Mental Health

Overview

This Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health is designed for doctors in training who are preparing for a career in Psychiatry, General Practice or General Medicine and is suitable for Trainee Psychiatrists preparing for College examinations. In conjunction with a clinical placement in a mental health setting, this programme enables students to gain a good understanding of the major psychiatric disorders, approaches to treatment and psychopharmacology.



Clinical training forms a major component of the programme, and each student should have a Clinical Tutor on their placement. Regular clinical supervision should be provided by Consultants and the Tutor should ensure that training is provided by experts in the discipline. Please note that the clinical attachment in Psychiatry must overlap with the academic year of the programme of seminars attended.

Year 1

Core Modules

• Clinical Practice (60 credits)

• Theory (60 credits)



Course Structure

Students enrol on a part time basis on this PG Diploma and complete two 60 CAT modules.



Module 1 – Theory – students attend weekly taught sessions on Wednesday afternoon

Module 2 – Practical – students undertake a clinical placement in a mental health setting.



Introduction

In addition to supervised practice, attendance at induction courses, case conferences and placement based clinical activities, students must attend a formal teaching course involving seminars which cover the following topics:



Current Models of Mental Disorder

• The Major Categories of Mental Illness

• Physical Methods of Treatment

• Psychological Therapies

Graduate

A primary medical degree and full or limited registration with the GMC (London or Dublin).



Applicants must hold one of the following suitable positions and be undertaking a rotation/employment in a mental health setting:



- GPST1 (General Practitioner Specialist Training Year 1)

- FY2 - Foundation Year 2

- CT1 - Consultant Trainee Year 1

- CT2 - Consultant Trainee Year 2

- LAT1 (Locum Appointed for Training Year 1)

- Staff Grade or equivalent

- Acceptable equivalent ROI Post

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.



How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

1. Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

2. A written MCQ examination

3. Two written 'Long Cases' of patients students have seen during the period of their clinical placement.


Written examination consisting of 100 multiple choice questions


Two written 'Long Cases' of patients students have seen during the period of their clinical post

1 year (Part Time)



Teaching Times: Wednesday

Entry Year: 2024/25

This programme runs twice a year in both Semester 1 (Autumn) and Semester 2 (Spring).

Career Prospects

Introduction

This PG Diploma aims to provide students with advanced skills, knowledge and understanding in the area of mental health, which can also enhance their career opportunities in Psychiatry, General Practice and General Medicine.