Adverse mental health is the greatest contributor to the disability burden among all non-communicable diseases, affecting more than 1 billion people globally. Specifically, mental health and substance use issues account for 7% of all global burden of disease, and 19% of all years lived with disability; a figure greater than cancer and cardiovascular disease. In addition to the disparity in mental health, neurological, and substance use disorders across social gradients and between high and low-middle-income countries, substantial disparities also exist with respect to the human resources necessary to address these problems. This challenge is reflected in the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, to reduce by one-third pre-mature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through prevention and treatment, and to promote mental health and wellbeing by 2030.

The Masters in Global Mental Health aims to provide students with opportunities for professional development, including the building of knowledge and skills related to assessment and treatment of mental health difficulties; health system equity and emergency response; a critical analysis of definitions and measurements of mental health and treatment outcomes with attention to context and culture, ethical consideration for practice and research, and practical Mental health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and evaluation skills. 

On successful completion of the course, students of the Masters in Global Mental Health will be able to:

1. Locate, review, and critically appraise academic, scientific, and grey literature pertaining to the fields of Global Health, Global Mental Health, and Psychotraumatology.
2. Identify, compare, and critically examine extant theories, methods, interventions and evidence within the field of global mental health.
3. Apply core concepts of mental health and psychosocial support and ethics in a global health programming, including in emergency humanitarian settings.
4. Identify and effectively apply core concepts of quantitative and qualitative analysis to evaluate mental health and psychosocial interventions.
5. Identify and apply appropriate approaches to research design in the behavioural sciences and critically analyse the role of bio-psycho-sociocultural factors in mental health.
6. Plan and design a theoretically grounded, empirical research dissertation to advance knowledge in the area of global mental health.
7. Complete and present findings of an independent research dissertation in the area of global mental health by sourcing and analysing appropriate theories, literature, methods, and scholarship.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The programme adopts the following methods to facilitate teaching and learning among participants:

• Teaching based on evidence from current research
• A learning methodology that stresses active participation of students and acknowledgement and utilization of the varied experience that each participant brings to the course
• Team based learning and teaching that reflects the reality in which people work in the global mental health arena
• An assessment strategy that allows students to direct both individual assignments and dissertations to their own career interests and professional development
• An assessment strategy which encourages students to develop critical appraisal, analytical and methodological capabilities to address the challenges of global mental health
• A range of strategies that encourages self directed learning and individual ownership and utilization of learning opportunities.

Students are expected to be active in charting the direction of their learning and utilization of available learning opportunities. Based on the above, the teaching and learning methods include:

Formal Lectures
Lectures facilitate orientation to topics and issues and presentation of relevant up-to-date information and specialized knowledge in an organized manner. At the Masters level, lectures provide useful background information that aid critical assessment of module materials and self-directed learning.

Interactive Lectures and Discussions
Taught content is complimented with discussion of issues, where participants are encouraged to interact and share their knowledge with others in the group. This provides an opportunity to explore the varied experience of participants within the group.

Seminars and Presentations
Seminars and presentations give participants the opportunity to investigate topics and present their findings to the rest of the group. They are useful in that they enable participants acquire investigatory experience, the sharing of knowledge gained and the justification to others of the conclusions reached.

Tutorials
Tutorials encourage participatory learning exercises where students are allocated to small groups to share knowledge and experiences and attempt to resolve problems arising from lectures and self-directed study.

Case Studies
Detailed real-world case studies may be used as a teaching method to comprehensively describe a number of global mental health issues. Using real-life situations will help students consider a number of important lessons and appreciate the complexity of global mental health in different contexts and across cultures.

Self-Directed Study
Self-directed study is a major component of the course. With this method, students are encouraged to utilize the wide range of learning resources at their disposal.

Admission to the MSc in Global Mental Health programme at Trinity College Dublin is competitive with a maximum of 20 students per year.  Applicants should possess a strong academic record, international experience, and an interest in global mental health issues.

The online application system is available from late November in the year prior to entry, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the 30th June.  Your application and all supporting materials, including references, must be received in order for you to be considered for interview.  It is advised to submit your complete application as early as possible prior to the deadline.  Late applications may be accepted after the final application deadline if places are still available, please e-mail tcghgmhealth@tcd.ie to enquire.

For more information for prospective students to Trinity College Dublin, please visit the Graduate Studies Office website: https://www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/faculty/

Application Procedure

If your application requires a Certificate of English Competence, please ensure you include this document before submitting. Applications submitted without this certificate will not be considered for interview.

Applicants for the MSc in Global Mental Health must apply online through http://my.tcd.ie by the deadline 30th June. 
Along with the online application, additional supporting documents are required as follows:

• Personal statement stating your interest in global health issues, why you wish to participate in the course, prior global mental health experience, and your career aspirations (not more than 500 words)
• Curriculum vitae/résumé outlining academic achievements, awards and relevant work/volunteer experience
• Copies of degree certificates
• Copies of certificates of English language competence (for applicants whose native language is not English or whose language of previous university education is not English)
• Two letters of reference signed by referee, one of whom should be able to comment on your academic ability.
• Documents in support of EU fee paying status (for applicants from the European Union)
• Copy of passport photo page

All of these documents are to be uploaded onto your online application

Please note that your application cannot be considered until you have submitted all of the required supplementary forms including English language competence certificates.
An online application processing fee of €55 is payable by debit or credit card at the time of application.  Please note that the online application processing fee is non-refundable.

Application Review

In order for submitted applications to be reviewed, all supporting documents must be included. Following application review, an interview may be offered and if you have been successful at the interview stage, the Academic Registry will make you an offer and include a deadline to receive your decision.  If you choose to accept this offer, a deposit towards the tuition fee will be required.  If no additional places are available, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for acceptance will be notified that they will be placed on a waiting list in case any places become available. 

This programme is intended for individuals from a wide range of disciplines and professions who wish to develop an understanding of health issues that integrate health and social science perspectives in a global context. As global mental health is a multidisciplinary field, applicants can be graduates of any academic discipline. 

Trinity College Dublin has high academic entry requirements for postgraduate courses.  Applicants will need to hold:

• At least a 2.1 honours degree from an Irish university or equivalent result from a university in another country
• A fluent command of the English language (requirements below)

In addition to the general entry requirements for postgraduate study in Trinity College, applicants must have a demonstrated interest and/or experience in global mental health or mental health issues in developing or low resource settings.

Further information for applicants from outside of Ireland is available from the Graduate Studies Office: https://www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/how-to-apply/ and the International Office: https://www.tcd.ie/study/international/ 

English Language Requirements

All applicants whose first language is not English, must provide supporting documentary evidence of their competence in English.

The following tests results are recognised:

• IELTS: Grade 6.5 with no individual band below 6
• TOEFL: 88 – internet-based, 230 – computer-based, 570 – paper-based
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: Grade C
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: Grade C

Prospective applicants can get further clarification on entry requirements directly from the Graduate Studies Office: https://www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/how-to-apply/requirements/international.php

Students who are accepted to the course for whom English is not their first language can contact the Student Learning Development for resources and supports: https://student-learning.tcd.ie/international/studying-english/

In addition, if you have English as a second language and feel the need to improve your skills, you can sign up for one of the English for Academic Purposes courses at the Centre for English Language Learning and Teaching in Trinity College.

Academic Requirements

At postgraduate level an even greater emphasis is placed on self-directed learning and the acquisition of academic skills. TCD Student Learning Development (SLD) can assist students who are accepted onto the course to continue improving these skills. They offer a range of services including individual appointments, workshops and skills events : https://student-learning.tcd.ie/

Computer Competency

Although not an entry requirement, applicants are expected to be proficient users of a computer with the ability to perform the basic tasks needed to work efficiently (using e-mail, searching the internet, and creating documents). Computers are used throughout the programme and more advanced applications will be introduced such as SPSS (statistical analysis software) and NVivo (qualitative data analysis software). Successful applicants with a low computer competency will be encouraged to take an introduction to computers course prior to starting the programme.

The course fee for the MSc in Global Health is determined by residency.  Possession of a European Union passport or citizenship does not automatically grant entitlement to EU fees, as fee status is based on residency.  Only students who enrol on the full-time programmes can apply for a student visa.

Student fees can be obtained from the Financial Services Division (under Student Finance) Course Fees

In addition to the course fee, prospective students must also ensure available funds for living expenses and other costs while studying.  Students who decide to complete their research projects overseas will need additional funds of up to €1,500 to cover the costs involved.

Scholarships

Trinity College Dublin offers a number of scholarship opportunities for prospective and current students interested in study or research at Ireland's leading university. Since its foundation in 1592 Trinity College Dublin has sought to assist students of limited means and reward academic achievement. Specific scholarships exist for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students. Information on these scholarships can be found here: https://www.tcd.ie/study/international/scholarships/Postgraduate/csc.php

Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme

Applicants from Irish Aid priority countries (Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia) are eligible for funding through the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme.  Each year, the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme funds a small number of suitably qualified candidates from Irish Aid priority countries to undertake postgraduate study in Ireland with the aim of supporting and enhancing the contribution recipients can make to development effort in their own countries. 

Application forms for the Fellowship Training Programme are available at Irish Embassies in partner countries.  The application deadline for the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme is 31 December prior to year of study.  You must make an application for both the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme and for the MSc in Global Health programme, as these are separate application processes. 

Further information about the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme, including eligibility, is available from the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) website: http://www.icosirl.ie/eng/irish_aid_fellowships/fellowship_training_programme.html

Other Funding Sources

Trinity College Dublin does not offer funding for students on taught courses.  The Graduate Studies Office provides information regarding funding available from external sources: https://www.tcd.ie/study/postgraduate/scholarships-funding/index.php

Most students will receive funding from their employers, governments, international agencies, trusts, charities, personal savings and loans from family and friends. Applicants are advised to seek funding early, preferably in the year before commencement. Most sponsors have information about application procedure and closing dates on their website.

There are many funding sources available, particularly for applicants from developing countries. These include the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme, the Ford Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Leverhulme Trust, etc. The most common source of funding for students on the programme is the Irish Council for International Students (see information above).

Most sponsors have a set of criteria against which decisions on award are made and it is important that applicants are aware of these. When making an application, you are advised to send in your CV and covering letter stating why you are worthy of an award and also the use to which you intend to put the potential qualification.

China Scholarship Council (CSC) – Trinity College Dublin Joint Scholarship Programme

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin and the China Scholarship Council affiliated with the Ministry of Education in China are offering a number of scholarships to Chinese students who wish to pursue a PhD at Trinity. Trinity is now inviting applications for the CSC-Trinity College Dublin Joint Scholarship Programme for 2021. The Global Relations Office are happy to support interested students and academic supervisors with their application. Each scholarship will include a full fee-waiver from Trinity, and a stipend for living costs, airfare and health insurance, provided by the CSC (bench fees are not included). If you are a visiting scholar or interested in hosting a visiting scholar, please see the bottom of the page for relevant information. For questions, please contact Dominique Luthringer, Regional Manager – Eastern Europe, Central and East Asia at Dominique.Luthringer@tcd.ie

爱尔兰都柏林圣三一大学
中国国家留学基金管理委员会与爱尔兰都柏林圣三一大学合作奖学金

根据中国国家留学基金管理委员会与爱尔兰都柏林圣三一大学签署的合作备忘录，双方共同设立了中国国家留学基金管理委员会与爱尔兰都柏林圣三一大学合作奖学金，拟共同资助中国优秀人员赴爱尔兰都柏林圣三一大学攻读博士学位或进行博士学位联合培养。 都柏林圣三一大学提供学费和研究费用；国家留学基金提供一次往返国际旅费和资助期限内的奖学金。

The MSc in Global Mental Health is a one-year, full-time (or two-year part-time) programme. Students must complete the equivalent of 90 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits to graduate: 60 ECTS credits for the taught component and 30 ECTS credits for the dissertation. The academic year is divided into three terms: Michaelmas (Term 1), Hilary (Term 2) and Trinity (Term 3). The first two terms form the taught component of the course, and the last term is to finalise the research dissertation requirement.

Modules may change from year to year in order to reflect current thematic changes and remain relevant and responsive to international policy priorities for health.  

Current core modules include:

• Social Determinants of Global Health
• Epidemiology
• Culture Health and Illness
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Reviews and Qualitative Research
• Global Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Project Cycle Management
• Global Health in Humanitarian Contexts
• Mental and Cognitive Health in Ageing: A Global Perspective
• Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies
• Research Dissertation

Research Project Locations of Previous Students

Research topics may fit within existing faculty research projects or may be supported through the strong connections with other TCD faculty members (e.g. the Institute of Population Health, the Global Brain Health Institute, the Centre for Health Policy and Management, the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, the Children’s Research Centre, the Research Centre for Psychological Health, and the Centre for Innovative Human Systems) or collaboration with faculty members in other universities around the world (e.g. the American University of Beirut, the University of Addis Ababa), and with governmental and non-governmental agencies working within the mental health field.

Current MSc in Global Health students can log on to the dedicated course website: TCD Blackboard

MSc Global Mental Health 2022/23

For further information about past graduates and their research projects please click on the link below.

ALUMNI

Recent publications arising from MSc Global Mental Health Dissertation: