Psychology of Mental Health
MSc PGDip, PGCert

Modules

• Counselling Skills in Psychological Practice 

Counselling Skills in Psychological Practice

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.

 

• Foundations of Mental Health 

Foundations of Mental Health

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.

• Independent Research Project 

Independent Research Project

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.

• Psychological Interventions in Mental Health 

Psychological Interventions in Mental Health

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.

• Research Methods 

Research Methods

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.

• The Lived Experience of Mental Health 

The Lived Experience of Mental Health

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”.

• Work Experience 

Work Experience

Students will be helped to find a placement in a clinically relevant setting where they will work with a mentor to give them a taste of the practical application of their learning in a real world setting. This is a distinctive strength of the programme as it is likely to directly benefit students in their future careers.

Please note that applicants intending to carry on to clinical and counselling doctorates will need to accrue substantially more work experience than this module provides. Please enquire about entry requirements with your intended doctoral programme provider.