Program Overview

Perinatal Mental Health - MSc

Brief Description

The University of Limerick's Master of Science in Perinatal Mental Health is designed for healthcare professionals seeking to support parents and families experiencing perinatal mental health issues by leading and delivering quality care.

Programme Content

• The programme provides the theoretical underpinnings to develop knowledge and skills in assessment, screening, and therapeutic interventions for persons with perinatal mental health issues.
• Students will appraise strategies to promote, maintain, and restore perinatal mental health in relevant care groups and evaluate international and national strategies that are relevant to advancing perinatal mental health care.
• Students who successfully complete Year 1 of the programme can exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health.

Programme Structure

• Complete full-time over two years, taken on a part-time basis.
• Blended delivery – on campus and online.
• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters.
• Undertake six modules in Year 1, including two specialist modules in Perinatal Mental Health.
• Complete a systematic/integrated review at the end of the final semester.
• Option to exit after Year 1 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Perinatal Mental Health).
• Students who achieve a minimum QCA grade of 2.00 at the end of year one may progress to the second year for the MSc award.

Year 1 Modules

• Health research methods – methodology (NS6036)
• Supporting perinatal mental health (NS6051)
• Leading and managing practice (NS6035)
• Promoting quality and safety in healthcare (NS6038)
• Therapeutic engagement (NS6042)
• Perinatal bereavement and loss (NS6122)

Year 2 Modules

• Dissertation 1 (NS6004)
• Dissertation 2 (NS6005)

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in a related discipline.
• Hold a recognised health-related professional qualification.
• Hold current professional registration with a relevant regulatory professional body.

Other Entry Considerations

• We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet the standard academic entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme.
• At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.

International Students

• For details on country-specific qualifications, visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students.

Fees

• EU: €7,700 per annum
• Non-EU: €7,700 per annum
• Year 2 fees are subject to change.

Funding

• Find further information on funding and scholarships.

Graduate Profile

• This MSc Perinatal Mental Health can lead graduates to the following sectors and careers:
  • Clinical nurse/midwife specialist
  • Advanced practice posts
  • Advanced nurse/midwife practitioner

About the Programme

• The programme is designed to support healthcare professionals in leading and delivering quality care for parents and families experiencing perinatal mental health issues.
• It provides a comprehensive understanding of perinatal mental health conditions and their impact on women, infants, and families.
• The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, screen, and provide therapeutic interventions for persons with perinatal mental health issues.