Course specification and structure
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PMPSMEHE - MSc Psychology of Mental Health

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Master of Science Level Masters
Possible interim awards Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Total credits for course 180
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Subject Area Psychology
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 1 YEARS 6 YEARS
Part-time Day 2 YEARS 6 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The course is designed to provide advanced training in Psychology of Mental Health and to provide an opportunity to acquire a critical understanding of the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of research in this area. This course will appeal to psychology graduates wishing to undergo clinical psychology or counselling psychology training. Further, it aims to develop the skills of those currently working in social/health care practice to support career progression. A number of the modules developed for this course are currently running in the School of Psychology, e.g. the generic modules for PG psychology - research methods and the research project. This course would provide high quality education and research training aimed clearly at the needs of the wider society and the career aspirations of a large percentage of graduate students.
The teaching and learning approach is explicitly geared towards enhancing students’ employability skills. A focus on experiential learning and reflective practices, including clinical based teaching methods, have been incorporated into the curriculum. Further, diversified assessment methods including training in positive psychology and motivational interviewing will support developing student skills.

Scheduled teaching consists of lectures, workshops (including those in the dedicated computer laboratories) and seminars (which may take place in small study rooms). The scheduled teaching programme for full time students consists of the equivalent of two full days across the week during the autumn and spring semesters. In addition to formal teaching time, students are expected to devote considerable time outside of this to independent study (under appropriate supervision). This focus on independent (but supported) learning is particularly evident within the dissertation module.

Course aims

This course will critically examine the theoretical and clinical explanations of mental health and psychopathology from a biological, behavioural, social and cognitive perspective. Using formal classification systems, it will provide a multidisciplinary approach to understanding psychopathology. Various theoretical frameworks in both the understanding and management of psychological difficulties will be explored across the lifespan. This will also include contemporary areas such as resilience, positive psychology, mindfulness and resilience, which have become increasingly popular in healthcare. In line with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, the core modules aim to provide an opportunity to critically examine local and national policies and service planning for access and treatment of mental health; understanding relevant social, biological, cultural and economic contexts and reflect on the advantages of a multidisciplinary service to meet the range of needs across the lifespan. Teaching and learning practices have been aligned with CQC and NICE recommendations in order to ensure the quality standards and relevant benchmarking tools. Those attending the MSc Psychology of Mental Health will develop a critical understanding of knowledge, clinical skills, reflective practice, analytical techniques and problem-solving skills. It also develops competencies in conducting research and analysis in relation to psychology of mental health including an understanding of child and adult safeguarding along with pertinent ethical issues which may arise in clinical practice.

Applicants who are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) or have significant prior research methods training and statistical knowledge (quantitative and qualitative) will be provided an opportunity to undertake ‘Advanced Research Design and Data Analysis’. Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) is an entry requirement for many BPS accredited postgraduate training courses including Clinical and Counselling Psychology. This would be commensurate with that found in a BPS accredited first qualification in psychology. Applicants who do not possess a GBC Psychology degree and/or have limited statistical knowledge will be encouraged to take the ‘Research Design and Analysis for Psychology’ module.

The course aims to provide students with up-to-date and advanced training in Psychology of Mental Health and to develop a broader understanding of recent developments in mental health. Futhermore, the course aims to provide opportunities for students to develop competence in conducting research and scholarly analysis focused on mental health across the lifespan
1. To encourage students to explore ways in which knowledge can contribute to the policy development in this discipline.
2. To encourage depth and systematic critical understanding appropriate to needs of those experiencing mental health via a bio-psychosocial and cultural perspective.
To make a contribution to national mental health training needs to all those who have a role to play in supporting those with mental health across health, social care, education and youth justice etc. Thus, enhancing the capabilities and competencies of mental health practitioners, supporting career change and/or progression.

Course learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Apply methods and techniques appropriate to their own research or advanced scholarship in the Psychology of Mental Health

2. Apply knowledge with originality, based on a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the Psychology of Mental Health

3. Evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the Psychology of Mental Health

4. Evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses

5. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences

6. Exercise self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level

7. Advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level

8. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations

9. Learn independently for the purposes of continuing professional development.

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

Module Code


PY7191
PY7192
PY7163
PY7164
PY7171
PY7193
PY7194
PY7PA6

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO9

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Teaching and learning practices have been aligned with QAA recommendations in order to ensure the quality standards and relevant benchmarking tools. Those attending the MSc Psychology of Mental Health will develop a critical understanding of knowledge, clinical skills, reflective practice, analytical techniques and problem-solving skills.
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Level 7 awards and relevant guidance:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Masters-Degree-Characteristics-2010.pdf

Assessment strategy

The course is assessed through a variety of tasks that allow for the demonstration of academic learning through mechanisms that support employability skills. Thus, students are assessed through essay, case studies (including reflective, consultancy and individual), oral presentation, critical and systematic reviews, qualitative and quantitative research reports.

Modules required for interim awards

PG Certificate Psychology of Mental Health
• Any combination of taught modules, excluding dissertation to the value of 60 credits
PG Diploma in Psychology of Mental Health
• All taught modules, including the exclusion of the research dissertation; value of 120 credits

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Students will receive information during the appropriate lectures regarding how the knowledge and competencies from the course can be applied to a wide range of settings. The modules contain exercises which assist with personal development (such as workshops and discussions related to the application of ethics to practice settings). Many of the modules allow students to produce a reflective account outlining the individual’s experiences and learning in relation to course material.
Formative feedback is provided in relation to both examinations and coursework which focuses on assisting students to improve their personal and academic skills.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

The Care Quality Commission (CQC)
http://www.cqc.org.uk/


The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance

UK Network for Mindfulness-Based Teachers

http://mindfulnessteachersuk.org.uk/pdf/teacher-guidelines.pdf

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities in mental health services, social services, academia, health, mental health services in general. The programme is also excellent preparation for further research or study, e.g. clinical psychology. Guest speakers from industry and voluntary agencies make available opportunities for increasing student employability.

Career opportunities

Graduates have progressed on to working in different mental health care based organisations including mental health charities and NHS based services. Non mental health care settings have included schools and further higher education training.

Entry requirements

You will be required to have:

  • a good degree (minimum 2:2) or an equivalent relevant professional qualification in the area of social sciences, health, education and human sciences e.g. psychology, medicine, biomedical science, nursing, health promotion or social work.

Experience of research methods and data collection is preferable.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2015/16 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 12 Jan 2016 Last validation date 13 Jan 2016  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes C848 (Psychology of Mental Health): 100%
Route code PSMEHE

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 07 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
PY7010 Law, Policy and Ethics Core 20        
PY7163 Research Design and Analysis for Psychology Core 20 NORTH SPR THU PM
PY7191 Psychopathology Core 20 NORTH AUT WED AM
PY7192 Specialised Clinical Issues in Healthcare Core 20        
PY7193 Resilience and Mindfulness Core 20 NORTH SPR THU AM
PY7194 Treatment Interventions Core 20 NORTH SPR WED PM
PY7PA6 Research Project Core 60 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM

Stage 1 Level 07 January start Not currently offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
PY7010 Law, Policy and Ethics Core 20        
PY7163 Research Design and Analysis for Psychology Core 20        
PY7191 Psychopathology Core 20        
PY7192 Specialised Clinical Issues in Healthcare Core 20        
PY7193 Resilience and Mindfulness Core 20        
PY7194 Treatment Interventions Core 20        
PY7PA6 Research Project Core 60