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Courses

Programme Specification

PgDip Mental Health

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title PgDip Mental Health Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Postgraduate Diploma
Programme Code MED-PD-MH UCAS Code HECoS Code 100267 - Clinical medicine - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Part Time - 1 Academic Year
Total Credits for Programme 120
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Medicine (2002)

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Awards, Credits and Progression of Learning Outcomes

The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations.

1. The Programme comprises two modules, a theory module and a clinical practice module. These modules run twice annually (September and February intake)

2. Students must pass both modules (120 CATS) to be awarded the Diploma in Mental Health

3. The Theory module is assessed by an examination, which is held January and May of each year.

4. The Clinical Practice module is assessed by coursework (Portfolio)

5. The overall pass mark for the programme will be 50%. Students must pass both modules and compensation between modules is not permitted. Students are not required to resit the module which they have passed.

6. Standard setting will be used to determine the pass mark for SCM8003, which will then be adjusted to a 50% pass mark.

7. Students who fail a module are permitted to repeat that module on one occasion only

8. Students who fail any module twice may not be permitted to progress and will normally be required to withdraw.

The Theory module (SCM8003) will be delivered online in real time,

Students with protected characteristics

None

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

On completion of the programme the student will be able to:

To provide students with knowledge of the principles underlying modern psychiatric theory and practice, the skills to apply this knowledge in clinical practice and the appropriate attitudes necessary to respond in an empathic manner to psychological distress.

The programme will better equip students to manage patients with Psychiatric illness in Primary Care or general medical settings and will act as a basis for further development for those who wish to specialise in Psychiatry.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Understand the importance of the development of a therapeutic relationship.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

These skills are gained during the period of clinical attachment and this is guided by the Placement Supervisor.

Methods of Assessment

Placement and Assessment Report Forms

Know how to use library and internet facilities to acquire information relevant to specific clinical problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

These skills are gained during the period of clinical attachment and this is guided by the Placement Supervisor.

Methods of Assessment

Placement and Assessment Report Forms

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Be able to integrate knowledge from a variety of sources and apply this to a complex practical situation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

These skills are acquired in all parts of the programme.

Methods of Assessment

Case Report(s)

Function as a member of a multidisciplinary team and develop the ability to maintain good working relationships with colleagues.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

These skills are acquired in all parts of the programme.

Methods of Assessment

Case Report(s) and
Placement and Assessment Report

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the major classification systems in Psychiatry.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching of theory is partly through a series of lectures and partly through small group discussions in the journal clubs and case conferences..

Students are expected to use library and internet facilities as appropriate to carry out private study to expand on the information given in the lecture programme. Understanding of the knowledge learnt is consolidated in the clinical placements.

Methods of Assessment

MCQ/MEQ
Portfolio

Describe the prevalence and clinical presentation of common psychiatric conditions.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching of theory is partly through a series of lectures and partly through small group discussions in the journal clubs and case conferences.

Students are expected to use library and internet facilities as appropriate and to carry out private study to expand on the information given in the lecture programme. Understanding of the knowledge learnt is consolidated in the clinical placements.

Methods of Assessment

MCQ/MEQ
Portfolio

Discuss the biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors which may predispose to, precipitate or maintain psychiatric illness.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching of theory is partly through a series of lectures and partly through small group discussions in the journal clubs and case conferences.

Students are expected to use library and internet facilities as appropriate and to carry out private study to expand on the information given in the lecture programme. Understanding of the knowledge learnt is consolidated in the clinical placements.

Methods of Assessment

MCQ/MEQ
Portfolio

Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the common physical, psychological and social methods of treatment including the indications for their use, the underlying theory of their action and any unwanted effects.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching of theory is partly through a series of lectures and partly through small group discussions in the journal clubs and case conferences .

Students are expected to use library and internet facilities as appropriate and to carry out private study to expand on the information given in the lecture programme.

Understanding of the knowledge learnt is consolidated in the clinical placements.

Methods of Assessment

MCQ
Portfolio

Describe the range of services available for the mentally ill and the roles of the professionals involved in the delivery of these services.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching of theory is partly through a series of lectures and partly through small group discussions in the journal clubs and case conferences.

Students are expected to use library and internet facilities as appropriate and to carry out private study to expand on the information given in the lecture programme.

Understanding of the knowledge learnt is consolidated in the clinical placements.

Methods of Assessment

MCQ/MEQ
Portfolio

Describe the doctor's duties and the patient's rights under the Mental Health Order (N.I.).

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching of theory is partly through a seriesof lectures and partly through small group discussions in the journal clubs and case conferences.

Students are expected to use library and internet facilities as appropriate and to carry out private study to expand on the information given in the lecture programme.

Understanding of the knowledge learnt is consolidated in the clinical placements.

Methods of Assessment

MCQ/MEQ
Portfolio

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Describe the signs and symptoms of psychiatric illness.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Specific skills are gained during the period of clinical attachment and this is guided by the Placement supervisor. This is supplemented by discussion with lecturers in the formal teaching sessions

The Case study record ensures that students experience a variety of cases during clinical placements, including types of cases not usually part of their team's work.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Case Study (s)

Discuss the assessment and management of psychiatric emergencies which occur in a psychiatric or general medical setting.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Specific skills are gained during the period of clinical attachment and this is guided by the Placement supervisor. This is supplemented by discussion with lecturers in the formal teaching sessions.

The Case study record ensures that students experience a variety of cases during their clinical placements, including types of cases not usually part of their team's work.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Case Study (s)

Take a full psychiatric history, assess the mental state and write a case assessment and consider a range of different diagnosis.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Specific skills are gained during the period of clinical attachment and this is guided by the Placement supervisor. This is supplemented by discussion with lecturers in the formal teaching sessions.

The Case study record ensures that students experience a variety of cases during their clinical placements, including types of cases not usually part of their team's work.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Case Study (s)

Assess a patient's potential risk to themselves and others (Risk Assessment).

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Specific skills are gained during the period of clinical attachment and this is guided by the Placement supervisor. This is supplemented by discussion with lecturers in the formal teaching sessions.

The Case study record ensures that students experience a variety of cases during their clinical placements, including types of cases not usually part of their team's work.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Case Study (s)

Utilise and empathic interviewing style suitable for disturbed and distressed patients.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Specific skills are gained during the period of clinical attachment and this is guided by the Placement supervisor. This is supplemented by discussion with lecturers in the formal teaching sessions.

The Case study record ensures that students experience a variety of cases during their clinical placements, including types of cases not usually part of their team's work.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Case Study (s)

Explain to patients the nature of their illness, its management and prognosis.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Specific skills are gained during the period of clinical attachment and this is guided by the Placement supervisor. This is supplemented by discussion with lecturers in the formal teaching sessions.

The Case study record ensures that students experience a variety of cases during their clinical placements, including types of cases not usually part of their team's work.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Case Study (s)

Assess family relationships and their impact on psychiatrically ill patients.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Specific skills are gained during the period of clinical attachment and this is guided by the Placement supervisor. This is supplemented by discussion with lecturers in the formal teaching sessions.

The Case study record ensures that students experience a variety of cases during their clinical placements, including types of cases not usually part of their team's work.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Case Study (s)

Discuss with relatives the nature of the illness, its management and prognosis.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Specific skills are gained during the period of clinical attachment and this is guided by the Placement supervisor. This is supplemented by discussion with lecturers in the formal teaching sessions.

The Case study record ensures that students experience a variety of cases during their clinical placements, including types of cases not usually part of their team's work.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Case Study (s)

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Clinical Practice SCM8004 7 60 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Theory SCM8003 7 60 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 0% 0% 100%

Notes

Students must take two compulsory courses (120 Units).