Masters Degrees (Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner)

This certificate provides the formal training required as part of a student's employment within an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service. Students on this programme will secure a placement working as a trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) delivering low intensity cognitive behavioural interventions.

Degree information

Trainees on this programme will gain the knowledge necessary for providing low intensity interventions for clients with mild to moderate depression and anxiety in their primary healthcare work setting, together with the clinical skills essential to assess and engage clients, and to deliver interventions within a guided self-help model.

Students undertake modules to the value of 60 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (20 credits each) which are based on the Richards and Whyte (2011) Reach Out National Curriculum for Low Intensity Interventions. There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Recognition: Engagement and Assessment of Patients with Common Mental Health Problems
-Recovery: Evidence-based Low-Intensity Treatment with Common Mental Health Disorders
-Respect and Reflection: Diversity and Context in Low Intensity Working

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, skills practice, clinical seminar skills groups, directed reading and e-learning. Assessments are through a combination of written and oral assignments. Written assignments include an examination, a case report and reflective accounts. Oral assignments are role-play client sessions and supervision sessions.

Careers

The Postgraduate Certificate is the formal training required as part of the student's employment as an IAPT Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. Trainee PWPs are appointed at band 4 and upon successful completion of the programme will move to being qualified PWPs. It is anticipated that trainees will stay in these positions after completing the programme, working as a qualified PWP in an IAPT service.

Options for career development include progression to senior PWP positions, or moving into related fields such as IAPT high intensity therapy, teaching, social work and clinical psychology.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL programme is run and taught by experienced practitioners in the field, and therefore a balance is achieved between the teaching of the theoretical knowledge needed and the practical skills necessary in training as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP).

Students will receive employment and practical experience in an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Service alongside this formal training needed in order to become a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.

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Are you interested in a career as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner? Would you like to develop your clinical competency in the low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy clinical method? Would you like to have an understanding of ways to adapt your practice to accommodate diversity and increase access to evidence-based psychological therapies? If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’ then this may be the programme for you. This programme will provide you with an outstanding opportunity to develop the competencies and knowledge associated with practice as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. A strong emphasis throughout the programme is placed upon your personal and professional development. Advantages of the programme are that:

• You will study within a vibrant, stimulating and internationally-recognised research environment, where members of your teaching team have first-hand experience within the clinical setting.

• Your learning experience will be enriched by nationally-recognised, innovative, clinical teaching approaches, designed to develop you on your terms.

The PGCert aims to:

• Provide you with a thorough grounding in the Department of Health curriculum for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners working within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme.

• Develop your understanding and clinical competency in the low intensity CBT clinical method and enable you to adapt your practice to work effectively with patients with diverse needs.

• Provide you with the foundations to establish a commitment to continuing professional development and becoming an evidence-based practitioner.

• Provide you with a high quality and stimulating learning experience in a supportive environment that is enriched by an internationally-recognised research environment, nationally-recognised innovative clinical teaching approaches and current clinical practice.

Find out more about the PGCert Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) programme http://cedar.exeter.ac.uk/programmes/pgcertptplicbt/.

The PGDip aims to:

• Enable you to extend your practice as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner to work effectively with an increasing diversity of patient populations requiring adaptations to practice, such as those with comorbid long term physical health conditions.

• Develop the knowledge and competency required to be an effective clinical supervisor, and leader.

• Develop your knowledge of appropriate research and methodological issues to inform your practice as a scientist practitioner.

• Provide you with a high quality and stimulating learning experience in a supportive environment that is enriched by an internationally recognised research environment, nationally recognised innovative clinical teaching approaches and current clinical practice.

Find out more about the PGDip Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) programme http://cedar.exeter.ac.uk/programmes/pgdipptplicbt/.

The MSc programme:

has been developed to enable you to extend the PGDip Evidence-based Psychological Practice (Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner) into a MSc by undertaking a piece of empirical research. The research dissertation will allow you to follow your research interests in a topic related to low intensity CBT or a project related to a service-based development need in this area. Supervision is provided by a clinical/psychological therapies researcher with provision available to support project supervision over the telephone or through internet-based software applications to improve access to the programme.

To progress to the MSc you should have completed the research module as part of your PGDip. If you have not completed this module, or cannot evidence completing a previous Masters level research module, you will be required additionally to complete the research module PYCM002 Methodological Approaches in Psychological Therapies Research (http://cedar.exeter.ac.uk/programmes/description/index.php?moduleCode=PYCM002).

In this programme we aim to help you consolidate your previous training as an effective and evidence-based practitioner in evidence-based low intensity CBT by undertaking a research dissertation in this area. We aim to provide you with a high quality and stimulating learning experience in a supportive environment that is enriched by an internationally-recognised research environment, nationally-recognised innovative clinical teaching approaches and current clinical practice.

Find out more about the MSc Psychological Therapies Practice and Research (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) programme http://cedar.exeter.ac.uk/programmes/mscptprlicbt/.

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The Department of Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University boasts research expertise of international repute. Choosing to study with us will not only provide you with an intellectually stimulating degree, but also by providing you with access to the latest research expertise and specialist equipment, we will develop your thirst for knowledge and inspire you to question, research and analyse your theories.

We are committed to ensuring that our graduates are employable professionals. It is increasingly important that your postgraduate degree programme develop the skills that employers are after and alongside the acquisition of academic knowledge, our students will develop and apply skills in:
-Assessment
-Verbal communication
-Professional report writing
-Evaluation
-Analytical thinking

A programme of study for practitioners promoting psychological wellbeing
This innovative master's programme aims to bring together psychological theory with evidence-based practice and practitioner wellbeing for existing and aspiring practitioners. The masters will expand clinical skills and knowledge across a range of specialist areas related to promoting psychological wellbeing.

This course would be of particular interest to:
-People wishing to pursue professional doctorates in clinical psychology, counselling psychology, health psychology, and/or psychological research
-Medical practitioners
-Occupational therapists and other allied health professionals in mental health services
-Mental health nurses
-Social workers
-Experienced practitioners wishing to take leadership roles within their organisation

Features and benefits of the course

This programme is based upon three fundamental values to prepare its students for their future career steps:
-Excellence in theoretical knowledge, practical skills and theory-practice links
-Practitioner wellbeing
-Interprofessional learning and knowledge exchange

The course teaching team consists of practitioner psychologists (clinical and counseling), as well as experimental and research orientated psychologists. Our students benefit from a range of guest speakers from interprofessional backgrounds and the formative feedback offered by experts-by-experience for certain assessments.

Due to the combination of the values of this programme and the interprofessional perspective to learning, students can expect to develop a range of skills that are highly relevant to a variety of healthcare or doctoral study options. Throughout the course, students can expect to:
-Develop self-awareness and reflective practice
-Enhance knowledge and skills relevant to evidence-based therapeutic techniques in clinical practice
-Develop critical awareness of issues relating to the promotion of psychological wellbeing
-Understanding of the theoretical frameworks underlying key therapeutic approaches
-Personal and professional development through experiential learning groups based on practitioner experiences
-Connecting research and practice through a service evaluation based dissertation with one of our partners

Placement options

This programme is for current and aspiring practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge and skills. In order to prioritise realistic experiences of mental health services and meaningful career progression opportunities, we do not include a placement option. Authentic theory-practice links are a key feature of this programme and our flexible approach to learning and part-time study aims to support those who wish to develop their academic and practitioner knowledge and skills in parallel. Therefore, we encourage all students of the course to either maintain or find employment or voluntary work within a relevant health and social care setting. We are also able to suggest a number of suitable services for voluntary work through our community links.

About the Course

The course will equip students with contemporary and creative knowledge of relevant theoretical and practical issues in a range of settings, where promoting psychological wellbeing is essential. Theory-practice links will be appropriate to current and aspiring practitioners in a range of settings including heath, social care and education. We aim to encouraging a dynamic perspective on person-centred care and the critical appraisal of service provisions.

The core units of the course are:
-Core Therapeutic Skills
-Brief Intervention Models
-Professional Practice Values
-Clinical Skills
-Psychological Wellbeing in Practice
-Research Principles & Methods
-Service Evaluation and Development Research Dissertation

The central ethos of the programme is that of person-centred care in promoting psychological wellbeing, shaping professional practice values. In order to graduate with the MSc qualification, students must gain 180 credits over seven core units. With the course is an embedded Postgraduate Certificate in Skills in Psychological Therapies (60 credits) and Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Therapies (120 credits).

Learning takes the form of:
-Lectures, seminars and workshops
-Problem-based learning exercises
-Skills practice and consolidation
-Experiential learning groups based in a chosen therapeutic modality
-Self-paced online training
-Peer learning through student presentations
-Supervised and supported research activity

You will be allocated a personal academic supervisor who will support your academic and professional development as well as ensure your time on the course is productive and beneficial for your specific needs.

The majority of the course staff for this programme are academics and practitioners, which means students benefit from the latest information from both fields. Additionally, students become a part of our professional knowledge exchange community. Importantly, a number of experts by experience support course staff and students in several of the course activities, such as providing feedback on presentations and practice discussions, which further enhances the insight and perspective students can develop through the course.

Assessment details

Assessments take multiple forms to offer students the best possible chance for success. Our assessments include critical essays, presentations, case reports, reflective accounts and two exams.

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This course provides you with the skills to asses and treat patients with brief, evidence-based psychological approaches for the treatment of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. It is part of the Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme which trains Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) for NHS employment.

The Department of Health's IAPT programme is an innovative approach to address common mental health problems. Through this course you are trained as a practitioner to help those who experience depression and anxiety through use of evidence-based psychological therapies.

Low intensity treatments employ brief, cognitive behavioural therapy approaches through use of vehicles such as guided self-help, forming part of the stepped care system recommended for depression and anxiety disorders. After meeting and assessing a patient, the practitioner supports a therapeutic intervention to help patients with their problems and/or engage with other services that will facilitate them in their recovery.

Our Low Intensity Psychological Therapies Brochure 2017-18 (PDF: 1,130 KB) provides more information about this course. FAQs, links to IAPT resources and information about a 'week in the life of a psychological wellbeing practitioner' and are also included in the publication.

After completing this course, you are eligible to apply for Band 5 PWP posts in NHS organisations. These posts also exist in the private and voluntary sectors.

Delivery and Placements

Most campus based teaching takes place on Mondays, and for the rest of the week you are on placement.

Placements are currently provided around the north east of England in services that treat individuals experiencing common mental health problems through implementation of evidence-based psychological therapies.

On completing this course you can work towards Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) accreditation.

Facilities

Excellent general learning resources are available including access to the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you will find all workshop and lecture slides, and programme and module handbooks.

The School of Psychology is located in the Ridley Building where you will have access to a postgraduate resources room with networked computers and printer.

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In 2008 the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies project began in order to improve the capacity of psychological therapy services for people with common mental health problems (depression and anxiety) in the UK. The psychological wellbeing practitioner role was created as part of this project in order to support the delivery of psychological therapies within a stepped care system. The stepped care system is promoted by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) which works on the principle of offering the least intrusive and most effective treatment (low intensity interventions) in the first instance and increasing the intensity of treatment as required.

Course details

This programme provides education and training that meets the requirements of the Department of Health (2011) curriculum for psychological well-being practitioners by:
-Providing you with a substantial knowledge base appropriate to master's level study
-Facilitating the acquisition of core therapeutic and technical skills that underpin low intensity psychological interventions
-Enabling you to develop a positive attitude and commitment towards lifelong learning and personal and development planning
-Ensuring you are prepared to meet the challenges of current and future contemporary mental health services

What you study

There are eight core themes that run through the award via three modules. They help you to make clear links between theory and practice and include:
-Clinical supervision
-Caseload management
-Information gathering
-Information giving
-Shared decision-making
-Low intensity interventions
-Values, policy, culture and diversity
-Personal development planning.

Modules
-Advancing Engagement and Assessment Skills for Common Mental Health Problems
-Advancing Low Intensity Intervention Skills for Common Mental Health Problems
-Advancing Reflective, Non-Discriminatory Practice

Modules offered may vary.

Teaching

Teesside University campus. There is also a practical element to the programme and so you must have a clinical placement with access to a practice supervisor qualified and experienced to deliver low intensity interventions underpinned by cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Assistance will be given to find a suitable placement.

Learning is through a combination of presentations, group discussion and role-play activities as well as self-directed study and supervised practice in the workplace.

Assessment is through role-play and real patient activities, an examination and practice competencies. All written academic work is marked at master’s level.

Employability

This award prepares you for your role as a psychological wellbeing practitioner. You are eligible to apply for accreditation with the British Psychological Society.

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This new programme, a Department of Health initiative, aims to train a new workforce for CAMHS: Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners. Graduates of the programme will complement the work of existing CAMHS practitioners by building better links with communities and offering rapid access to low intensity evidence-based treatment interventions, for mild to moderate mental health difficulties as part of a stepped care model of service delivery.

Degree information

Students will learn evidence-based treatment techniques that can be delivered within low-intensity interventions for mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

Students undertake three core modules to the value of 60 credits.

Core modules
The programme is divided into three core modules which run in parallel over the year.
-Fundamental Skills: Children and Young People's Mental Health Settings: Context and Values
-Fundamental Skills: Assessment and Engagement
-Evidence-based Interventions: Theory & Skills

There are no optional modules for this programme.

Teaching and learning
Trainees will be expected to attend teaching for approximately one day per week. Teaching is a combination of lecture-style workshops and small group seminars delivered by leading practitioners in the field. Assessment on the programme will comprise of a combination of written, oral and video assessments.

Careers

All successful applicants will be undertaking this programme in conjunction with their service role in the CAMHS workforce as a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The programme is based and taught at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, a national charity with a worldwide reputation.

We aim to equip students with the knowledge, attitude and competence to operate effectively in service that is inclusive and values driven. Our students will be taught the fundamental skills used to assess cases involving young people.

Students will develop insight and competencies in effective brief (low-intensity) interventions for children, young people and family systems, as well as a range of written and computerised interventions. They will also learn of the services available across Children and Young Person Agencies.

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The Department of Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University boasts research expertise of international repute. Choosing to study with us will not only provide you with an intellectually stimulating degree, but also by providing you with access to the latest research expertise and specialist equipment, we will develop your thirst for knowledge and inspire you to question, research and analyse your theories.

We are committed to ensuring that our graduates are employable professionals. It is increasingly important that your postgraduate degree programme develop the skills that employers are after and alongside the acquisition of academic knowledge, our students will develop and apply skills in:
-Assessment
-Verbal communication
-Professional report writing
-Evaluation
-Analytical thinking

This masters program me aims to bring together psychological theory with evidence-based practice and practitioner wellbeing for existing and aspiring practitioners. The course will expand therapeutic skills and knowledge across a range of therapeutic modalities related to promoting psychological wellbeing.

Of particular interest to anyone wishing to pursue a career in psychological therapies (e.g. counselling, psychotherapy, counselling and clinical psychology, allied healthcare professional utilising therapeutic skills) this course should also appeal to all existing practitioners who wish to update and enhance their skills and knowledge.

The programme has been designed for people with a background knowledge of psychological therapies. Completion of this masters programme will help students develop specialised knowledge in undertaking research, therapeutic practice and personal development, which also makes this an excellent CPD opportunity.

Features and benefits of the course

This programme is based upon three fundamental values to prepare students for their future career:
A sound understanding of theoretical knowledge, practical skills and theory-practice links
Practitioner wellbeing
Excellence in understanding and implementing ethical and reflective therapeutic practices

Due to this unique combination of values and the integrative perspective to learning a range of therapeutic modalities, students can expect to:
-Develop self-awareness and reflective practice
-Enhance knowledge and skills relevant to evidence-based therapeutic techniques
-Develop a critical awareness of issues relating to the promotion of psychological wellbeing
-Understanding of the theoretical frameworks underlying key therapeutic approaches
-Personal and professional development through experiential learning groups based on practitioner experiences
-Connecting research and practice through a service evaluation based dissertation with one of our partners.

The course teaching team consists of practitioner psychologists (clinical and counseling), as well as experimental and research orientated psychologists. Our students benefit from a range of guest speakers from interprofessional backgrounds and the formative feedback offered by experts-by-experience for certain assessments.

Placement options

This course would fulfill a substantial component of the face-to-face teaching hours required for a practitioner to apply for individual accreditation through the BACP but does not include an integral placement component. Further support around employability is provided by the course staff, the Manchester Met Psychology employability team and careers service.

Assessment details

Assessments take multiple forms to offer students the best possible chance for success. Our assessments include critical essays, presentations, case reports, reflective accounts and two exams.

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Course Overview

​This programme focuses on the application of the key principles of multidisciplinary public health practice to the breadth of 21st Century public health challenges. Our aim is to develop reflective public health practitioners capable of designing, implementing and evaluating community-focussed public health interventions – in Wales, the UK and internationally.

In this programme we will challenge your preconceptions and practice, developing your knowledge, skills and competences, helping you develop as a reflective public health practitioner. We place a strong emphasis on your own area of practice, and encourage you to base your studies on the issues and situations you face in your own field.

The programme has been designed to meet the needs of a wide range of public health practitioners, professionals, community workers and volunteers working to achieve improvements in the wider determinants of health. Our objective is to support you in further developing your public health knowledge and skills in order to improve your current and future practice, and enhance your career options.

The programme is aimed at anyone with an interest in improving the full range of social, economic and environmental determinants of health: for example, people working in education, health promotion, housing, transport, leisure, environmental health, community development, health & wellbeing partnerships, planning, social services, school nursing, and health visiting (not an exhaustive list!). We welcome applicants from all sectors: public, private and the voluntary & independent sector. The programme retains an international focus, addressing public health issues faced around the world, as well as in Wales and the UK.

See the website https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/health/courses/Pages/Applied-Public-Health---MSc.aspx

​Course Content​​

The course is designed as a Masters programme but it has exit points at both postgraduate certificate & diploma level. Reflective practice is integrated into the programme: we’ll encourage you to reflect upon your learning as you progress, culminating in an assessed reflective statement demonstrating the integration and development of your learning and practice through the course of your studies. The dissertation also incorporates a reflective practice element. The programme is available on a part-time and full-time basis; you can also apply to study individual modules on a CPD basis.

For the Postgraduate Certificate, you’ll complete the following modules:
- Assessing Health, Wellbeing & Inequity (20 cred​its): Assess, evaluate and communicate information about the health and wellbeing of populations & communities

- Health Risk Perception & Communication (10 credits): Appraise the sociocultural, emotional and psychological factors that influence responses to threats to population health and wellbeing

- Public Health Policy Development (10 credits): Evaluate the political, social and economic framework within which policies influencing health & wellbeing are developed

- Applied Research Methods and Design (20 credits): Develop the qualitative and quantitative research skills necessary to undertake research and evaluate interventions and day-to-day practice.

For the Postgraduate Diploma, you’ll undertake the above modules, plus the following modules:
- Frameworks for Public Health Intervention (30 credits): Explore approaches to intervention for the protection and improvement of health and wellbeing, and integrate learning from across the programme in the development a coherent multidisciplinary intervention on an identified public health issue.

- Health Protection (20 credits): Assess, prevent and manage risks to health arising from the general environment, communicable disease and environmental health hazards.

- Reflective Public Health Practice (10 credits): Reflect on your learning, practice and experiences in order to evidence the development of your professional public health practice.

To obtain the MSc, you will also complete a Dissertation (60 credits): Design, plan and undertake a piece of independent applied research, and present the findings.

Learning & Teaching​

- ​Course Delivery
Attendance for taught modules is usually one evening per week (part time) or two evenings per week (full time). SHS7000 Applied Research Methods & Design is currently delivered as a blended learning module over four contact days, two days in the autumn term (October) and two further days in the spring term (February), supported by e-learning materials and activities. The APH7008 Health Protection module follows a similar approach, being taught via three 2-day short courses spread through the academic year (November, February, April), plus an assessment day in May.
During your dissertation studies, you will attend research project workshops and be allocated individual supervision time. These usually begin in March (of the 2nd year of study for part-time students).

- Learning & Teaching Activities
The teaching and learning strategy for the programme places a strong emphasis on application of theoretical frameworks to real problems and situations, and allows for substantial student input and discussion. During the programme you will engage with a variety of learning & teaching activities, including:

- Lectures
Lectures will be used to provide you with a framework of ideas and theory, into which you can fit material obtained from independent study and tutorials. Whilst lectures are seen as opportunities for imparting key information they are also intended to be interactive, and debate is encouraged.

- Seminars
These will provide you with the opportunity to discuss problems related to specific subjects. Group seminars will enable you to share experiences and discuss, analyse and evaluate possible solutions.

- Workshops
Tasks will be set requiring you to work together to develop problem solving strategies and to analyse issues.

- Student Symposia
Learning activities led by students will form part of the programme. You will be required to develop and present short papers and facilitate discussion relating to specific issues.

- Case Studies
These sessions will present a case for discussion based on previous events, and you’ll be expected to analyse the situation and suggest appropriate public health interventions in response. These studies will be aimed at improving your skills with respect to the analysis of problems and the synthesis and evaluation of solutions.
Preparation for such a case study may include the following:
- Presentation of available data and information about the case.
- Group discussions, tutorial and individual learning to enable you to identify the problem and synthesise possible solutions.
- Discussions and lectures with relevant professionals to understand the rationale behind the adoption of specific solutions.
- Debriefing by way of tutorials and seminars.

- Contact Time and Self-Directed Learning
The direct contact time between student and tutor varies from module to module. Generally, unless otherwise stated on the module guide, 10 credit modules will include up to 18 hours contact time and 20 credit modules will include up to 36 hours contact time. An exception to the above is APH7010 Frameworks for Public Health Intervention, which includes student-led group work supported by keynote lectures.

In addition to direct contact time you are generally expected to undertake a further 3-4 hours of self-directed learning for every 1 hour of contact time.

- Introduction to Academic Skills
Included within the introduction to the programme is an introduction to the academic skills needed to study at Masters level. This includes the provision of specific e-learning material, a formative assignment and access to a Personal Tutor.

- Moodle
You can access programme material both on and off campus via Moodle, the University’s virtual learning environment. This includes access to lecture presentations, recommended and required reading, group forums, e-portfolios and a range of other learning and teaching resources specific to the modules and programme.

- Personal Tutors & Professional Development
In addition to a general open door policy, we encourage you to meet with the Programme Director and tutors regularly throughout the programme to discuss feedback on assignments and the development of academic skills.
You’ll be an allocated a Personal Tutor at the beginning of the programme, who you can work with to develop your academic skills and consider how you can integrate your learning experiences with your own professional development needs and aspirations. Your aspirations for professional development will be discussed during the induction to the programme. Support and guidance will then be tailored throughout the programme to ensure that you are best able to fulfil your chosen professional development needs.

Assessment

To reflect the applied nature of study, the programme contains no unseen written examinations. Instead, teaching and assessment will focus on case studies, exercises & scenarios reflecting contemporary issues in public health practice, often located within your own professional experience and environment. Examples of assessment tasks include: reports, essays, briefings, oral presentations, group work, observed practice scenarios, online tests and posters.

Throughout the programme, the assessment tasks we set will encourage you to select specific topics of study that are relevant to your interests and practice. For example, in the Assessing Health, Wellbeing and Inequity module, you will be asked to assess and evaluate the health and wellbeing of a specified population (in general or focussed on a specific issue/range of issues). You’ll be free to select a population and issue of professional and/or personal interest to you.

Employability & Careers​

The promotion, protection and improvement of public health are key objectives for the Welsh Government, UK Government and at an international level, as exemplified by the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health.

Our programme is closely mapped to Levels 6 & 7 of the Public Health Skills & Knowledge Framework - the recognised competence framework for public health at all levels in the UK. The programme provides the underpinning knowledge to enable you to pursue UK Public Health Practitioner registration (which requires completion of an assessed portfolio through a recognised development scheme, such as that operated by Public Health Wales – see http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/49062 for details). We are also working on a project with Public Health Wales to develop and pilot a scheme to enable recognition of Advanced Practice (Public Health), supported by work-based learning.

If you'd like to find out more about career development opportunities in public health, we strongly recommend the PHORCAST website - http://www.phorcast.org.uk/.

Graduates from the programme have progressed to advanced positions in their chosen specialist career areas. Examples of roles our graduates have attained include:
- Project lead for Safeguarding, Public Health Wales
- Director of Business Performance for a large UK voluntary organisation
- Senior Project Co-ordinator, mental health charity
- Public Health Fellow (American India Association) and Project Manager, Tata Steel Rural Development Society
- Senior Public Health Practitioner, Public Health Wales
- Community Health Advocate
- Environmental Health Team Leader, Welsh local authority
- Program Manager, Maternal and Child Health, Pakistan non-profit organisation
- Data and Information Officer, research funding organisation
- Project Co-ordinator, community regeneration charity
- Lecturer in Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Welsh university
- Service Improvement/Change Manager at NHS Wales

Graduates have also progressed to further study on research degrees leading to MPhil and PhD qualifications.

The programme team are currently investigating opportunities for accrediting the programme with the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (http://www.iuhpe.org) and the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (http://www.aphea.net/). We will provide further updates on this process as it progresses.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships

Find out how to apply here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply

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How do athletes overcome setbacks? What is the best way for coaches to develop a great team dynamic? How do referees and officials deal with criticism? What factors influence people to take part in exercise?

Sport and exercise psychologists seek to understand the ways in which thoughts and emotions can affect performance and exercise participation. They use this knowledge to provide psychological skills support, increase motivation and develop self-belief at all levels, whether that’s encouraging the public to adopt a more active lifestyle or improving the performance of elite competitors.

This British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Masters degree will develop the advanced psychological knowledge to understand critical issues in sport and physical activity, from recreational to elite level.

For more information on the part time option of this course, please view this web-page: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/sport-and-exercise-psychology-dtpsxp6/

Learn From The Best

The teaching team includes a number of BPS Chartered and HCPC registered Sport and Exercise Psychologists who have links to high profile governing bodies and sporting organisations including The Football Association (FA), Newcastle United Foundation and the English Institute of Sport, so when you choose this course you can be sure the knowledge and skills you will gain will be current and industry-relevant.

You will learn from research-active academics from across the Department of Psychology and Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, a valuable combination not found in most institutions. The experienced, cohesive teaching team have been praised by the BPS, external examiners and students alike for their knowledge, enthusiasm and high levels of student support.

Teaching And Assessment

At Northumbria, we take a practical approach to learning and assessment. Based in our well-equipped laboratory facilities and the state-of-the art Sport Central, you will be given the opportunity to work with athletes and client groups.

You’ll find that many modules use real-world scenarios, providing an opportunity to satisfy your intellectual curiosity as you work your way through evidence that often seems contradictory or controversial. You may find yourself helping to solve a real-life athlete issue; implementing intervention strategies to assist with performance; or developing a strategy to encourage behaviour change.

Assessment methods are varied and include exams, critical reviews and essays. Much of the course-based assessment has been developed to illustrate how the principles of sport and exercise psychology are applied in real world contexts. These may include reflections, case study reports, client/athlete needs assessments presentations, and handouts to coaches.

Moduler Overview
PY0756 - Exercise Psychology (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0757 - Motor Processes in Sport (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0758 - Psychological Skills for Sport Performance (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0759 - Counselling and Interpersonal Processes in Sport and Exercise (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0774 - Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0775 - Professional Skills (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0776 - MSc Thesis (Core, 60 Credits)

Learning Environment

You will be working within our modern, purpose-built teaching rooms and laboratories for taught and practical based sessions.

You will develop data analysis and interpretation skills using advanced statistical software packages as well as online survey platforms and bespoke laboratory software, including psychometric and cognitive tests.

As a postgraduate psychology student you will also have access to a dedicated common room for study, informal learning and socialising.

Research-Rich Learning

Throughout the course you will develop an understanding of research-informed practice and learn to apply this practically, through solving case studies, assessing clients for psychological skills intervention, and interpreting patterns of behaviour.

You will draw from the strengths of research active academics whose interests cover wide-ranging subjects from investigating the effects of venue on sports performance, interpersonal processes in sport, the psychological influence of injury, alcohol consumption in student athletes and the impact of physical activity on psychological wellbeing.

Your MSc thesis is submitted in journal format which allows for ongoing review and evaluation. This eases the process of submitting for publication, can strengthen a scholarship or funding application, and improve the prospect of securing employment in an academic environment.

Give Your Career An Edge

As the link between psychological wellbeing and physical activity becomes more defined, the demand for exercise psychologists in the healthcare sector has increased – particularly in the areas of health promotion and rehabilitation. Similarly, there is a growing demand for sports psychologists to deliver support from grassroots level through to performance athletes. This Masters degree programme will help develop the professional skills that will give you the edge in this evolving area of psychology.

For applicants who already possess the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) and who successfully complete the course, you can then go on to complete the BPS Stage 2 Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology. After completing both Stage 1 and Stage 2 qualifications this will then enable you to become an HCPC registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist practitioner, a legally protected title.

Your Future

You will graduate with a wide range of professional skills, which include the ability to:
-Critically evaluate current theories and evidence which can be applied to understand and solve complex issues in real world contexts.
-Communicate your ideas and findings effectively to variety of audiences, whether it be coaches, parents, athletes or exercise enthusiasts.
-Apply relevant ethical, legal and professional practice frameworks (such as those required by the BPS and HCPC).

Your transferable skills will include oral and written communication, critical evaluation, problem solving, time management, IT and advanced statistical and qualitative analysis techniques.

Graduates with Stage 1 and Stage 2 qualifications who are interested in sport psychology will be in a strong position to work with major sports teams or field-based consultation at major sporting events. Options for exercise psychologists include working in private rehabilitation, gyms, the NHS, GP exercise referral schemes and local Councils.

Some of our recent graduates now work as teachers, coaches, consultants, in the healthcare sector and for organisations including the English Institute of Sport and Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC). Many of our students have gone on to further postgraduate opportunities such as Ph.D. study whilst some have also secured placement opportunities in elite, amateur and recreational level sport.

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Occupational Psychology applies psychological understanding to workplace, business and organisational issues, and is one of the key applied fields of psychology. Many businesses and organisations employ occupational psychologists to help identify and address many of the key issues organisations face today, like how to select the best talent, train leaders, manage teams, engage employees and develop a culture of innovation all using evidence-based solutions.

The MSc Occupational Psychology at UWE Bristol is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), covering Stage-1 training for Occupational Psychology. The course has been designed to reflect the most up-to-date BPS guidelines and has been developed in conjunction with the British Psychological Society's Division of Occupational Psychology.

Key benefits

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), covering Stage-1 training for Occupational Psychology.

Course detail

Whether you're a recent bachelor graduate or a professional looking to develop and enhance skills, the course offers an excellent grounding in the key skills of an Occupational Psychologist. Furthermore, UWE Bristol stands out for its focus on applying skills and competencies to real-world scenarios. The department has excellent links with local organisations who provide connections and invaluable insights.

If you hold Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the BPS, the MSc provides Stage-1 training towards achieving Practitioner Occupational Psychologist status. As well as covering the BPS core curriculum, you'll enjoy a particular emphasis on highly transferable practical, professional and employment-related skills and the opportunity to gain course credit through practical work in business and organisational settings.

Modules

• Leadership, Engagement and Motivation
• Learning, Training and Development
• Wellbeing and Work
• Psychological Assessment at Work
• Work Design, Organisational Change and Organisational Development
• Applying Psychology to Work and Organisations
• Dissertation in Psychology
• Conducting and Evaluating Psychological Research

Format

This course is designed to offer a superb balance of theory, knowledge and applicable skills. The course is blended, mixing online and face to face learning. You'll learn through, online seminars and discussions as well as face to face workshops, supervised research and work based learning. Some of your learning will be independent, but we also encourage peer learning and taking advantage of the department's resources and staff expertise.

Assessment

We assess the modules through a variety of formative and summative methods, including case studies and critical essays, pitches and portfolios, videos and interviews. We've designed the assessments to support your learning, cover a variety of skills, reflect real world practice, engage you in the learning material, and develop your personal and professional abilities.

Careers / Further study

The MSc Occupational Psychology is currently working towards validation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage-1 training in Occupational Psychology the first step in training to become a Practitioner Occupational Psychologist. The BPS criteria takes into account the applicability of knowledge and skills, and graduate employability, which are key strengths for UWE Bristol.

After completing the MSc you will need to complete Stage-2 training to become a Practitioner Occupational Psychologist. Visit the Division of Occupational Psychology to find out more about this.

To be eligible for Stage-1 training in Occupational Psychology you must have Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) status. Please contact the BPS or HCPC for further guidance.

How to apply

Information on applications can be found at the following link: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/study/applyingtouwebristol/postgraduateapplications.aspx

Funding

- New Postgraduate Master's loans for 2016/17 academic year –

The government are introducing a master’s loan scheme, whereby master’s students under 60 can access a loan of up to £10,000 as a contribution towards the cost of their study. This is part of the government’s long-term commitment to enhance support for postgraduate study.

Scholarships and other sources of funding are also available.

More information can be found here: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/feesandfunding/fundingandscholarships/postgraduatefunding.aspx

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Why Surrey?

Our innovative MSc Health Psychology programme applies the theories, methods and techniques of psychology to issues of health and illness.

These are integrated into the psychological processes related to the maintenance of health, the promotion of the psychological wellbeing of the physically ill, and the normal and pathological responses to ill health and stress.

Programme overview

Our MSc Health Psychology programme will equip you with a sound knowledge of theories and practical issues relevant to health psychology.

You will consider the psychological and physiological responses of the individual to ill health, as well as the social and community contexts of health-related behaviours and healthcare systems.

The programme will equip you with a sound knowledge of theories and practical issues relevant to health psychology, in addition to a solid understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research.

The programme, which is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), provides the academic component (Stage One) on the route towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Programme structure

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time over two academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation.

Example module listing

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

• Conducting Health Psychology Research
• Chronic Conditions
• Psychological Aspects of Health Care
• Maintaining Health Throughout the Lifespan
• Dissertation
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Aspects of Experimental Psychology
• Crafting Research: Linking Theory and Methods
• Ergonomics and Human Factors
• Psychological Neuroscience: Psychophysics and fMRI
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Health Psychology
• Psychology of Sustainable Development
• Key Questions in Environmental Psychology: People & Places
• Contemporary Health Psychology and Professional Practice

Educational aims of the programme

The aims of the programme are:

• To provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of theory and practice in Health Psychology in accordance with the 15 competence requirements pertaining to Stage 1 of the British Psychological Society criteria for achieving Chartered Status in Health Psychology
• To train students in the informed and systematic application of the research-practitioner involving problem analysis and formulation, intervention design and evaluation
• To enable students to harness relevant theory and evidence in the integrated formulation of a wide range of commonly encountered health problems and issues
• To produce students equipped with the basic interpersonal, technical and creative skills required for the effective analysis and formulation of health problems, and for the effective design, implementation and evaluation of health interventions
• To prepare students for professional work pursued in a highly responsible, self-regulated, self- efficacious and politically sensitive fashion
• To facilitate self-reflection in support of personal and professional development via constructive feedback

Programme learning outcomes

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas: 

Knowledge and understanding

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the following:

• Health psychology as an applied science
• The relevance of theory to professional practice
• Theory and evidence pertaining to the core areas as detailed by the british psychological society: context and perspectives in health psychology, epidemiology in health psychology, biological mechanisms of health and disease, health-related behaviour, health-related cognitions, individual differences, stress, chronic illness/disability, lifespan, gender and crosscultural perspectives, health care contexts, applications of health psychology, research methods, empirical research project, measurement issues and professional issues
• Basic and advanced research design and methods of investigation (qualitative and quantitative), data analysis principles and techniques
• The contemporary economic and political context of health care work
• Place and value of health psychology within an interdisciplinary framework

Intellectual / cognitive skills

Students will be able to:

• Critically assess and comment on both published and unpublished sources of research and commentary on health psychology issues
• Critically weigh up the contributions and limitations of health psychology in addressing various problems and issues
• Analyse and theoretically formulate various problem scenarios and issues pertinent to the practice of health psychology using a range of models and theories consistent with the principle of integrative practice
• Design, conduct and evaluate health psychology research and researchbased health psychology interventions
• Analyse and take into consideration the economic and political context of a health problem or issue in the process of designing and implementing tailormade interventions
• Reflect on particular case examples (hypothetical and real) with a view to informing theory development/elaboration in an iterative fashion

Professional practical skills

Students will have the skills to:

• Select, design, implement and evaluate a wide range of research techniques pertinent to research and research-based practice in health psychology
• Acquire some preliminary skill in designing research-based health interventions
• Analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data in a competent and critical manner
• Present/communicate their work in a professional manner for both academic, non-academic and business audiences, in both written and verbal (one-to-one, group) formats
• Apply problem-solving strategy and techniques
• Prioritise work, multi-task and manage time under pressure

Key / transferable skills

Students will be able to:

• Communicate ideas, principles, theories and problem formulations by oral, written and visual means
• Elicit high quality information and data from field sources
• Operate within a problem-solving research-based practitioner framework
• Conduct oneself in a professional (accountable, responsible), self-regulated and constructively critical fashion
• Use interpersonal and social skills as appropriate
• Apply analytical skill in a problem solving context
• Use information technology
• Pursue continuous improvement via self-reflection and other forms of professional and personal development activity

Global opportunities

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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Health psychology is an exciting and growing branch of psychology that applies psychological theory and research to behaviours and beliefs related to health and illness.

Health psychologists’ interests are firmly in line with government health agendas, and include the promotion of positive health behaviours in adults and children; reducing obesity, binge drinking, smoking and stress; and increasing psychological wellbeing.

The route to Chartered Psychologist status is through the attainment of an accredited MSc Health Psychology (stage 1 training), followed by supervised professional practice (stage 2 training).

USW’s MSc Health Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing students with the knowledge and skills required for Stage 1 of your training in qualifying as a Chartered Psychologist and practitioner health psychologist.

The MSc Health Psychology is taught by registered practitioner health psychologists (who are also BPS Chartered) with many years of specialist teaching, research and clinical experience in a range of areas of health psychology. Specialist practitioners contribute a contemporary perspective as guest lecturers.

We have ongoing research collaborations with NHS clinicians that provide opportunities for students to have access to clinical populations for dissertation research projects and work experience placements. These currently include psychiatry liaison, pain management, eating disorders and cardiac rehabilitation.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/300-msc-health-psychology

Five BPS Commendations

The course recently received five commendations from the British Psychological Society who praised the relationships we have with external health and clinical practitioners, and the opportunities these provide to students; the programme’s development in relation to the health needs of the local and wider population in response to the priorities of the Welsh Government Department of Health; the high level of student support; the emphasis on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to prepare students for the reflective skills they will need in practice; and the opportunities provided to students by Psychology Plus (employability scheme).

Work Experience Opportunities

We have ongoing research collaborations with four Welsh Health Boards and NHS clinicians that provide opportunities for students to have access to clinical populations for dissertation research projects and work experience placements.

Pawb, our on-campus clinic offers a wide range of psychological services to the public. Students will be able to benefit from supervised voluntary experience and in-house research opportunities.

What you will study

You will study the following modules:
- Contexts and Perspectives in Health Psychology
- Research Methods in Health Psychology: Measurement & Professional Issues* Applications of Health Psychology
- Health-related Cognitions and Behaviour
- Stress, Health and Illness
- A Lifespan Perspective on Health, Illness & Disability
- Independent Research Dissertation
-

Learning and teaching methods

Teaching includes lectures, seminars and workshops, some of which will be student-led. There will be a variety of assessment activities such as examinations, essays, case study analysis, poster presentations and the design of a health promotion campaign.

The MSc Health Psychology provides students with opportunities for work experience in the School of Psychology’s own Psychology and Well-Being Clinic (PAWB Wales), in addition to research projects with our NHS partners on issues such as pain management, eating disorders and cardiac rehabilitation.

As well as our excellent dedicated teaching facilities, the University has recently invested in a new clinic facility that offers a wide range of psychological services to the public. The Psychology and Well-Being Clinic Wales (PAWB Wales) services include play therapy, health psychology, sport psychology, occupational psychology and behaviour analysis. Through the clinic, MSc Health Psychology students and trainee practitioners can gain access to real life training opportunities.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

The Sc Health Psychology provides current, up-to-date theory, knowledge and skills related to therapeutic play and enables graduates to work as therapeutic play specialists in educational, healthcare or social care settings.

In addition, an understanding of play is key to current government education initiatives and course content addresses the Welsh Government’s Foundation Phase and other early years educational curricula. Hence this award offers excellent career development in the field of play, whether as a teacher or education specialist, play worker or play development officer, nursery manager, or work in health or social services.

Assessment methods

Assessment uses a variety of methods, including essays, diaries, research reports, presentations, portfolios of observations and clinical notes. There are opportunities for work placements.

Facilities

As an MSc Health Psychology student, you’lll have access to the latest learning technologies, facilities and equipment, including excellent designated facilities.

These include observation and interview rooms equipped with two-way mirror, CCTV and audio and allow research and interview practice sessions to be conducted and recorded onto DVD. We also have a custom-built air-conditioned PC laboratory which provides access to specialist software for running psychology experiments and conducting careers guidance interviews. More specialist equipment is also available in our cognitive suite and more details about this are given below.

The cognitive psychology suite houses specialist psychology equipment. This includes eye tracking equipment which is capable of studying the eye movements of individuals whilst they complete cognitive tasks. The suite includes EEG (electroencephalogram) and ECG (electrocardiogram) facilities for recording electrical activity in the heart and scalp. There is also a driving simulator which is currently being used by postgraduate students to complete a study which examines the effects of stressors on driving performance.

As well as our excellent dedicated teaching facilities, the School of Psychology offers a wide range of psychological services to the general public. These are offered through our new PAWB Wales clinic facility and include play therapy, behaviour analysis, health and sport psychology interventions. The clinic activities support our wide range of postgraduate opportunities and undergraduate students can also get involved in some of the clinic’s work.

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The UCL Division of Psychiatry is pleased to offer this programme focused on clinical practice in mental health and its evidence base. The Clinical Mental Health Sciences MSc integrates biological, psychological and social perspectives on mental health and caters both for psychology graduates and for clinicians wishing to undertake a broad-based, rigorous and flexible higher degree.

Degree information

Students will develop an in-depth understanding of current evidence regarding mental health problems and the interventions provided to address them, as well as enhancing their research skills. A wide range of options from across the School of Life and Medical Sciences at UCL allows students to tailor a programme that fully fits their needs.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of 1–2 core double modules (30–60 credits), 4–6 optional modules (60–90 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits). A diploma may be awarded to students who complete the equivalent of 8 taught single modules, amounting to 120 credits. A certificate may be awarded to students who complete the equivalent of 4 taught single modules, amounting to 60 credits.

Core modules
-Core Principles of Mental Health Research (double module)
-Clinical Mental Health (double module – compulsory only for those who do not have at least six months’ full-time experience, or the equivalent, of working in mental health settings).

Optional modules - students who take the Clinical Mental Health module will choose at least one option (15 credits) from the following:
-Current Research in Depression and Anxiety
-Current Research in Dementia
-Current Research in Learning Disability
-Current Research in Psychosis
-Mental Health Services – Policy, Design and Evaluation
-Culture in the Clinic
-Advanced Treatment and Management of Dementia (only to be taken if Current Research in Dementia has already been taken)

Please note: Students who do not take the Clinical Mental Health module will select at least three modules (45 credits) from the above list. Any UCL modules approved by the Programme Director can be selected to make up the remaining credit(s). Note that due to timetable clashes only one Institute of Child Health module may be taken by each student. Approved options, from across UCL, include:
-Ethnicity, Migration and Health (Department of Epidemiological and Social Methods in Public Health)
-Social Determinants of Health (Department of Epidemiology and Public Health)
-Higher Functions of the Brain (Institute of Neurology)
-Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Child Mental Health (UCL Institute of Child Health)
-Interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health – Psychological (UCL Institute of Child Health)
-Quality Improvements in Health (UCL CHIME)
-Neuroimaging: Introductory Science and Methods (Institute of Neurology)
-Neuroimaging: Imaging Modalities (Institute of Neurology)
-Treatment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health - Pharmacological (UCL Institute of Child Health)

(Note that due to timetable clashes only one UCL Institute of Child Health module may be taken by each student)

NB: due to timetable clashes only one UCL Institute of Child Health module may be taken by each student.

Research project/report
All students undertake a final project. This may be a research project, to be reported as a paper of 6,000-8,000 words ready for submission to a specified journal, a blog of 1,000 words and a 20-minute talk, or a clinical project of 10,000 words reporting on a clinical topic or service evaluation.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars and workshops, with considerable use of supporting online learning. Assessment methods include one unseen examination, coursework including designing questionnaires and protocols and analysing data, giving talks and presenting posters, and a final report in the format of a journal paper or brief for clinicians or service planners.

Placement
The programme team support students in obtaining volunteer placements in relevant mental health care and research settings, but this is not a formal part of the course and is entirely optional.

Careers

For non-clinicians, the programme will be an excellent grounding for clinical training, such as in clinical psychology, or for embarking on a research career in mental health. Many graduates go on to research assistant, clinical support worker or assistant psychologist posts as a first destination. For clinicians, this is a great opportunity to gain a higher qualification through a programme based in a leading university department which can be closely tailored to your interests across clinical, research and management fields.

Employability
Students will be taught by leading experts in their fields, will gain a strong clinical understanding of mental health, and will be able to develop their skills in research, service design and evaluation, and writing and presenting. Previous Division of Psychiatry Master’s graduates have been enthusiastic about their career enhancement, both through their programme and the connections they have made through it. A large proportion of our first cohort of graduates have gone on to paid employment in relevant areas of mental health, especially research assistant, clinical support worker, psychological wellbeing practitioner and assistant psychologist posts. Others have embarked on PhD studies.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL has a cluster of international experts in mental health, including in genetics, epidemiology, and applied clinical research, and most are also clinicians. We are able to offer a broad programme encompassing both cutting-edge research and a clinical perspective.

The programme is strongly focused on student participation, with much use of small-group learning, and the environment in the Division of Psychiatry is stimulating, friendly and supportive.

A wide range of options at UCL allows programmes to be tailored to students’ needs and interests in clinical, research and management domains.

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The comprehensive syllabus of this MSc programme provides an opportunity for students to enhance their skills and competencies in areas required by all professional psychologists. This includes an exploration of the professional issues encountered in practice, the advanced research methods employed by scientist practitioners, and the techniques and theory associated with psychological assessment, formulation and intervention. The course also provides an in-depth consideration of psychological theory and research concerned with the aetiology, assessment and treatment of psychological problems across the lifespan.

Key benefits

- Placements available including study abroad option

- Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) against the requirements for qualification as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.

- The School has also developed strong professional, research and teaching links with the Psychology Department of the Western Health and Social Care Trust

Visit the website: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/course/msc-applied-psychology-mental-health-and-psychological-therapies-ft-mg
or part time https://www.ulster.ac.uk/course/msc-applied-psychology-mental-health-and-psychological-therapies-pt-mg

Course detail

Students are provided with a comprehensive knowledge of some of the major psychological therapies, (namely Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Family Therapy and Systemic Practice), and gain practical experience in their use - through live role play and video analysis in the School's skills labs, and experiential group work within lectures. On certain training routes within the programme, students will have the opportunity to put these skills into practice within a clinical placement. In addition, students undertake a Masters level research project, taking the study from inception and ethics approval, through to data collection, analysis, and writing up for publication.

- Course purpose -

The programme provides an opportunity for students to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas of applied psychology related to mental health practice and research. It trains and equips students wishing to:

- Enter further professional training in Clinical, Counselling, Educational or Forensic Psychology;

- Become more employable for positions in the public and private sector (such as Assistant and Associate Psychologist posts, and Research Assistant/Analyst posts);

- Pursue PhD research in the area of mental health.

- Teaching and learning assessment -

The modules on the programme are delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, practical skills training, and student-led seminars. There is a strong emphasis on experiential learning and skills analysis. Assessment methods vary across the modules, dependent on their focus - students will undertake a selection of written assignments (essays, reflective commentaries, research reports) and assessed role-plays of clinical skills, as well as a smaller number of written examinations. All students will complete the MSc Research Project over the duration of their time on the programme.

Career prospects

Currently, our graduating students are successful in acquiring Assistant Psychologist positions, which with experience is allowing people to apply for Associate Psychologist positions. Others are successful in gaining entry onto Professional Doctorate programmes in Clinical, Counselling and Educational Psychology, or PhD scholarships in Psychology across UK and Ireland. In addition, students who undertake AFT Foundation Level Training will have completed Stage 1 of 3 in their training to become a qualified Systemic Psychotherapist.

How to apply: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply#pg

This course will move to Coleraine in September 2018. Part-time students will change campus part-way through.

Why Choose Ulster University ?

1. Over 92% of our graduates are in work or further study six months after graduation.
2. We are a top UK university for providing courses with a period of work placement.
3. Our teaching and the learning experience we deliver are rated at the highest level by the Quality Assurance Agency.
4. We recruit international students from more than 100 different countries.
5. More than 4,000 students from over 50 countries have successfully completed eLearning courses at Ulster University.

Flexible payment

To help spread the cost of your studies, tuition fees can be paid back in monthly instalments while you learn. If you study for a one-year, full-time master’s, you can pay your fees up-front, in one lump sum, or in either five* or ten* equal monthly payments. If you study for a master’s on a part-time basis (e.g. over three years), you can pay each year’s fees up-front or in five or ten equal monthly payments each year. This flexibility allows you to spread the payment of your fees over each academic year. Find out more by visiting https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/postgraduate

Scholarships

A comprehensive range of financial scholarships, awards and prizes are available to undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Scholarships recognise the many ways in which our students are outstanding in their subject. Individuals may be able to apply directly or may automatically be nominated for awards. Visit the website: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/scholarships

English Language Tuition

CELT offers courses and consultations in English language and study skills to Ulster University students of all subjects, levels and nationalities. Students and researchers for whom English is an additional language can access free CELT support throughout the academic year: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/international/english-language-support

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Recognition of the personal and social cost of unmet mental health need within primary care has led to a government-supported initiative to broaden access to psychological therapies, introducing the cutting-edge role of psychological wellbeing practitioners. This brings evidence-based cognitive behavioural treatments to all people who experience mild to moderate depression or anxiety.

You can study Psychological Wellbeing Practice (PWP) with us at one of two levels. Our Graduate Certificate is relevant for those without an undergraduate degree, and our Postgraduate Certificate is relevant for those who already have an undergraduate degree.

Our certificates in PWP enable you to work with people who experience common mental health problems. You will learn to use a range of protocols derived from the best evidence based practice methodologies available. The protocols are drawn from cognitive behavioural theory and utilise self-help processes to empower patients to take control of their own wellbeing needs.

You will learn the coaching and facilitation skills necessary to support this kind of self-help process and receive a full grounding in the theory underpinning these approaches. You will also learn about the service structure underpinning the IAPT initiative which you will be working in during your training.

The University of Essex has a robust academic tradition and achieves regular high levels of student satisfaction. We continue to work with students, service users and practice partners to continue to improve this established track record.

Professional accreditation

Our course is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and it meets the national curriculum guidelines allowing you on successful graduation to establish yourself as a psychological wellbeing practitioner who could work in any service.

It will also allow you to apply for accreditation with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

Our expert staff

A unique feature of our school is the strong relationship with our practice partners. Presently over half of our teaching team also work as senior psychological wellbeing practitioners in local services and all of our taught sessions include the input of at least one of our practitioner lecturers.

This strong integration of learning, theory and practice allows genuine personal development and skills acquisition to be grounded in the practice arena.

Specialist facilities

As part of the University, you have access to our state-of-the-art library and the very latest equipment and IT facilities to assist you with the effective learning and acquisition of new skills. As a School, we have purpose built facilities where you can meet to discuss your progress and ongoing work.

Our staff offer approachable support at all levels. Our university student support network can also offer you help with personal and study issues during your time with us.

You also have access to an excellent theatre and sports and social club experiences at Essex.

Your future

Following training, it is usual for your employing organisation to continue your employment at Band 5. This acknowledges your qualified status. To this point all successful trainees have achieved employment within their training organisation.

PWPs may also go on to achieve senior PWP status and role after a number of years. You may also choose to extend your role into one of the new developing areas in IAPT; opportunities also exist for a small number of PWPs to become more involved in education of new practitioners. Generally PWPs stay within the role deepening their skills and competencies.

Other career development areas may be available in your particular Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services.

Example structure

-Engagement and Assessment of Patients with Common Mental Health Problems
-Evidence-based low-intensity treatment for common mental health disorders
-Values, Employment and Context

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