Course description
Programme description
- Provides high quality postgraduate training related to theory, practice and research in the field of mental health.
- Advanced training in the field of mental health in learning disabilities.
- Enhances critical understanding of theory, research and practice in psychopathology and neurodevelopment.
This programme provides a timely response to the growing need for advanced training in the field of mental health for people with learning disabilities. The course aims to expand the knowledge and skills of clinicians working with service users and enhance the analytic skills required for service development.
Students on the course take three modules: a basic mental health module and two specialist modules. The basic module provides an overview of: theoretical perspectives on mental illness; diagnosis and assessment; psychiatric disorders and approaches to treatment, management and care.
In the two specialist modules, you are encouraged to reflect on your clinical experience and advance your understanding of the theoretical, clinical and philosophical approaches to providing mental health care for people who have a learning disability. You will also follow a research course, which provides grounding in research principles and methods, and complete a research-based dissertation.
Programme format and assessment
Teaching methods include formal lectures, videos and group discussions. Assessment comprises written examinations, essays, and a research dissertation.
Programme modules for MSc Mental Health in Learning Disabilities
Basic Mental Health Studies (30 credits) (Core Module)
Provides students with an overview of key aspects of mental illness. Enables students to build on their existing knowledge and experience of psychiatric disorder, with reference to aetiology, classification, assessment and management. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of different theoretical approaches within the field of mental health, and strengthen their ability to critically appraise different approaches to management and care. Provides structured opportunities to apply this knowledge and understanding to individual cases.
Dissertation - Mental Health in Learning Disabilities (60 Credits) (Core Module)
The dissertation element is designed to enable students to develop their research knowledge and skills to undertake and write up a small-scale research project. It aims to enable students to build on their knowledge and understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in the field of mental health and enhance their knowledge and critical understanding of the research process. Students will critically appreciate and apply the principles of rigorous and ethical research, and systematically appraise research evidence pertaining to mental health. Aiming to advance existing knowledge and understanding of data collection and analysis, students will undertake the design, execution and writing up of a small scale research project.
Mental Health in Learning Disabilities Module 1 (45 Credits) (Core Module)
This module aims to enhance evaluation and application of a systematic and evidence-based framework for understanding mental health needs and the development of psychopathology, as well as assessment and treatment interventions for people with Learning Disabilities (LD).The module consists of three units focussing on aetiology, clinical psychopathology and assessment, as well as clinical application of mental health care for people with LD.
Mental Health in Learning Disabilities Module 2 (45 Credits) (Core Module)
The LD2 module focusses on forensic issues, neuro-developmental factors in LD and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. It aims to advance understanding of the theoretical, clinical and philosophical approaches for people with learning disabilities involved with the criminal justice system. Also, to advance understanding of neuro-developmental disorders of known genetic aetiology associated with LD (behavioural phenotypes) and provide a comprehensive perspective of Pervasive Developmental Disorders through a critical evaluation of the current evidence.
Research Methods (0 credits) (Core Module)
Enables students to develop their knowledge and understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in the field of mental health, providing an introduction to the principles of research rigour, in both quantitative and qualitative research. Students will build on their existing knowledge and understanding of data collection and analysis. This module aims to strengthen students' ability to critically appraise research and to develop the knowledge and skills to undertake and write up a small-scale research project.
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Tuition fees
PT Home: £2775 (2008)
PT Overseas: £n/a
FT Home: £5550 (2008)
FT Overseas: £17750 (2008)
