Program Overview

---

Mental Health (PgDip)

Overview

This Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health is designed for doctors in training who are preparing for a career in psychiatry, general practice or general medicine, and is suitable for trainee psychiatrists preparing for College examinations. In conjunction with a clinical placement in a mental health setting, this programme enables students to gain a good understanding of the major psychiatric disorders, approaches to treatment and psychopharmacology.

Course Structure

Students enrol on a part time basis on this PG Diploma and complete two 60 CAT modules.

• Module 1 – Theory – students attend weekly taught sessions on Wednesday afternoon
• Module 2 – Practical – students undertake a clinical placement in a mental health setting.

People teaching you

• Dr Aidan Turkington
• Dr Tony O'Neill

Teaching Times

• Wednesday

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

• At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
• On this course we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.
• Classes are in the afternoon only through a combination of course lectures, practical experiences and self-directed study to enhance employability.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

• Portfolio of evidence and reflection.
• A written MCQ examination.

Modules

Core Modules

• Clinical Practice (60 credits)
• Theory (60 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

• A primary medical degree and full or limited registration with the GMC (London or Dublin).
• Applicants must hold one of the following suitable positions and be undertaking a rotation/employment in a mental health setting:
  • GPST1 (General Practitioner Specialist Training Year 1)
  • FY2 - Foundation Year 2
  • CT1 - Consultant Trainee Year 1
  • CT2 - Consultant Trainee Year 2
  • LAT1 (Locum Appointed for Training Year 1)
  • Staff Grade or equivalent
  • Acceptable equivalent ROI Post
• Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025.

International Students

• Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region.
• Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
• *Taken within the last 2 years.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £830
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £830
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £830
• EU Other 3 | N/A
• International | N/A

Additional course costs

• There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

Career Prospects

• This PG Diploma aims to provide students with advanced skills, knowledge and understanding in the area of mental health, which can also enhance their career opportunities in Psychiatry, General Practice and General Medicine.

Prizes and Awards

• Henry Hutchinson Stewart Medal and Prize

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

• In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills.
• For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more.
• So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall.
• We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award.
• It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Clinical Practice

Overview

This course is based on a clinical training placement in Psychiatry or General Practice. In addition to supervised practice the student normally have the opportunity to attend an induction course, case conferences and journal clubs.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Take a full psychiatric history, assess the mental state write a case assessment and consider a range of differential diagoses
• Assess a patient’s potential risk to themselves and others (Risk Assessment)
• Utilise an empathic interviewing style suitable for disturbed and distressed patients
• Explain to patients the nature of their illness, its management and prognosis
• Assess family relationships and their impact on psychiatrically ill patients
• Discuss with relatives the nature of the illness, its management and prognosis
• Demonstrate an empathic understanding of the psychological aspects of patients of all ages and developmental levels
• Understand the importance of the development of a therapeutic relationship
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the concerns of patients and their families regarding the stigma of mental illness
• Appreciate and respect the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in psychiatry
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain good working relationships with colleagues
• Provide a bio psychosocial formulation and management plan

Skills

• Communication, clinical management, teamwork, case formulation and clinical problem-solving skills

Assessment

• Coursework: 100%
• Examination: 0%
• Practical: 0%

Credits

• 60

Module Code

• SCM8004

Teaching Period

• Both

Duration

• 12 weeks

Pre-requisite

• No

Core/Optional

• Core

Theory

Overview

This course will delivered on-line in real time and covers the classification and phenomenology of mental illness, the presentation, aetiology and treatment of the major illnesses and description of different methods of management.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Describe the major classification systems in Psychiatry
• Describe the signs and symptoms of psychiatric illness
• Describe the prevalence and clinical presentation of common psychiatric conditions
• Discuss the biological , psychological and socio-cultural factors which may predispose to, precipitate or maintain psychiatric illness
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the common physical, psychological and social methods of treatment including the indications for their use, the underlying theory of their action and any unwanted effects
• Discuss the assessment and management of psychiatric emergencies which occur in a psychiatric or general medical setting
• Describe the range of services available for the mentally ill and the roles of the professionals involved in the delivery of these services
• Describe the doctor’s duties and the patients’ rights under Mental Health (NI) Order

Skills

• Critical thinking, clinical problem-solving, library and IT skills

Assessment

• Coursework: 0%
• Examination: 100%
• Practical: 0%

Credits

• 60

Module Code

• SCM8003

Teaching Period

• Both

Duration

• 12 weeks

Pre-requisite

• No

Core/Optional

• Core