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.

Core Modules

Theory (60 credits)

Clinical Practice (60 credits)

Entrance requirements

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



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2026. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

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)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

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.