ObjectivesThis programme focuses on supporting commissioners of Mental Health services in developing high quality, collaborative commissioning, based on real understanding of local needs, which are key to delivering many of the changes that will make the most difference to service users.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements A suitable undergraduate degree and/or professional qualification such as criminal justice/probation, nursing, clinical psychology, social work, or counselling. Students who do not possess the above can be admitted on the basis of individual assessment All students must have a mentor who will normally be from their own work organisation. For students not able to have appropriate mentorship from their work organisation the programme team will organise the mentor.
Academic titleCommissioning Mental Health Services PgC
Course descriptionHealth and social care commissioners find themselves in a rapidly changing environment, charged not only with implementing a substantial mental health policy agenda but also required to adapt to fundamental system changes. Within this, key themes for commissioners include expectations to address social inclusion, independence, wellbeing and choice. Challenging system reforms include the imperatives to develop markets and encourage plurality of providers; working with emergent NHS Foundation Trusts; the introduction of Payment by Results and Practice Based Commissioning; the extension of Direct Payments and Individual Budgets with service users exercising choice and independence over their own care. Collectively, these changes are intended to accelerate improvements in health and social care provision but require considerable adaptation by commissioners if they are to genuinely lead these reforms.
Work placement
Students are expected to be working in a or have access to a commissioning environment.
Careers
This programmer is for graduates already working or intending to work within the area of commissioning health services. It provides a thorough preparation for high quality collaborative commissioning within the context of system reforms in commissioning mental health services.
The programme focuses on developing the capabilities of the role of the commissioners. It does not lead to a professional qualification.
Teaching methods
The course includes residential and action learning set groups which may take place away from UH. This will be supported by e-learning, individual and group project work. You also will be provided with individual tutor support. The course is assessed 100% by coursework.
Course content
Year 1 - full details
Core modules
-Commissioning Effective Mental Health Services
-Commissioning in Practice
-Modern and Effective Mental Health Services