This is a postgraduate diploma with a unique syllabus that explores the role of different contexts in how we interpret and deal with complex mental health issues. It is suited for anyone who wish to embark on a career in mental health but also existing professionals who would like to top up their knowledge on psychological therapies. This course covers exclusively professional skills, with hands on activities on assessment and formulation, tips on delivering the best practice and how to look after yourselves as mental health professionals.

• Learn about psychological therapies, their application and effectiveness
• Take a supervised placement in a mental health setting
• Gain research and writing skills
• Learn from experts in the field

What you'll study

On this Postgraduate Diploma, youll learn how to understand the signs, symptoms and labelling strategies used in deciphering complex mental health issues, making you a more effective member of your service team. Youll also learn study skills and presentation skills and engage in group tasks using problem-based learning, role-play, and group discussion.

Youll learn about psychological therapies including individual cognitive behavioural therapies, cognitive analytic therapies, psychodynamic therapies, as well as group and family therapies.

Online learning students also undertake placements in a location convenient to them: your tutor will support you to identify a suitable placement.

In addition, youll also develop your research skills and complete a placement report. By the time you complete the programme, youll be an able communicator, adept at expressing your ideas in spoken or written form.

If you're a part-time student, you'll take 3 compulsory modules in the first year (Mental Health in Context Psychological therapies: Paradigms and Systems Psychological therapies: Applications and Effectiveness) and the remaining 3 compulsory modules in year two.

Mental Health: Psychological Therapies is also available to study to MSc level.

Career paths

The skills this programme gives you are valuable for work in psychiatric or psychological services, homelessness agencies, learning disabilities services or forensic services and legal services.

We will encourage you to secure work roles in the field of mental health. Well help you prepare your CV, work on interview technique, and develop clinical skills if you want to consider more advanced and accredited courses.