Mental Health Therapeutics

Program Overview

The Mental Health Therapeutics PgCert from Aston University is a distance-learning program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to validate, recommend, and critically appraise medication use in mental health practice. It is designed for professionals seeking to specialize in mental health, including nurses, pharmacists, and psychiatrists, and serves as a prerequisite for specialist clinical positions within the NHS. The program combines theory and practice through hands-on learning, utilizing a virtual learning environment and led by experienced faculty.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

• The Mental Health Therapeutics PgCert is a distance-learning course focusing on mental health medications and their application in clinical practice.
• It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to validate, recommend, and critically appraise medication use in a person-centered manner.
• This qualification is often a prerequisite for specialist clinical mental health positions within the National Health Service (NHS).
• It also serves as the first stage for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to specialize in mental health practice.
• Other potential participants include mental health nurses, general practitioners, psychiatrists, and pharmaceutical industry graduates.

Objectives:

• Explain the relevance of etiology, presentation, diagnosis, and prognosis for individuals with various mental health conditions, incorporating rating scales and classification systems.
• Utilize scientific knowledge (pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, affinity data) alongside national guidelines and trial data to make evidence-based, person-centered treatment recommendations.

Program Description:

• Delivered via distance learning and self-directed, utilizing a virtual learning environment (Blackboard) for accessing learning materials.
• Features authored texts, pre-recorded lectures, self-assessment exercises, essential and further readings, e-journals, databases, and more.
• Occasional synchronous lectures or meetings held, recorded for accessibility.
• Led by a diverse team of academics, scientists, leading researchers, and practicing pharmacists with close industry collaborations.
• Combines theory and practice through hands-on learning, applying skills as you progress.
• Aligns pedagogy with best practices and academic developments.

Outline:

Taught Stage Modules:

• (60 credits) Mental Health Therapeutics
• Covers major mental health conditions like schizophrenia, affective disorders, anxiety, depression, and dementia.

Teaching:

• Modern and innovative teaching style with a hands-on approach.
• Led by experienced faculty: Dr Hannah Macfarlane (Course Director), Dr Ian Maidment, Emma Smith, Dr Muhammad (Umair) Khan, Adaora Ndu, and Emma Bryant.

Careers:

• Prepares graduates for specialist roles in mental health, including clinical positions within the NHS.
• Relevant for mental health nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, general practitioners, psychiatrists, and pharmaceutical industry professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of mental health pharmacotherapy.

Other:

• Completion of this program allows progression to the Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Pharmacy.
• Located in Birmingham, a vibrant and diverse city offering great student life experiences.
• Offers various scholarships for UK and international students.

UK students(2024/25) Annual tuition fees: £3,720 International students(2024/25) Annual tuition fees: £3,720