Master of Science Program in Mental Health
Program Philosophy
To cultivate graduates who think critically, drive impactful research, and apply knowledge to advance mental health in Thai society.
Program Importance
The Master of Science Program in Mental Health is essential for developing a highly competent workforce capable of addressing increasingly complex mental health challenges. The curriculum equips learners to systematically design initiatives for mental health promotion, prevention, therapy, and rehabilitation. It strengthens research capabilities to produce publications recognized nationally and internationally, while instilling social responsibility, research ethics, and respect for diversity.
Amid rapid technological shifts and economic pressures in the digital era, mental health issues have become multifaceted. To keep pace with these changes and align with the 20-Year National Strategy (2018–2037) on innovation, this revised curriculum integrates mental health knowledge with modern technologies, such as health information systems, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
The 2027 revision focuses on producing well-rounded graduates with academic depth, practical skills, and professional ethics. Graduates will creatively drive mental health initiatives and publish high-quality research, while demonstrating social responsibility and respect for diversity. They will also possess critical skills in lifelong learning, communication, teamwork, leadership, and technological proficiency, enabling them to bring sustainable value to the healthcare system and Thai society.
Program Objectives
- To equip graduates with deep knowledge and professional skills to creatively design and implement mental health promotion, prevention, therapy, and rehabilitation initiatives.
- To develop research competencies to produce high-quality mental health research that meets ethical and academic standards for national or international publication.
- To foster social responsibility, ethical conduct, and respect for socio-cultural diversity in mental health practice and research.
- To enhance lifelong learning, communication, teamwork, leadership, and the application of information technology and AI in mental health operations.
Alignment with National Policies and Chulalongkorn University’s Strategies
The Master of Science Program in Mental Health (2027 Revision) is strategically designed to align with national workforce development policies, global sustainability targets, and Chulalongkorn University’s vision as a world-class research institution.
National and Higher Education Policy Alignment
- The 20-Year National Strategy (2018–2037) & The 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023–2027): The curriculum aligns with these national frameworks by developing a high-competency mental health workforce capable of delivering proactive promotion, prevention, therapy, and rehabilitation services. It emphasizes the integration of digital technology and innovation to enhance public health and social well-being across all life stages.
- Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Policy (2020–2027): The program fosters high-impact mental health research and national/international publications. It integrates data science, digital technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) while building global academic networks.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The program directly contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Institutional Strategy and Global Positioning
In alignment with Chulalongkorn University’s classification within the “Global Research and Innovation” institutional group, the program focuses on:
- Advanced Research Competency: Generating new mental health insights, publishing in high-impact international journals, and actively participating in global research networks.
- Future Skills Framework: Integrating World Economic Forum (WEF) future skills—such as analytical and critical thinking, complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, teamwork, leadership, and the responsible use of AI—to ensure graduates possess leadership qualities, professional ethics, and global competitiveness.
Program Learning Outcomes: PLOs
| Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) | Master’s Degree Qualifications Framework (TQF) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Skills | Ethics & Morality | Personal Attributes | ||
| PLO1 | Creatively design and implement initiatives or activities for mental health promotion, prevention, therapy, and rehabilitation. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| PLO2 | Produce mental health research eligible for national or international publication. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| PLO3 | Demonstrate social responsibility, research ethics awareness, and respect for socio-cultural diversity. | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| PLO4 | Demonstrate lifelong learning skills (including communication, teamwork and/or leadership, and the application of artificial intelligence) within mental health practices and activities. | ✓ | |||
Curriculum Structure, Courses, and Credits
1. Credit Requirements, Study Period, and Curriculum Structure
1.1 Total Credits Required for Graduation
Plan A Type A1: Total credits required for graduation: 36 credits
Plan A Type A2: Total credits required for graduation: 36 credits
1.2 Study Period According to the Plan of Study
Plan A Type A1 and Type A2: The standard study period is 2 years (not exceeding 4 academic years).
| Curriculum Components | Plan A Type A1 | Plan A Type A2 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credits Required | 36 | 36 |
| Coursework Credits | – | 24 |
| * Compulsory Courses | – | 15 |
| * Elective Courses | – | 9 |
| Thesis Credits | 36 | 12 |
To enhance their knowledge, students may register for other graduate-level courses relevant to their research focus, subject to the approval of their thesis advisor. These courses may be offered by Chulalongkorn University or other national and international universities. In cases where a student is unable to comply with the curriculum requirements, the Program Executive Committee and the Faculty Board retain the authority to review and make a final determination.
2. Courses and Credits
(Course descriptions are provided in Appendix D)
2.1 Core Courses
2.1.1 Compulsory Courses
Plan A Type A2: 15 Credits
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits (Lecture-Practice-Self Study) |
|---|---|---|
| 3007756 | Applied Behavioral Science | 1(1-0-3) |
| 3007761 | Introduction to Mental Health Research | 2(2-0-6) |
| 3007763 | Applied Mental Health Research | 1(1-0-3) |
| 3007765 | Social and Cultural Factors and Health | 1(1-0-3) |
| 3007766 | Interviewing and Counseling Skill | 2(1-3-4) |
| 3007767 | Clinical Psychiatry | 3(2-3-7) |
| 3007768 | Personality and Life Cycle | 1(1-0-3) |
| 3007769 | Clinical Child Psychiatry | 3(2-3-7) |
| 3007772 | Basic Psychotherapy | 1(1-0-3) |
2.1.2 Elective Courses
Plan A Type A2: 9 Credits Required
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits (Lecture-Practice-Self Study) |
|---|---|---|
| 3007722 | Prevention and Management for Drug Abusers | 2(1-3-4) |
| 3007739 | Humanistic Psychotherapy | 1(1-0-3) |
| 3007743 | Interpersonal Psychotherapy | 2(1-3-4) |
| 3007771 | Community Mental Health | 2(1-3-4) |
| 3007773 | Writing Psychiatry Research Papers for Publication | 1(1-0-3) |
| 3007774 | Applied Clinical Psychology | 2(1-2-5) |
| 3007775 | Women’s Mental Health | 2(2-0-6) |
| 3007776 | Self-Development | 2(1-3-4) |
| 3007777 | Mental Health of the Elderly | 1(1-0-3) |
| 3007778 | Practice in Mental Health Care for the Elderly | 2(1-3-4) |
| 3007779 | Project for Mental Health Promotion for the Elderly | 2(1-3-4) |
| 3007780 | Sleep and Mental Health | 2(2-0-6) |
| 3007781 | Practice of Counseling and Group Therapy | 2(1-3-4) |
| 3007782 | School Mental Health Consultation | 1(0-3-1) |
| 3007783 | Neuroscience for Mental Health Professional | 1(1-0-3) |
| 3007784 | Art Therapy | 1(1-0-3) |
| 3007786 | Sex and Gender Mental Health | 1(1-0-3) |
| 3007787 | Mental Health Economics | 1(1-0-3) |
| 3007788 | Biostatistics Consultations for Mental Health Research | 1(1-0-3) |
2.2 Thesis
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 3007816 | Thesis (Plan A Type A1) | 36 (0-144-0) |
| 3007811 | Thesis (Plan A Type A2) | 12 (0-48-0) |
Plan of Study
Plan A Type A1
| Year 1: First Semester | Credits | |
| 3007816 | Thesis | 9 |
| Total | 9 | |
| Year 1: Second Semester | Credits | |
| 3007816 | Thesis | 9 |
| Total | 9 | |
| Year 2: First Semester | Credits | |
| 3007816 | Thesis | 9 |
| Total | 9 | |
| Year 2: Second Semester | Credits | |
| 3007816 | Thesis | 9 |
| Total | 9 | |
| Total Program Credits | 36 | |
Plan A Type A2
| Year 1: First Semester | Credits | |
| 3007756 | Applied Behavioral Science | 1 |
| 3007761 | Introduction to Mental Health Research | 2 |
| 3007765 | Social and Cultural Factors and Health | 1 |
| 3007766 | Interviewing and Counseling Skills | 2 |
| 3007768 | Personality and Life Cycle | 1 |
| Total | 7 | |
| Year 1: Second Semester | Credits | |
| 3007763 | Applied Mental Health Research | 1 |
| 3007767 | Clinical Psychiatry | 3 |
| 3007769 | Clinical Child Psychiatry | 3 |
| 3007772 | Basic Psychotherapy | 1 |
| Total | 8 | |
| Year 2: First Semester | Credits | |
| 3007811 | Thesis | 6 |
| XXXXXXX | Elective Course(s) | 5 |
| Total | 11 | |
| Year 2: Second Semester | Credits | |
| 3007811 | Thesis | 6 |
| XXXXXXX | Elective Course(s) | 4 |
| Total | 10 | |
| Total Program Credits | 36 | |
Student Admissions Qualifications
Master’s Degree Program
Plan A Type A1
- Must be a current student in the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, with at least 120 accumulated credits.
- Must meet the English proficiency test scores required by Chulalongkorn University.
- Must fulfill other qualifications specified by the program, as outlined in the annual admission announcements, or be deemed eligible for application by the Program Executive Committee.
Plan A Type A2
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Health Sciences, Nursing, Social Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, or other related fields.
- Must meet the English proficiency test scores required by Chulalongkorn University.
- Must fulfill other qualifications as outlined in the annual Graduate School admission announcements, or be deemed eligible for application by the Program Executive Committee.
Graduation Requirements
Master’s Degree Program (Plan A)
- Coursework Completion: Must complete all courses required by the curriculum (if applicable) with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPAX) of not less than 3.00 out of a 4.00 system, or equivalent.
- Foreign Language Proficiency: Must pass the foreign language proficiency requirement (English).
- Thesis and Oral Defense: Must submit a thesis and pass the final oral thesis defense evaluated by a Thesis Defense Committee appointed by the university. The defense must be conducted as an open forum accessible to interested individuals.
- Thesis Publication: The thesis, or part of it, must be published or at least disseminated in the form of an academic article, innovation, invention, or other recognized scholarly work that can be retrieved and searched, in accordance with the university council’s regulations.
- Learning Outcomes: Must achieve all Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) according to the Master’s degree qualification standards.