Psychology of Mental Health
MSc PGDip, PGCert

Modules

• Research Methods Core

Research Methods (Core)

The module aims to increase awareness of research paradigms that are prevalent in psychology. This awareness is raised through the study and critical evaluation of research philosophies and methods of qualitative and quantitative research. In addition, the module aims to develop an appreciation of ethical dilemmas through the discussion of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The module will enhance transferable skills of generating, summarising and interpreting patterns in complex datasets.

Credits: 20

• Independent Project Core

Independent Project (Core)

This module provides students with the opportunity to put into practice the research methods training they have thus far received on Advanced Qualitative and Advanced Quantitative Research Methods modules. Students are expected to design a project, gain ethical approval, recruit participants (if appropriate), collect and analyse data, as well as write-up their dissertation. Students have the relative freedom, within the range of staff expertise, to do a project of their own area of interest.

Credits: 60

• Foundations of Mental Health Core

Foundations of Mental Health (Core)

This module serves to give a strong theoretical foundation for further study on the degree. A range of different theoretical approaches will be evaluated. The module will draw on the basic psychological science that underpins the knowledge and practice of caring for those with mental health issues.

Research which investigates underlying causes of mental health differences will be critically examined.

Although the module content is foundational, a critical approach to received wisdom will be followed throughout. Students will be encouraged to consider the effect that wider cultural influences have on research and theory and the underlying assumptions which drive enquiry.

Credits: 20

• Psychological Interventions in Mental Health Core

Psychological Interventions in Mental Health (Core)

This module will give students a broad overview of the diverse types of psychological and psychosocial interventions employed by mental health practitioners. This module will explicitly explore the link between theory and practice.

The way in which the academic discipline of psychology underpins intervention strategies will be highlighted, and those interventions will be critically appraised. The types of psychological experiences that are encountered in mental health settings and the way interventions are matched to client profiles is a focus of this module.

Credits: 20

• The Lived Experience of Mental Health Core

The Lived Experience of Mental Health (Core)

This module introduces students to some of the people who work and use mental health services in the UK. It is a second semester module, leading on from the more theoretically oriented PMH7012 Foundations of Mental Health and the module which focusses on the interaction between theory and practice, PMH7013 Mental Health in Action, to culminate in this module which is entirely focussed on the real-world experiences of mental health practitioners and service users.

Although the module will be guided by an academic module leader, the sessions will be mainly conducted by visiting practitioners and those who are “experts by experience”.

Credits: 20

• Counselling Skills in Psychological Practice Core

Counselling Skills in Psychological Practice (Core)

This module introduces students to the theory and practice of counselling and provides the opportunity to develop core counselling skills. The difference between using counselling skills in current practice and working as a professional counsellor will be established, Students will be supported to recognise the skill sets used in both settings and the applicability of core counselling skills to non-therapeutic settings. The module will enhance transferable skills related to communication and self-reflection.

Credits: 20

• Personal and Professional Development (Industry Placement) Core

Personal and Professional Development (Industry Placement) (Core)

This module provides students with the opportunity to identify and address key personal, professional and career development issues relevant to their area of interest.

Students will have the opportunity to reflect upon their own core competencies, personal qualities and areas for development, having undertaken in-depth psychometric testing. These tests generate a detailed report which the students will use to help identify and explore key areas for development within the context of their future career aspirations.

The module incorporates a period of work experience which will enable the student to focus on both the practical application and development of their key skills within a real-world setting. The combination of psychometric testing, reflection and analysis of the workplace will culminate in the production of a focussed personal development action plan (PDAP).

Credits: 20