This module is a compulsory specialist module within the psychosocial interventions pathway of the Healthcare Practice PgCert/PgDip/MSc.

The module focuses on leadership in the advancement of knowledge and mental health intervention in one of the following areas: psychosocial interventions, cognitive approaches, group dynamics or child and adolescent mental health.

The module will enable mental health and social care practitioners to facilitate the implementation of mental health interventions and promote change within practice. Change may be at the individual level or it can also involve the facilitation of others in implementing mental health interventions.

Who is the module for?

Registered healthcare practitioners normally with one year's post-qualifying practice experience. Participants will need to be able to demonstrate competence in one of the following at graduate (or equivalent) level: cognitive approaches; psychosocial interventions; group dynamics or child and adolescent mental health.

Applicants will be required to meet all of the following criteria:

• Hold a recognised health-related professional qualification and current professional registration.
• Hold an Honours degree 2(ii) or above from a UK or Republic of Ireland university. An Honours degree equivalent to a 2(ii) or above from an approved institution of higher education outside the UK and Republic of Ireland will be accepted. Advice on equivalence of overseas awards will be obtained from the National Recognition and Information Centre for the UK (NARIC).
• Normally have a minimum of one year's post-qualifying practice experience. Module specific practice related requirements and additional entry criteria will apply to some modules and these will be indicated in the module outlines.

Non-standard applicants

Applications will be considered from non-standard applicants who can demonstrate the following certificated learning:

• a DipHE from a UK or Republic of Ireland university or equivalent qualification from an approved institution of higher education outside the UK and Republic of Ireland

and one of the following completed within the last five years:

• successful completion of a standalone module at level M OR
• a minimum of 30 credits from standalone modules at level 6, at or above grade B (60%).

Proficiency in English language

Evidence of English language testing will be required from all applicants for whom English is not their first language and who have not previously undertaken studies in English. The required level of proficiency will be a minimum overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no section achieving less than 6.0. Evidence of proficiency must be dated within the last two years. Applicants who have taken the examination more than twice in one year will not be considered.

International applicants

All international applicants must satisfy the requirements of the UK Border Agency in relation to St George's responsibilities as a Highly Trusted Sponsor for students (Tier 4).

Advanced practice route

Applicants for this route will be required to meet all the following additional requirements:

• a minimum of two years full-time experience (or the equivalent in part-time hours) in health or social care employment
• be employed in a senior role
• demonstrate they are working in a practice setting which enables the achievement of the specialist compulsory module outcomes relating to the Advanced Practice competencies (Great Britain, Department of Health, 2010).

Essay

1. Demonstrate critical analysis and synthesis of contemporary conceptual, social and political frameworks within mental health care.
2. Develop advanced and in-depth knowledge and understanding of mental health interventions.
3. Develop decision-making skills within challenging situations.
4. Resolve problems and practice dilemmas in innovative and creative ways and develop a critically reflective evaluative approach to the effectiveness of change within practice.
5. Exhibit defined communication strategies to effectively disseminate change and leadership in practice to colleagues and to a wider audience.

Course length: 5 Teaching Days