Course Structure

Students enrol on a part time basis on this PG Diploma and complete two 60 CAT modules.

Module 1 – Theory – students attend weekly taught sessions on Wednesday afternoon
Module 2 – Practical – students undertake a clinical placement in a mental health setting.

Introduction

In addition to supervised practice, attendance at induction courses, case conferences and placement based clinical activities, students must attend a formal teaching course involving seminars which cover the following topics:

Current Models of Mental Disorder
The Major Categories of Mental Illness
Physical Methods of Treatment
Psychological Therapies

Teaching Times

Wednesday

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

• -

  At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
  
  On this course we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.
  
  Classes are in the afternoon only through a combination of course lectures, practical experiences and self-directed study to enhance employability.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

• Portfolio of evidence and reflection.
• A written MCQ examination.

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Clinical Practice (60 credits)

  ×

  Clinical Practice

  Overview

  This course is based on a clinical training placement in Psychiatry or General Practice. In addition to supervised practice the student normally have the opportunity to attend an induction course, case conferences and journal clubs.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module successful students will be able to:
  Take a full psychiatric history, assess the mental state write a case assessment and consider a range of differential diagoses
  Assess a patient’s potential risk to themselves and others (Risk Assessment)
  Utilise an empathic interviewing style suitable for disturbed and distressed patients
  Explain to patients the nature of their illness, its management and prognosis
  Assess family relationships and their impact on psychiatrically ill patients
  Discuss with relatives the nature of the illness, its management and prognosis
  Demonstrate an empathic understanding of the psychological aspects of patients of all ages and developmental levels
  Understand the importance of the development of a therapeutic relationship
  Demonstrate sensitivity to the concerns of patients and their families regarding the stigma of mental illness
  Appreciate and respect the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in psychiatry
  Demonstrate the ability to maintain good working relationships with colleagues
  Provide a bio psychosocial formulation and management plan

  Skills

  Communication, clinical management, teamwork, case formulation and clinical problem-solving skills

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  SCM8004

  Teaching Period

  Both

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Theory (60 credits)

  ×

  Theory

  Overview

  This course will delivered on-line in real time and covers the classification and phenomenology of mental illness, the presentation, aetiology and treatment of the major illnesses and description of different methods of management.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module successful students will be able to:
  Describe the major classification systems in Psychiatry
  Describe the signs and symptoms of psychiatric illness
  Describe the prevalence and clinical presentation of common psychiatric conditions
  Discuss the biological , psychological and socio-cultural factors which may predispose to, precipitate or maintain psychiatric illness
  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
  Discuss the assessment and management of psychiatric emergencies which occur in a psychiatric or general medical setting
  Describe the range of services available for the mentally ill and the roles of the professionals involved in the delivery of these services
  Describe the doctor’s duties and the patients’ rights under Mental Health (NI) Order

  Skills

  Critical thinking, clinical problem-solving, library and IT skills

  Coursework

  0%

  Examination

  100%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  SCM8003

  Teaching Period

  Both

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

Entrance requirements

Graduate

A primary medical degree and full or limited registration with the GMC (London or Dublin).

Applicants must hold one of the following suitable positions and be undertaking a rotation/employment in a mental health setting:

- GPST1 (General Practitioner Specialist Training Year 1)
- FY2 - Foundation Year 2
- CT1 - Consultant Trainee Year 1
- CT2 - Consultant Trainee Year 2
- LAT1 (Locum Appointed for Training Year 1)
- Staff Grade or equivalent
- Acceptable equivalent ROI Post

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

International Students

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English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 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

This PG Diploma aims to provide students with advanced skills, knowledge and understanding in the area of mental health, which can also enhance their career opportunities in Psychiatry, General Practice and General Medicine.

Prizes and Awards

Henry Hutchinson Stewart Medal and Prize

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	£830
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£830
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£830
EU Other 3	N/A
International	N/A

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.

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