Mental Health in Primary Care BSc (Hons) / Postgraduate Certificate; MSc; Professional Certificate

Program Overview

The Mental Health in Primary Care program from Nottingham Trent University offers flexible CPD courses for healthcare professionals. Through a blended learning approach, students develop skills in supporting individuals with mental ill health in primary care settings, bridging the gap between mental and physical healthcare. Upon completion, graduates will enhance their abilities in client engagement, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering them to provide effective mental healthcare within their communities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Mental Health in Primary Care program at Nottingham Trent University is a comprehensive suite of continuous professional development (CPD) courses designed to meet the needs of the local health sector workforce. The program aims to:

• Provide education on the long-term condition approach for supporting individuals with mental ill health in the primary care setting.
• Address the disparity between mental health and physical health care.
• Build skills in engaging clients, assessing need, formulating a treatment plans, and accessing a range of support to meet that need.
• Understand the range of support in primary care, secondary care, social care, and the third sector.
• Enhance practitioners' ability and confidence in critically reflecting on their practice.

Outline:

The Mental Health in Primary Care program offers a flexible learning experience, allowing students to:

• Undertake standalone modules: This option allows students to develop their knowledge and competencies in specific areas of interest.
• Undertake a suite of modules: This option leads to a Professional Certificate (ProfCert), a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), or a Master of Science (MSc) degree.

Modules:

The program offers a variety of modules, including:

• Core Modules:
• Understanding Mental Health in Primary Care
• Communication in Health and Illness
• Clinical Mental Health Management in Primary Care
• Oases of Support: NHS, Social Care and Third Sector
• Research in Nursing, Health and Social Care (for PGCert, BSc, and MSc)
• Optional Modules:
• Leadership in Nursing, Health & Social Care Practice
• Innovation in Nursing, Health and Social Care Practice
• Understanding, Identifying, Assessing and Managing Frailty
• Maintaining Function and Quality of Life in the Frail Person
• Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute Medicine
• Acute Medicine
• Emergency Care
• Fundamentals of Neonatal Care
• Contemporary Development in Emergency and Urgent Care Practice
• Clinical Assessment and Management in Emergency and Urgent Care
• Fundamentals of Renal Care
• Contemporary Approaches in Renal Disease
• Evidence in Clinical Practice (for BSc and MSc)

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Formative Discussion: This provides students with the opportunity to engage in discussions and receive feedback on their progress.
• Written Essays: These allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the course material in a written format.
• Presentations: This assessment method allows students to present their findings and research to their peers and instructors.

Teaching:

The program employs a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face teaching with online learning materials. The teaching methods include:

• Lectures: These provide students with a foundation in the subject matter.
• Small Group Discussions: These allow students to engage in interactive learning and share their perspectives.
• Presentations: Students are encouraged to present their work and research findings.
• Practical Exercises: These provide students with hands-on experience and opportunities to apply their knowledge.

Careers:

The program aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals working in primary care settings. Upon completion, graduates will be better equipped to:

• Provide effective mental health care to individuals in the primary care setting.
• Advocate for improved mental health services within their communities.

Other:

• The program emphasizes the importance of integrating theory and practice, encouraging students to reflect on their current practice and apply their learning to real-world situations.
• The program is delivered by experienced General Practitioners with Teaching Experience and Qualifications, ensuring high-quality instruction and support.
• The program is housed in the purpose-built Health & Allied Professions (HAP) Centre on the Clifton Campus, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities.