Short Courses Content
Stand Alone Module | Nursing
Mental Health Essentials
LEVEL OF STUDY : 7 - postgraduate level
Module Code: TBC
Mental Health Essentials is a Level 7 standalone module that provides essential learning for all registered nurses, regardless of field of practice. Mental health transcends every domain of care, making it imperative that nurses develop a comprehensive understanding of mental health concepts, common mental disorders, and how these conditions develop.
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Delivery | Blended |
| Fees from | No Fee |
| Start date | To be confirmed |
Equally important is learning how to effectively support individuals in our care who are experiencing mental illness. This module aims to enhance knowledge, confidence, and compassionate practice across all healthcare settings.
For provisional timetables, please refer to the section below titled Delivery.
Stand Alone modules give the applicant an opportunity to:
- Return to study
- Update in a new field of practice
- Further develop knowledge and skills in the current area of practice
On successful completion of the module the participant will be awarded CATs points, which may count towards another award. Students may access a number of Stand Alone modules offered within a variety of nursing programmes. The modules may stipulate that participants must be working in a relevant clinical environment.
Please note that courses are subject to a minimum registration, so it may not be possible to run all courses each year.
Fees
| Commissioned Health Trust | No Fee |
| Self Funding / Fee Paying - 2026/27 | £856 |
Tuition fees and other charges are set by the University and are subject to change. | |
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a professional qualification in Nursing, Midwifery, or Allied Health and Social Care Services. See Selection Criteria for full requirements.
The Programme
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Course Content
This module explores; psychosocial assessment skills; vulnerability stress model; identification/early detection of common mental health difficulties; risk, trans/inter-generational transmission, family and carer systematic aspects of common mental health problems and psychological problems associated with chronic physical health problems; sign posting to specialist services.
On completion of the module the student should be able to:
- Critique the Vulnerability-Stress model as an explanatory model for people living with ‘common mental health problems’.
- Critique the links between vulnerability and the incidence of ‘common’ psychological problems.
- Systematically and critically evaluate NICE recommended treatments for ‘common mental health problems’.
- Systematically demonstrate the skills of engagement, negotiation and collaboration wit service users/families and other health and social care practitioners.
- Apply and demonstrate an advanced holistic person-centred strengths assessment using trans-generational and lifespan framework/approach.
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Outcomes
This stand alone module is worth 20 CATs points. Where a clinical skills component is included, there may be a requirement for support and supervision of an experienced practitioner within the student’s clinical area.
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Delivery
Students should note that delivery may be via blended learning, with a mix of online and face to face classes as detailed within the module timetable on Canvas.
Autumn (AUT) teaching commences w/c Monday, 21 September 2026 (Week 1) and finishes w/c Monday, 14 December 2026 unless otherwise advised.
Spring (SPR) teaching commences w/c Monday, 18 January 2027 (Week 18) and finishes w/c Monday, 27 April 2027 unless otherwise advised.
Venue for first class listed below - thereafter, students should check the Weekly Planner facility on QSIS for remaining venues.
First Semester
(Day)
(Time)
TBC
Second Semester
TBC
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Selection Criteria
Applicants must have a professional qualification in Nursing, Midwifery, or Allied Health and Social Care Services. They shall normally hold a relevant 2.2 Honours degree or above, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
Applicants who do not hold a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) may be considered on a case-by-case basis where they can demonstrate evidence of successful study at Level 6 in a healthcare related subject.
Applicants must provide evidence of at least 20 CAT points at Level 3/6. Certificates must clearly state level of study and credit worthiness in order to meet the entry requirements.
In addition, applicants accessing post graduate certificates or standalone modules must be working the relevant clinical area.
International Trained Nurses/Midwives: If you hold an international qualification you will need to provide a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability. This should be obtained prior to submitting your application. You can apply for a statement through the ENIC website: Statement of Comparability (enic.org.uk)
Please note that these courses are not open to international applicants living outside the UK/ROI.
How to apply
We will advertise again in June 2026 for September 2026 entry.
Please complete the form below if you’d like to join our mailing list and be notified when applications reopen.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST - CPAD PROGRAMMES
For any queries, please email cpadsnam@qub.ac.uk.
Please note that these courses are not open to international applicants living outside the UK/ROI.