War & Psychiatry MSc

Overview

Our MSc in War & Psychiatry will introduce you to ways of understanding how individuals, both members of the armed forces and civilians, prepare for and cope with psychological trauma. It is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to explore the field of human conflict. Drawing on multidisciplinary expertise from history, psychology and epidemiology, you will have the opportunity to compare the experiences of different nations to explore both theoretical and practical aspects of the subject. The course is relevant for careers in military psychiatry and related NGOs, emergency response and anti-terrorist services.

Course detail

How do members of the armed forces and civilians cope with the psychological trauma of war? To answer this complex question and more, you’ll explore existing literature, the latest research, and the development and practice of military psychiatry. We’ll help you compare the psychology of different nations and look at the subject from both a theoretical and practical point of view. Then you’ll reflect on how this relates to work in psychiatry, NGOs, emergency, or anti-terrorist services. You’ll complete a dissertation which gives you a chance to personalise the course to your own interests. This will also challenge you to identify, plan and propose solutions to problems at the forefront of the field.

Teaching and assessment

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. The primary methods of assessment for this course is through written coursework. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.

Career prospects

Much of the course content is of a practical nature designed to inform the assessment and treatment of psychological casualties. In addition, our course has invited speakers from the armed forces, military charities and the emergency services. A presentation is given by the IoPPN’s Careers Consultant and individual meetings with students can be arranged to explore job opportunities.