Book a one-to-one, 30-minute online session with Professor Barbara Barrett from our MSc in Global Mental Health.
These exclusive sessions are the perfect opportunity to learn more about the course, ask any questions you have, and gain expert advice tailored to your academic or career goals.
Sessions run on Mondays between midday and 13:30, until 14 April. Book your place here.
Scholarships available, see Fees & Funding section for more information. Global Mental Health MSc is jointly run by King’s College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, providing a unique course of study for students who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues surrounding the discipline of global mental health. You will acquire the knowledge and skills required to design, implement and evaluate mental health programmes in low resource settings as well as learning how to conduct and critically evaluate research. Our course constitutes an excellent preparation for careers in policy, research and work in international agencies.
“My experience in the Global Mental Health program at King's College London has been nothing short of transformative. King's has offered me a comprehensive and fulfilling educational journey from an engaging teaching style to lectures with global leaders on different subjects.”
Across the world, and especially in low and middle-income countries, most people who have mental health problems are not supported by trained professionals, or able to access evidence-based treatments. Global mental health is about changing that situation – investigating the needs of people in different settings and formulating the most locally appropriate and feasible way to better support them. You will learn how to develop policies, systems, services and clinical interventions as well as epidemiological and other research methods used to evaluate services and interventions. The course will prepare you for work in the governmental and non-governmental sectors, as a policy advisor, global mental health researcher or clinical academic. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. “We have quite a diverse student body; people who come straight from undergraduate study in the social science, some from a clinical background and some with a medical or scientific background. The course caters for this diverse audience.” - Dr Rosie Mayston
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
An upper second-class honours degree of a UK university or a registerable qualification in medicine, appropriate to the programme. A background in a mental health-related field is desirable but not essential. Applications with an appropriate technical qualification or equivalent qualification and experience from overseas are also welcomed. Any student who does not meet the minimum entry requirement above but who has relevant professional experience may still be eligible for admission. They should contact the programme leader who can advise on their eligibility to apply.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree, if you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Selection is generally made on the basis of application and references. Your application will be assessed by two academics. You are welcome to contact the Programme Leader to arrange a site visit.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
You will need to answer the following three questions (maximum 1800 characters per answer):
|
|---|---|---|
| Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. | |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application |
Introduction to Global Mental Health (LSHTM)
Lectures (55 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (10 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (95 hours)
Evidence synthesis in global mental health (IoPPN)
Lectures (37 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (17 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (102 hours)
Statistics for Epidemiology & Public Health (LSHTM)
Lectures (70 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (80 hours)
Epidemiology for Mental Health Research (IoPPN)
Lectures (35 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (15 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (100 hours)
Design & Evaluation of Mental Health Programmes (LSHTM)
Lectures (59 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (6 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (85 hours)
Theory to Practice in Global Mental Health (IoPPN)
Lectures (34 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (26 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (90 hours)
Global Mental Health Dissertation (IoPPN & LSHTM)
Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (447 hours)
Applied Statistical Methods in Psychiatric Epidemiology (IoPPN)
Lectures (26 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (2 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (122 hours)
Mental Health Economic Evaluation (IoPPN)
Lectures (27 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (115 hours)
Qualitative Research Methods (IoPPN)
Lectures (28 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (114 hours)
Geographies of Trauma
Lectures (28 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (114 hours)
Society and Mental Health (IoPPN)
Lectures (28 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (114 hours)
Conflict & Health (LSHTM)
Lectures (37 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (113 hours)
Health Promotion Approaches & Methods (LSHTM)
Lectures (27 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (123 hours)
Health Systems (LSHTM)
Lectures (32 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (118 hours)
Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases (LSHTM)
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (35 hours) |Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (85 hours)
Social Epidemiology (LSHTM)
Lectures (40 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (110 hours)
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology (LSHTM)
Lectures (38.5 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (111.5 hours)
Design and Analysis of Epidemiological Studies (LSHTM)
Lectures (37 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (113 hours)
Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs (LSHTM)
Lectures (35 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (115 hours)
Health Care Evaluation (LSHTM)
Lectures (22 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (128 hours)
Qualitative Methodologies (LSHTM)
Lectures (30 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (120 hours)
Medical Anthropology and Public Health (LSHTM)
Lectures (40 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (110 hours)
Research Design and Analysis (LSHTM)
Lectures (34 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (116 hours)
Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks.
Students will have 3-4 teaching days per week and 1-2 days self-study depending on the term. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
All our teaching staff are active researchers so you’ll have access to the latest knowledge in the subject. Many also come from a clinical background, so their experience helps inform your classes.
Teaching and support is split between King’s and LSHTM. This means you’ll get one seamless course with access to two universities worth of expertise behind it.
The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and individual/ projects. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.
For students who have obtained sufficient credit and are hence due an award, degree classifications either Pass, Merit or Distinction are determined using the MSc Award Scheme
Grades from modules, exams and the project are combined to calculate a degree GPA. The degree GPA will be weighted as follows:
Degree GPA scores of 4.3 or above constitute distinctions, and any in the range 4.15 to 4.3 will be considered by the Exam Board for the potential award of a distinction.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Denmark Hill Campus and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in London (WC1E 7HT).
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules, and students on this course take modules totaling 180 credits. You are required to take:
In addition, you will take 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Our graduates will be well-equipped to enter careers in national mental health policy and planning, epidemiological and mental health services research, and advisory and advocacy roles in government, international agencies and non-governmental organisations. The program aims to develop leaders who can drive progress in global mental health through research, policy, public health practice, and program implementation in academic, government, non-profit and private sectors.
Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of organisations including:
World Health Organisation (WHO)
South London & Maudsley Hospital (SLaM)
Princeton University
Lagos State University
Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital: Yaba Lagos Nigeria
Japan International Cooperation Agency
Full time: £16,394 per year (2025/26)
Full time: £37,800 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. the scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Across the world, and especially in low and middle-income countries, most people who have mental health problems are not supported by trained professionals, or able to access evidence-based treatments. Global mental health is about changing that situation – investigating the needs of people in different settings and formulating the most locally appropriate and feasible way to better support them. You will learn how to develop policies, systems, services and clinical interventions as well as epidemiological and other research methods used to evaluate services and interventions. The course will prepare you for work in the governmental and non-governmental sectors, as a policy advisor, global mental health researcher or clinical academic. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. “We have quite a diverse student body; people who come straight from undergraduate study in the social science, some from a clinical background and some with a medical or scientific background. The course caters for this diverse audience.” - Dr Rosie Mayston
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
An upper second-class honours degree of a UK university or a registerable qualification in medicine, appropriate to the programme. A background in a mental health-related field is desirable but not essential. Applications with an appropriate technical qualification or equivalent qualification and experience from overseas are also welcomed. Any student who does not meet the minimum entry requirement above but who has relevant professional experience may still be eligible for admission. They should contact the programme leader who can advise on their eligibility to apply.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree, if you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Selection is generally made on the basis of application and references. Your application will be assessed by two academics. You are welcome to contact the Programme Leader to arrange a site visit.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
You will need to answer the following three questions (maximum 1800 characters per answer):
|
|---|---|---|
| Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. | |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application |
Introduction to Global Mental Health (LSHTM)
Lectures (55 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (10 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (95 hours)
Evidence synthesis in global mental health (IoPPN)
Lectures (37 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (17 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (102 hours)
Statistics for Epidemiology & Public Health (LSHTM)
Lectures (70 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (80 hours)
Epidemiology for Mental Health Research (IoPPN)
Lectures (35 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (15 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (100 hours)
Design & Evaluation of Mental Health Programmes (LSHTM)
Lectures (59 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (6 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (85 hours)
Theory to Practice in Global Mental Health (IoPPN)
Lectures (34 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (26 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (90 hours)
Global Mental Health Dissertation (IoPPN & LSHTM)
Seminars / Tutorials (3 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (447 hours)
Applied Statistical Methods in Psychiatric Epidemiology (IoPPN)
Lectures (26 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (2 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (122 hours)
Mental Health Economic Evaluation (IoPPN)
Lectures (27 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (115 hours)
Qualitative Research Methods (IoPPN)
Lectures (28 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (114 hours)
Geographies of Trauma
Lectures (28 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (114 hours)
Society and Mental Health (IoPPN)
Lectures (28 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (114 hours)
Conflict & Health (LSHTM)
Lectures (37 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (113 hours)
Health Promotion Approaches & Methods (LSHTM)
Lectures (27 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (123 hours)
Health Systems (LSHTM)
Lectures (32 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (118 hours)
Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases (LSHTM)
Lectures (30 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (35 hours) |Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (85 hours)
Social Epidemiology (LSHTM)
Lectures (40 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (110 hours)
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology (LSHTM)
Lectures (38.5 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (111.5 hours)
Design and Analysis of Epidemiological Studies (LSHTM)
Lectures (37 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (113 hours)
Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs (LSHTM)
Lectures (35 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (115 hours)
Health Care Evaluation (LSHTM)
Lectures (22 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (128 hours)
Qualitative Methodologies (LSHTM)
Lectures (30 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (120 hours)
Medical Anthropology and Public Health (LSHTM)
Lectures (40 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (110 hours)
Research Design and Analysis (LSHTM)
Lectures (34 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning/Self-study time (116 hours)
Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks.
Students will have 3-4 teaching days per week and 1-2 days self-study depending on the term. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
All our teaching staff are active researchers so you’ll have access to the latest knowledge in the subject. Many also come from a clinical background, so their experience helps inform your classes.
Teaching and support is split between King’s and LSHTM. This means you’ll get one seamless course with access to two universities worth of expertise behind it.
The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and individual/ projects. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.
For students who have obtained sufficient credit and are hence due an award, degree classifications either Pass, Merit or Distinction are determined using the MSc Award Scheme
Grades from modules, exams and the project are combined to calculate a degree GPA. The degree GPA will be weighted as follows:
Degree GPA scores of 4.3 or above constitute distinctions, and any in the range 4.15 to 4.3 will be considered by the Exam Board for the potential award of a distinction.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Denmark Hill Campus and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in London (WC1E 7HT).
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules, and students on this course take modules totaling 180 credits. You are required to take:
In addition, you will take 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Our graduates will be well-equipped to enter careers in national mental health policy and planning, epidemiological and mental health services research, and advisory and advocacy roles in government, international agencies and non-governmental organisations. The program aims to develop leaders who can drive progress in global mental health through research, policy, public health practice, and program implementation in academic, government, non-profit and private sectors.
Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of organisations including:
World Health Organisation (WHO)
South London & Maudsley Hospital (SLaM)
Princeton University
Lagos State University
Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital: Yaba Lagos Nigeria
Japan International Cooperation Agency
Full time: £16,394 per year (2025/26)
Full time: £37,800 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. the scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
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