Foundations in Specialist Mental Health Practice
Introduction
This module will consolidate your current knowledge of mental health conditions, interventions, law and policy relevant to practice. The module provides a framework to identify developmental needs in the area of mental health practice.
Who the module is aimed at
Post-qualified professionals who wish to extend their knowledge and skills in mental health practice at a postgraduate level - social workers, nurses, occupational therapists and others. It would also be suitable for managers in health and social care who wished to improve their mental health knowledge. People who work with people who have mental health problems, but don't feel that they have enough understanding and wish to improve it. In the past we have had adult nurses, A&E nurses social worers from different client groups, third sector managers and occupational therapists.
The module can be used to prepare candidates for the PgCert Approved Mental Health Professional course or similar postgraduate mental health courses. We will consider applications from non-qualified applicants who can show they have some experience working with people in mental distress and whose work involves writing reports of some kinds.
The assessment involves an essay looking at three experiences you have of working with people in mental distress in some capacity, and developing a Personal Development Plan for improving your knowledge and experience.
Benefits of taking the module to the individual, the organisation and the patient
You will gain current knowledge and skills with an opportunity to reflect on your developmental needs. You will gain consolidation of your practice by undertaking a direct observation. Patients benefit from workers updating their knowledge and skills.
What you learn
You will build on your existing knowledge and skills in mental health practice and develop a continuing professional development plan.
General areas covered
- Models of mental distress
- Dealing with suicide risks and crisis work
- Values and ethical issues arising in practice
- Analysis of risks, rights and responsibilities in multi-disciplinary working
- Self-reflection and planning for future professional development
- Psycho-social interventions
- Risk assessment
- Report writing
The learning materials are written and delivered by a vibrant team with presentations delivered by specialist practitioners including social workers, nurses and occupational therapists.
Sponsored places
If you are being sponsored by your employer (not via NHS SSPRD/LBR funding) please complete the Pg Application form below and attach a letter of sponsorship which includes:
- Applicants name, course and academic year
- The amount of the course fees the employer has agreed to pay (e.g. 50%, 100% etc)
- The organisation name, address, telephone number
- The address the invoice is to be sent to (if different to above) and any purchase order number which must be quoted on the invoice
- Ensure the letter is signed by an authorised signatory
Fees and Funding for 2025/26
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £885 EU / International students: £1,480- this is part-time study and therefore cannot provide sponsorship for Tier 4. |
|---|---|
| Funding |
This module attracts Workforce Development / Workforce Transformation funding WDF/WTF by the following schemes: |
| How to apply |
To apply for a self-funded place, please complete and return the application form below: To apply for a Workforce Development / Workforce Transformation funding WDF/WTF funded place, please complete and return the relevant application form below: Further information and Workforce Development Funding / CPD Funding online application form |
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Alan Marshall - alan.marshall@shu.ac.uk