HSDC Havant’s second-year Applied Psychology students recently broadened their academic learning with a specialist visit to Bethlem Museum of the Mind – part of the world-renowned South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and home to centuries of mental health history.
This visit was completed to directly support the learners’ current unit, Introduction to Psychopathology, which explores the evolution of mental health care, diagnosis and treatment. With Bethlem (historically known as ‘Bedlam’) recognised as one of Europe’s first mental health institutions, the visit to the museum offered HSDC’s students an unparalleled opportunity to connect their classroom studies with real-world historical and clinical context.
On the trip, students were able to examine original artefacts, including early restraint devices such as straitjackets and shackles, gaining first-hand insight into how approaches to treatment have progressed and how far modern mental health care has evolved in terms of ethics, dignity and patient-centred practice.
Learners also explored Bethlem’s powerful art exhibitions, created by artists with lived experience of mental illnesses. These pieces offered nuanced and first-hand perspectives on mental health expression, recovery and identity, contributing to students’ holistic understanding of the field.
Rhys Parker, Applied Psychology teacher, said:
“It was really useful and interesting to have content covered in class about the history of Bethlem/asylums and indeed how people with mental health issues were historically treated, exemplified in such an interesting way.”
A true highlight of the day involved an analysis of ‘The Maze, an autobiographical painting by William Kurelek, created during his time as a patient at Bethlem’s sister hospital, The Maudsley, in 1953. Students were supported to critically interpret the symbolic representations within the artwork, deepening their analytical skills and their ability to evaluate psychological expressions through creative mediums.
The Applied Psychology course at HSDC Havant is shaped around professional standards and employer-informed practice. This trip strengthened the students’ key employability skills, including their ability to communicate and collaborate with each other when problem-solving, as well as developing their professional awareness of the historical context of mental health care and how it informs current practice.
HSDC continues to invest in high-quality learner experiences such as the Bethlem trip, that build real destinations into employment, apprenticeships and higher education. This visit forms part of the College’s longstanding commitment to developing well-rounded, industry-ready students who understand their subject through a combination of academic study and professional engagement.
With strong leadership, a clear strategic direction and sustained investment in curriculum quality, HSDC remains focused on delivering outstanding student outcomes across all campuses. The Applied Psychology trip to Bethlem reflects the College’s ongoing dedication to preparing students for meaningful futures through rich, ambitious and future-focused educational experiences.