Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MSc Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture (PT 5 years)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture (PT 5 years) | Programme code | PNS5PSYHPS01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This MSc programme, which is the first of its kind in the UK, offers you the chance to study in the exciting and emerging field of psychedelics. Psychedelics have demonstrated great therapeutic potential in addressing a number of mental health conditions, while underground scenes and traditional cultures around the world make use of psychedelics for healing, creating community, and in often exuberant expressions of religiosity and festivity. Although psychedelics remain unlicensed in many countries, western nations are waking up to the potential of psychedelics to revolutionise mental health care, and we are starting to see a concomitant change in attitudes towards (and in some cases a lifting of the prohibition of) these fascinating substances. Consequently, there has never been a better time to engage in this ground-breaking new field.
Psychedelics affect mind, medicine and culture in equal measure, and so we deliberately take a transdisciplinary and decolonial approach. Consequently, you will gain knowledge and understanding of key theories and methods from both science and the humanities, including neuroscience, psychopharmacology, psychological therapy, clinical approaches as well as anthropological, historical, and philosophical approaches and their respective critical and qualitative methodologies (e.g. ethnography, participant observation, critical theory, and discourse analysis). You will study with some of the leading experts at Exeter University, as well as hearing from a diverse range of guest lecturers, drawn from the emerging world of psychedelic studies. You will study research methods and statistics, and conduct a final project that enables you to explore in more depth some specific research topic within the field, using either quantitative or qualitative methods, or some combination.
This unique MSc programme is delivered asynchronously online so as to give you the flexibility to study around your other commitments, and your learning will consist of lectures, readings and interactive activities, as well as a range of formative and summative assessments.
This programme has been developed not only for therapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists who are interested in branching out into the psychedelic sphere, but also for those with a growing interest in psychedelic research generally wanting to continue their studies in this space.
Distinctive features include:
- First academic programme of its kind in the UK
- Transdisciplinary and decolonial perspective
- Working with experts in the field
- Lively and enthusiastic teachers
- Asynchronous learning gives you the flexibility to study around your other commitments
- Preparing you to work in the emerging field of psychedelic research
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
Students are intended to receive a broad, comprehensive knowledge of issues that pertain to the psychedelic field. For this reason, the programme shall look at both the sciences and the humanities. This is an academic rather than practical qualification though it is intended to prepare those who wish to become practitioners with detailed information about cutting-edge psychedelic research from leaders in the field, contextualised within broader cultural and philosophic issues. It is also intended for those with a general interest in psychedelic research who may wish, with the help of leading experts, to advance their studies and careers.
Specific educational aims include training the student in the clinical, alternative, ethnographic, and historical practices of psychedelic therapy and use; in metaphysical perspectives pertaining to psychedelic experience; in the neurosciences related to psychedelic research; and in specific ethical theories and issues deemed important in psychedelic research and wider activity (such as medicalization, prohibition, and decoloniality).
The course is delivered online, with both asynchronous and synchronous (live) activities. These might include short, pre-recorded lectures or interviews with leading experts; audio discussions; online written questions and answers; reading material with associated questions and activities; live Q&A with the teacher(s); live student seminar discussions; and more.
4. Programme Structure
Entry requirements – 2.1 or above in first degree in any subject
In addition to proving degree equivalence, as above, international students must meet English language requirements as detailed here:
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/englishlanguagerequirements/profile-b2
The MSc Psychedelics Online is a 180-credit, part-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with one credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
You will study for no more than 30 credits per term, which may consist in one 30-credit module or two 15-credit modules delivered simultaneously. You will take 180 credits of compulsory modules in total. Modules are offered on a carousel model to allow for three entry points per year.
Students joining before September 2025 will take the programme over seven terms, and students joining from September 2025 will take the programme over six terms.
Exit Awards
PGCert 60 credits (completion of modules PSYM235Z and PSYM236Z)
PGDip 120 credits (completion of all six taught modules, except PSYM239Z)
Interim awards
The award of PGCert Psychedelics: Mind Medicine and Culture (Online) is available by direct entry and is governed by a separate specification.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Stage 1
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website:
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/online-courses/msc-psychedelics/
Students may enter the programme during three fixed starting dates during the academic calendar, which are January, May and September. The module running order will be dictated by your entry point and the corresponding module/s available on the carousel model at that entry date, but no matter the entry point, students will commence with either module PSYM235Z or PSYM236Z.
Students following the MSc must take 180 compulsory credits:
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYM235Z | Psychedelics: Therapeutic Practice and the Metaphysics of Mind | 30 | No |
| PSYM236Z | Psychedelics: Neuroscience and Cultural Ethics | 30 | No |
| PSYM246Z | The History and Anthropology of Psychedelic Use | 15 | No |
| PSYM247Z | Clinical Considerations in Psychedelic Use | 15 | No |
| PSYM221Z | Introduction to Statistics | 15 | No |
| PSYM222Z | Research Methods and Conceptual Issues in Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSYM239Z | Project Psychedelic | 60 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate knowledge of history of psychedelics and psychedelic therapy, metaphysics, neuroscience of psychedelics and ethical and cultural issues affecting the field | Lectures, audio podcasts, group tutorials, forum debates and padlets, synchronous Q&A sessions with experts in the field, research participation. | Formative: Answers to ‘big questions’ each week using different media e.g. vlogs, blog posts, audio, text. Formative: submitting reflective entries to online forums/padlets; participating in online tasks, quizzes, and surveys; peer-review of the above. Summative: Pre-recorded presentations that draw together content from two or more different topics, from different disciplines; academic essays; academic reflections; project report or dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
3. Skills: Critical evaluation of evidence and practice in the psychedelic field | Lectures, audio podcasts, group tutorials, forum debates and padlets, synchronous Q&A sessions with experts in the field, research participation. | Formative: submitting reflective entries to online forums/padlets; participating in online tasks, quizzes, and surveys; peer-review of the above. Summative: Pre-recorded presentations that draw together content from two or more different topics, from different disciplines; academic essays; academic reflections; project report or dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Presentation skills | Lectures, audio podcasts, group tutorials, forum debates and padlets, synchronous Q&A sessions with experts in the field, research participation. | Formative: submitting reflective entries to online forums/padlets; participating in online tasks, quizzes, and surveys; peer-review of the above. Summative: Pre-recorded presentations that draw together content from two or more different topics, from different disciplines; academic essays; academic reflections; project report or dissertation. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Core content for the programme will be made available online and asynchronously via our dedicated Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) to allow maximum flexibility in when students study to fit around their other commitments. We will provide a range of rich online materials, a variety of learning activities and encourage students to participate in learning communities. Each module will set out the key expectations and requirements at the start of teaching and students will receive timely feedback on your progress throughout the duration.
The Student/Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
Students who have successfully completed the PGCert will be eligible to join the MSc programme with their prior learning recognised.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MSc Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture (PT 5 years)
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 07/11/2024 |
Date of last revision |
|---|
