Trinity University

What you'll study

The programme blends core mental-health science with applied social-health practice. Modules typically cover the assessment and formulation of mental health problems, lifespan developmental psychopathology, evidence-based interventions, and culturally responsive community practice. You will study research methods and statistics, ethics and professional practice, and policy frameworks that shape services.

• Assessment and Formulation: clinical interviewing, risk assessment, diagnostic formulation and outcome measurement.
• Psychopathology and Development: major mental disorders across the lifespan and their social determinants.
• Therapeutic Approaches: introduction to psychotherapeutic models (e.g. CBT, systemic, trauma-informed care) and brief intervention techniques.
• Community and Social Health Practice: population-level approaches, community engagement, service design and inter-professional working.
• Research Methods and Evaluation: quantitative and qualitative methods, programme evaluation and critical appraisal of evidence.
• Professional Practice and Ethics: confidentiality, safeguarding, cultural competence and legal issues affecting practice.
• Practical Placement/Capstone Project: a supervised placement in a healthcare, social care or third-sector setting, or a research/dissertation project applying skills to a real-world problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally need a good undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (for example psychology, nursing, social work, public health or a related social science). Applicants with professional experience in health, social or community settings but without a directly related degree may be considered on the basis of a strong application portfolio.

• A completed undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
• Relevant experience (paid or voluntary) working with people in health, social care or community settings is highly desirable.
• Two references, including at least one academic or professional referee who can comment on suitability for postgraduate study and practice.
• A personal statement explaining motivation for the programme, relevant experience and career aims.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency at the university's required level.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across statutory, voluntary and private sectors. The programme prepares you for direct practice roles as an assistant practitioner in mental health services, care coordinator, community support worker, mental health project officer or research assistant. It also provides a solid foundation for further professional training and registration in clinical psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, social work or other regulated professions where graduate-level study and supervised practice are required.

Other common career pathways include service development and management, policy and advocacy roles, commissioning, third-sector leadership, and research roles within universities or health services. The placement component supports employability by developing practical skills and professional networks.

Why study at Trinity University

Trinity University offers a supportive learning environment with small-group teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration and close supervision for applied placements and research projects. The programme emphasises links between academic theory and real-world practice, drawing on staff with clinical, policy and research experience in mental and social health.

Students benefit from established partnerships with local health and social care providers, meaning supervised placements that expose you to a range of service settings. The curriculum is designed to be adaptable to diverse career goals — whether you aim to work directly with individuals and communities or to move into service development, policy or further professional training.