| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 24 months |
| Entry year | January 2025 |
| Campus |
Online |
| Discipline | MSc Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture (Online) |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A 2:1 with honours in any discipline from a recognised university |
|---|---|
Overview
- Be taught by world-renowned academics who are revolutionising the field of psychedelics.
- Enhance your knowledge of key theories and approaches to psychedelics in an interdisciplinary programme, building on psychology and philosophy.
- Learn about psychedelic therapy, neuroscience, anthropology, ethics, metaphysics and research methods which are key components of psychedelic studies.
- Undertake a research project and explore a particular topic in more detail.
Top 100 in the world for Psychology
QS World University Rankings 2024
Top 10 in the UK for Psychology
Guardian University Guide 2025
Fully online programme
Learn from world-leading experts
Top 100 in the world for Psychology
QS World University Rankings 2024
Top 10 in the UK for Psychology
Guardian University Guide 2025
Fully online programme
Learn from world-leading experts
Entry requirements
We are looking for graduates with a 2:1 or above in their first degree in any subject. Applications from candidates who have relevant professional or practical experience will also be considered.
Entry requirements for international students
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.
Course content
Please note that programme structures may be subject to change. The modules listed here are indicative. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on your point of entry, staff availability and research interests, new topics of study and student demand.
The MSc programme has been developed for those interested in branching out into the psychedelic sphere or want to continue their studies in psychedelics research. We have a global reputation as leaders in psychedelic healthcare and you will be taught by academics at the forefront of research.
It offers a combination of knowledge and understanding of key theories and approaches in psychedelics involving both science (medicine, psychological therapy, neuroscience and research methods) and philosophy (ethics, metaphysics and cultural contexts). The MSc includes a research project and thesis. Please see the PGCert Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture if you would like to study the modules without conducting a research project.
Some key aspects that the course will cover are: the clinical potential of psychedelic experiences; the interaction of psychedelics with various psychotherapeutic approaches; the neural correlates of altered states of consciousness; metaphysical and ethical dimensions of psychedelic practices; the war on drugs and cognitive liberty; anthropological studies of diverse cultural practices; the influence of power, cultural diversity, and medicalisation on the research field; the emergence of psychedelic spiritualities; and phenomenological dynamics of the experience.
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/study/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.
Compulsory modules
Students following the MSc must take 180 compulsory credits:
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYM235Z | Psychedelics: Therapeutic Practice and the Metaphysics of Mind | 30 |
| PSYM236Z | Psychedelics: Neuroscience and Cultural Ethics | 30 |
| PSYM246Z | The History and Anthropology of Psychedelic Use | 15 |
| PSYM247Z | Clinical Considerations in Psychedelic Use | 15 |
| PSYM221Z | Introduction to Statistics | 15 |
| PSYM222Z | Research Methods and Conceptual Issues in Psychology | 15 |
| PSYM239Z | Project Psychedelic | 60 |
Fees and funding
Fees:
£15,000 for full Masters
To make it easier to budget, you don’t need to pay the total fee upfront. Instead, you can pay for each module as you are about to start studying it. You can pay for the whole year if you prefer, but the minimum payment is at least the cost of the module you are taking that term.
Find out more about the funding opportunities available to you, including the UK government postgraduate loan scheme.
How to pay
You can pay online using a credit or debit card. We are unable to give you access to your study materials before your payment reaches us so it’s important to have your finances in place and pay when prompted to ensure you can access your studies at the start of each term.
Other costs to consider
As well as your fees, there are some potential additional costs to be aware of to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of success. These include a suitable computer or device to study and work from, an adequate internet connection to access your learning materials and connect with others, and a comfortable place to study.
Teaching and learning
Psychedelics research at Exeter
The programme is led by a group of world-leading experts in psychedelics, covering a wide array of disciplinary orientations. Exeter is at the forefront of psychedelics research.
Professor Celia Morgan is a psychopharmacologist and a leading researcher on psychedelics as a treatment for addiction. Dr Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes is a Philosopher of Mind and Metaphysics who specialises in altered states of consciousness. Dr Andy Letcher is an Ecologist and Religious Studies scholar with expertise in the critical study of neopaganism, shamanism, animism and psychedelic spiritualities. Dr Leor Roseman is an interdisciplinary psychedelic researcher with a background in neuroscience, psychology, phenomenology, anthropology and peacebuilding. Professor Christine Hauskeller is an expert in philosophy of medicine, sociology and the ethics of emerging healthcare technologies and is examining clinical trial methodology in psychedelic research through this lens.
Online study
Online study provides a flexible approach to postgraduate education, enabling you to enhance your career without interrupting it. To make studying as easy as possible, all your learning will be accessed online in our all-encompassing Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) including:
- Teaching materials – as written, recorded, or animated content
- Quizzes to check your learning and understanding
- Videos, podcasts and articles to read
- Access to electronic books
The course is delivered with short, pre-recorded lectures, interviews with leading psychedelic researchers, online written questions and answers, reading material with associated activities, discussion forums, live Q&A with the teachers, live student seminar discussions, and phenomenological self-inquiries. Many world-leading psychedelic researchers and practitioners have contributed guest lectures and interviews to this course.
Supporting you
We are dedicated to making your online education experience as smooth as possible, so that you can achieve your full potential. You will have a dedicated Student Support Advisor who will be your point of contact for advice and guidance and academic support from your module tutor.
Additionally, you will be supported by Wellbeing and Welfare Services, IT and an employability team for career support and advice. For more information, visit our services for online students webpage.
Careers
This course opens doors to a wide array of exciting career opportunities. It will equip you with the knowledge and skillset to help you stand out from the crowd in this rapidly growing sector.
Career support
At the University of Exeter, we have an excellent reputation among recruiters and our students compete very successfully in the job market. The dedicated Career Zone offers careers training, events, advice and mentoring to ensure you have the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field. Studying with us not only advances your knowledge but also empowers you for a successful future.
