Rebuilding from the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide, to the stigma around mental health and the rising demand for mental health services, the provision of effective and sustainable mental health care presents on-going challenges for mental health professionals around the world.

This multi-disciplinary programme provides graduates with the knowledge and tools to create sustainable strategies that reduce the burden of mental illness, address inequalities and actively lead positive change in mental health treatments.

Delivered by the School of Health and Wellbeing, the Online MSc in Global Mental Health programme enables graduates to critically evaluate the role of cultural, social and biological factors in how mental health difficulties are manifested across the lifespan and across various cultures and contexts. It also empowers learners to apply a human rights lens to inequities in mental health care globally and design culturally appropriate, innovative and sustainable solutions.

What are the benefits of an Online MSc Global Mental Health?

By choosing to study an Online MSc in Global Mental Health at the University of Glasgow you will benefit from exposure to ….. disciplines including clinical psychology, social work, sociology, law and psychiatry and is focused on relevant research and policy to enable students to gain an international perspective that can help drive forward positive change.

The School of Health and Wellbeing also collaborates with various institutions such as the NHS and third sector organisations to ensure students gain real-world insight that they can apply in their own contexts. Learners have the opportunity to expand their professional networks by connecting with alumni and communities of practice.

Transferable skills for a range of career paths

The programme opens a wide range of careers in mental health, psychosocial support and international development. A number of our graduates have gone on to take management and other leadership roles in governments and in international agencies.

 The programme is focused on transferable skills and attributes which students can then take forward to apply to their careers, whether that is a within their existing job role, or whether this takes them to new areas. The Online MSc Global Mental Health adopts an evidence-based and market-aware approach to competency development (Karadzhov et al., 2024)

There is a strong focus on research skills and appraising research reports, which strengthens graduates' capacity to conduct research, implement and evaluate interventions and influence policy and practice.

 “Some graduates go into mental health policy planning; others use their skills to improve mental health services ….move your career forward” says Dr Langan-Martin.

Assessments based on real-life tasks

The Online MSc in Global Mental Health uses multiple types of assessments based on real-life professional activities and transferable skills.

“We’ve moved away from traditional essays and exams towards more authentic assessments. …future career” says Dr Langan-Martin.

Assessments take the form of discussions, group work, information sheets… to advise students and ensure that the topic they’ve suggested is suitable and practical” says Dr Langan-Martin.

Why choose the University of Glasgow?

The University of Glasgow has an outstanding global reputation, ranking within the top 100 universities in the world. We are part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities and have been awarded as the Times Higher Education (THE) University of The Year 2020, for our work to redress historic links to slavery through a significant programme of reparative justice.

The School of Health and Wellbeing, who deliver the Online MSc in Global Mental Health, has been awarded an Athena SWAN Gold Award for equality and diversity (2018) and 81% of the University of Glasgow’s research is regarded as internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

If you are committed to driving change within mental health care, an Online MSc in Global Mental Health can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to tackle current challenges and make a positive difference in a range of contexts.

To find out more, request information by completing the form on our programme page. After filling in your details, member of our admissions team will assist you and answer any questions you may have about the online programme.

First published: 20 August 2025

<< Articles


Online MSc Global Mental Health