Course Structure

The MSc in Mental Health and Mental Capacity Law is awarded to students who successfully complete taught modules (PG Diploma,120 CATS points) and a 15,000 – 20,000 word dissertation (60 CATS points).

Teaching Times

In addition to the 37 taught days (normally taught in blocks of 1-5 days), practice days will also be available to enable candidates to gather the necessary evidence of competence.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are a combination of lectures, small group work, skills workshops and practice:

• Practice Days

  In addition to the 37 taught days, practice days will also be available to enable candidates to gather the necessary evidence of competence. Candidates should be able to address many of the core practice and competence requirements in their own work setting. However, where this is not possible, it is envisaged that no more than 35 practice days will be spent outside of that setting. In addition, 4 private study days are allocated to each Module (12 days in total) and 5 days, for meetings with the practice assessor.

• Training Profile

  You will have an individual training profile and learning agreement around which your full programme, including practice, supervision and private study will be developed.

• VLE

  Canvas is the university’s VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). You will have a Canvas site for each module which will work a little like a website where you can click on information to download or view it. For each module, the Canvas site will include resources such as: recorded audio/ visual lectures; readings (some of which are downloadable); video links; useful web links; discussion forums; activities. This is also where you will submit your coursework and receive feedback.

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

• Assessment methods include a written assignment, a presentation, a written exam, observations of practice, a practice portfolio and a dissertation (for the final 60 credits).

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces.
Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:
https://youtu.be/vB0jafwkgd0

The Graduate School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSfCd4Ycb70

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Specialist Practice Dissertation (60 credits)

  ×

  Specialist Practice Dissertation

  Overview

  Semester one
  September 2019 (2 days)
  Overview of the module and assessment requirements.
  Overview of the process of audit, service evaluation, and empirical research.
  Introduction to main types of studies and appropriate designs.
  Identifying topics for a review of research, audit, service evaluation or empirical research.
  Applying for ethical approval.
  
  October 2019 (2 days)
  Introduction to the library and web-based resources.
  Accessing electronic books, journals and databases.
  Writing a search strategy. Defining inclusion / exclusion criteria for the literature review.
  Identifying and understanding research papers and how to critically appraise literature.
  Writing a project proposal.
  
  December 2019 (1 day)
  Brief oral presentation of project aims, search strategy and proposed approach/methodology.
  Peers and supervisors to give oral feedback on each presentation.
  Submit written outline of search strategy, question underpinning project and proposed approach (e.g. literature review, service evaluation, audit, qualitative research or quantitative research).
  
  Semester two
  All students to attend one of the following 10 CAT MRes modules (audit only – no assessment)
  Quantitative data analysis (5 x Mondays in January/February 1700-1900 hours) 15 hours
  OR
  Qualitative data analysis (Saturday in February for 6 hours and Friday in March for 2 hours) 8 hours
  
  February 2020 (1 day)
  Methods for conducting, screening and presenting systematic/scoping/narrative reviews.
  Introduction to programmes for screening and managing results (e.g. Rayyan QCRI, Mendeley, etc)
  
  April 2020 (1 day)
  How to write up and disseminate your findings (e.g. dissertation, publication in peer-reviewed journal or poster or oral presentation).
  
  September 2020
  Submission of 12,000-word dissertation to be marked by academic staff and agency staff
  
  
  October 2020 (1 day)
  Regional dissemination event at Queen’s University. All students will be expected to orally present their key findings and implications for practice to an audience of professional and academic peers, line management, service users/carers, academic and agency staff involved in assessment or supervision, and other key stakeholders.

  Learning Outcomes

  Understand systematic approaches to retrieving literature from electronic, academic and professional databases.
  Understand the use of appraisal tools in reviewing research literature.
  Appraise and synthesise a body of literature into a coherent and robust review based on an explicit methodology.
  Identify a question and use an explicit methodology to answer it (e.g. audit, service evaluation or empirical research).
  Understand and demonstrate skills for collecting and analysing data based on an explicit methodology.
  Demonstrate skills in making an oral presentation on the project protocol.
  Demonstrate skills in writing a thesis on the project including: aims and objectives, identification and appraisal of relevant literature, rationale and methods for data collection, analysis of data, findings and conclusions with recommendations.
  Demonstrate skills of disseminating project findings and highlighting implications for policy, practice or future research at a regional event.
  Provide leadership within their field.

  Skills

  Skills of devising a project using a specific approach to answer an agreed question.
  Skills of searching, appraising, synthesising and presenting literature.
  Skills of collecting and analysing data.
  Oral and written presentation skills.
  Skills of writing a thesis to the required academic standard.
  Skills of disseminating findings within a public arena.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  SWK7001

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  36 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Context and Concepts in Mental Health (40 credits)

  ×

  Context and Concepts in Mental Health

  Overview

  The module will focus on the following:\n-Models of and approaches to mental disorder including medical, social psychological; related characteristics and outcomes.\nspecific groups such as children, young people, older people, people with learning disabilities and people with a sensory impairment.\n- Drugs and substance misuse, including their interrelationship with mental disorder and the implications for treatment and intervention.\n- Self-harm and suicide risk.\n- Forensic Psychiatry\n- Trans-Cultural Psychiatry\n- Gender cultural and religious issues in relation to mental health and mental disorder\n- The impact of organisational and institutional structures on mental health work

  Learning Outcomes

  Learning Outcomes\nOn successful completion of this module candidates will be able to produce evidence of their ability to:\n1.1 Apply knowledge and understanding of a range of models of mental disorder,\n1.2 Discuss critically the implications of mental disorder for service users, children families and carers.\n1.3 Apply knowledge and critical understanding of the implications of a range of relevant treatments and interventions for service user's families and carers.\n1.4 Understand the roles, responsibilities and perspectives of other professionals and bodies in relation to their work with people with a mental disorder.\n1.5 Explore the themes of anti-racist, ant-sectarian and anti-oppressive practice, in particular in relation to people with a mental disorder and develop self-awareness in these areas of practice.\n1.6 Practise in an anti-racist, anti-sectarian and anti-discriminatory manner.\n1.7 Recognise the influence of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of service users.\n1.8 Understand the process of reflective practice.\n1.9 Integrate social work values into all aspects of approved social work practice.\n1.10 Analyse research, policies and developments in relation to mental disorder and approved social work practice.

  Skills

  Candidates will develop skills of:\n1.1 assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation in relation to complex mental health needs and risks.\n1.2 negotiation, mediation, advocacy and empowerment of service users and carers in mental health.\n1.3 critical thinking, reflection, decision-making and problem-solving\n1.4 communication with service users, carers and other professionals\n1.5 enabling the professional development of other colleagues

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  40

  Module Code

  SWK8083

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  2 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Law, Ethics and Applied Law in Mental Health (40 credits)

  ×

  Law, Ethics and Applied Law in Mental Health

  Overview

  The curriculum will cover:\nMental health legislation, related Codes of Practice and National guidance including appropriate case law.\nOther legislation (including the Human Rights Act 1998) and policies relevant to the ASW including primary and community care, child care, race relations, criminal justice, incapacity, vulnerable adults and access to information.\nNational and Northern Ireland policies, guidance and procedures relating to statutory mental health functions.\nEthical dilemmas and practice in relation to approved social work.\nRole and responsibilities of the Approved Social Worker.\nRoles and responsibilities of other professionals involved in statutory mental health work.

  Learning Outcomes

  2.1 Apply knowledge and critical understanding of mental health legislation, related codes of practice, standards and national and NI guidance.\n2.2 Apply knowledge and critical understanding of other relevant legislation, codes of practice, standards and national and Northern Ireland policy and guidance. \n2.3 Demonstrate understanding of the powers, duties and responsibilities of the ASW in relation to the legislation and their employing authority within an ethical and non-discriminatory framework.\n2.4 Consider the ethical dilemmas inherent in the Approved Social Worker role and recognise and work with value conflicts in practice including in multi-disciplinary contexts.\n2.5 Balance the conflict between the inherent power in the ASW role and the objectives of empowering practice and advocacy.\n2.6 Recognise, assess and manage risk in the context of the ASW role and to effectively manage difficult situations of anxiety, risk and conflict.\n2.7 Compile and complete statutory documentation, including an application for admission and to present the issues to a legal learning.

  Skills

  Skills achieved:\n- Advocacy, negotiation, mediation as applied to legal interventions\n- Critical thinking, reflection, problem-solving and decision-making\n- Communication with service users, carers and other professionals\n- Evidence giving and representation\n- Report writing\n- Risk assessment, analysis and management

  Coursework

  50%

  Examination

  50%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  40

  Module Code

  SWK8082

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  2 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Social Work Practice Development in Mental Health (40 credits)

  ×

  Social Work Practice Development in Mental Health

  Overview

  This module will enable students to incorporate learning from modules 1 and 2 towards the completion of a practice portfolio which will be examined by the practice assessment panel. In the course of the module there will be inputs on the construction of the portfolio.

  Learning Outcomes

  Outcomes: On completion of this module candidates will be able to: 3.1 Demonstrate critical and reflective analysis and evaluation of practice and their awareness of the use of self in social work practice. 3.2 Demonstrate ability to articulate, integrate and sustain a value led approach to mental health social work practice, recognising diversity, difference and disadvantage. 3.3 Demonstrate that they have taken responsibility for their continuing professional development and made appropriate use of supervision. 3.4 Demonstrate that, through the support, mentoring, supervision, management, education or training of others, they have enabled themselves and others to identify and explore issues, improve and develop and share best practice. 3.5 Show the development of key skills and critical appraisal consistent with post graduate level study. 3.6 Construct a portfolio of assessed practice to demonstrate that they have met all the requirements of the PQ Specialist Area of Practice.

  Skills

  Skills acquired: 1.1 Critical analysis, reflection and problem-solving. 1.2 Communication with professional colleagues and other disciplines. 1.3 Enabling the professional development of other colleagues. 1.4 Reflective writing. 1.5 Study skills. 1.6 Managing change within organisations.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  40

  Module Code

  SWK8081

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  1 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Where this is not met, applicants must demonstrate that their experience and qualifications enable them to study at postgraduate level by showing either that they have the Pre-2007 Post-Qualifying Social Work Award or by producing a reflective assignment on their practice in this area (2,000 words).

Applicants must be nominated by their Health and Social Care Trust/employer who will undertake to provide support and appropriate learning opportunities. It will be the responsibility of employers to ensure that applicants have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate social work competence in their work with people who have a mental disorder and/or lack capacity, and their carers.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 31st July 2024 at 4pm

Late applications may be considered.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

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English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years.)

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Career Prospects

Introduction

Continuing professional registration in social work is predicated on continuing professional development, which this programme and its pathways offer. The Dept. of Health has directed that social workers demonstrate their competence covered in the curricula of this programme and its pathways.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£7,300
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,250
EU Other 3	£21,500
International	£21,500

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus