Creative Arts and Mental Health PGDip

Program Overview

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It combines theoretical and practical learning, integrating critical analysis of mental health representations in the arts with hands-on creative practice. Graduates are equipped with knowledge and skills for careers in arts and mental health, mental health services, social work, and research.

Program Outline

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Objectives:

• Develop critical understanding of the relationship between arts and mental health.
• Examine contemporary debates within the field of mental health theory and practice.
• Learn to critically analyze and apply creative practices in diverse contexts.
• Develop expertise in research methodologies and approaches relevant to arts and mental health.

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Description:

The program combines theoretical and practical learning, integrating critical analysis of representations of mental health within the arts with opportunities for hands-on creative practice.

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Outline:

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Programme Structure:

The PGDip program is structured around three compulsory modules and one elective module. The total credit value of the program is 60 credits, with each module typically carrying 20 credits.

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Compulsory Modules:

• Performing Mental Health: This module explores the performance of mental health and mental illness as they have been defined across history, and in the contemporary moment.
• Critical Mental Health Sciences: This module examines contemporary debates within the field of mental health theory and practice from the critical premise that the dominant, so-called `biomedical` model of mental health is in urgent need of reform.

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Elective Modules:

• Theatre for Young People: Pedagogy in Practice: This module offers a group placement within a young people's theatre company or other relevant arts organisation working with young people.
• Performance, Activism, Social Justice: This module explores how performance contributes to social justice, especially through activism.
• Text, Self, Performance: This module explores through practice the relation between text, self, and performance, in order to investigate critically the way performance may articulate individual experience, to invoke or confirm aspects of collective identity, and to complicate the assumed relations between performances and texts.

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Course Schedule:

The program typically runs from September to September, with teaching taking place on a part-time basis over two years. Modules are typically taught intensively over weekends, with additional independent study and group work required throughout the academic year.

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Individual Modules:

• Performing Mental Health: This module will explore the historical and contemporary representations of mental health in theatre and performance.
Students will examine the portrayal of mental illness on stage, analyze the use of performance as a tool for therapy and social change, and explore the ethical considerations involved in representing mental health experiences.
• Critical Mental Health Sciences: This module will introduce students to critical debates within the field of mental health theory and practice.
Students will examine the social, cultural, and political determinants of mental health, analyze the limitations of the biomedical model, and explore alternative approaches to mental health care.
• Critical Encounters in Arts and Mental Health: This module will examine the intersections between the arts and mental health through a critical lens.
Students will explore the use of the arts in promoting mental health and wellbeing, analyze the potential of the arts for social change, and critically evaluate the role of the arts in mental health research and practice.
• Theatre for Young People: Pedagogy in Practice: This module will offer students an opportunity to work within a young people's theatre company or other relevant arts organization.
Students will gain practical experience in facilitating theatre workshops, working with young people to explore various performance techniques, and developing creative projects related to mental health and wellbeing. Students will examine historical and contemporary examples of performance-based activism, analyze the potential of performance for raising awareness, challenging social norms, and promoting social change, and develop their own performance-based projects responding to issues of social justice and mental health. Students will analyze a range of texts, develop their own performance practice, and reflect on the relationship between self, text, and performance.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the specific module, but may include:

• Essays: Students will produce critical essays analyzing representations of mental health within the arts, exploring contemporary debates in mental health theory and practice, and critically engaging with the intersections between the arts and mental health.
• Presentations: Students will deliver presentations based on their research and analysis, engaging in critical discussion with peers and faculty.
• Project Plans: Students will develop plans for creative projects related to mental health and wellbeing, outlining the project's aims, objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes.
• Project Reports: Students will produce reports reflecting on their creative project experience, analyzing the project's impact, and evaluating its success in achieving its intended aims.
• Portfolios: Students may be required to submit portfolios of their creative work, showcasing their skills and understanding in various artistic disciplines.
Assessment criteria will focus on students' ability to:
• Demonstrate critical understanding of the relationship between arts and mental health.
• Analyze representations of mental health within the arts.
• Engage with contemporary debates in mental health theory and practice.
• Apply creative practices in diverse contexts.
• Conduct research and critically evaluate findings.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Experts in the field of arts and mental health deliver lectures to introduce key concepts and theories.
• Seminars: Small-group seminars provide opportunities for in-depth discussion, critical analysis, and peer learning.
• Workshops: Practical workshops allow students to explore different artistic disciplines and develop their creative skills.
• Guest Speakers: Practitioners and experts from the field of arts and mental health are invited to share their expertise and experiences.
• Independent Study: Students are encouraged to engage in independent study and research to deepen their understanding of the program's subject matter.

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Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in various disciplines, including:

• Theatre and Performance Studies
• Mental Health Nursing
• Social Work
• Psychology
• Art Therapy
• Music Therapy

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Unique Approaches:

The program adopts a unique approach by:

• Combining theoretical and practical learning.
• Exploring various artistic disciplines, including theatre, performance, film, visual arts, and music.
• Offering a range of elective modules to cater to individual interests and career aspirations.
• Drawing on expertise from a range of disciplines, including the arts, mental health, and social sciences.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

The program prepares graduates for careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Arts and Mental Health
• Arts Education
• Mental Health Services
• Social Work
• Community Development
• Arts Therapy
• Research

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Career Opportunities:

Graduates may pursue careers in various settings, such as:

• Arts Organizations
• Mental Health Charities
• Educational Institutions
• Social Care Agencies
• Government Organizations
• Research Institutions

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Outcomes:

Graduates of the program have successfully secured positions in:

• Arts organizations focused on mental health and wellbeing.
• Mental health charities providing services to individuals and communities.
• Educational institutions delivering arts-based programs for mental health promotion.
• Social care agencies supporting individuals with mental health needs.
• Government organizations developing policies and strategies for mental health care.
The program welcomes applications from students with a background in the arts, mental health, or related disciplines.

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Full-time studySeptember 2024 | 9 monthsHome: £7,650Overseas: £15,300EU/EEA/Swiss studentsUnconditional depositHome: Not applicableOverseas: £2000Information about depositsPart-time studySeptember 2024 | 21 monthsHome: £3,850Overseas: £7,650EU/EEA/Swiss studentsThe course fee is charged per annum for 2 years.