. Other staff research interests include mental health in people with chronic physical conditions or difficulties and ensuring positive mental health among socially marginalised groups. We take a broad and inclusive approach towards mental health and include in our teaching research from academics working in areas such as organisational health and well-being and public mental health.

Our relationships with those who provide mental health services – e.g. in the UK, the NHS and the voluntary sector - combine with the current research interests of staff to inform the content of our modules. Service users will also be actively involved in the delivery of the taught component of your Doctorate.

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact Lancaster University to find course entry requirements.

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