Mental Health (M.Sc./P.Grad.Dip) – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The course is divided into a number of units/modules which are separately assessed and must be individually passed.

Year 1

* Models of Care
* Theory and Practice of Research Methods for Health Care
* Ethics & Law
* Specialist Module (Forensic Mental Health or Child & Adolescence Mental Health or Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour)

Year 2

* Contempory Adult Mental Health and Social Policy
* Advanced Research Methods (Qualitative or Quantitative)
* Dissertation

Module Descriptors and Assessments Modules of Care

The aims of this modules are:

* to provide a knowledge base of the historical evolution and current competing theories for mental health service provision including critical examination of each theory.
* to apply skills in critical appraisal and evidence-based practice to research evidence regarding service delivery effectiveness and alternative criteria (cost effectiveness, QUALYS, rights-based systems (individual, social, cultural and economic) and political criteria.
* to appreciate the centrality of user involvement in all ethical service models for delivery of mental health care.

(Assessed by essay 3000 words)

Research for Evidence Based Practice

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to research in professional practice, consolidating participants´ previous knowledge and appreciation of research. It emphasises the implications of a research base for health care including the impact of this research base on the quality of care. Research methodologies and methods are explored. The skills developed by participants include critiquing published literature and preparing a detailed research proposal.

(Assessed by Research Proposal 6000 words)

Mental Health and Social Policy

The aim of this module is to provide and facilitate a learning milieu which stimulates an in-depth consideration of mental policy, policy development, and policy impact in Ireland. Students will be enabled to consider their practice in the context of national and international mental health policy.

(Assessed by 30 minutes classroom presentation on chosen topic)

Ethics and Law

The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to explore legal and ethical structures and frameworks that impact on professional practice and enable them to develop the knowledge, analytical and decision-making skills necessary to provide care that is legally and ethically sound. Moreover it aims to do so in conjunction with an explanation of bioethical dimensions of the organised provision of health care and of the relation between law and ethics in this context.

(Assessed by 5000 words essay)

Forensic and Mental Health

The aim of this module are:

* to equip professionals from a range of settings such as mental health, justice, voluntary sector and primary care including educators, general practitioners, counsellors with the core knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to become competent in providing the appropriate services and support to those within the various forensic mental health settings.
* to develop a high standard of skills, with which students will systematically collect, critically analyse and interpret data to inform and enhance their practice.

(Assessed by an essay)

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

The aims of this module are:

* to equip professionals from a range of settings such as mental health, justice, voluntary sector and primary care including educators, general practitioners, counsellors with the core knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to become competent in providing the appropriate assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and families who attend mental health services.
* to develop clinical and competent knowledge and skills with which students will systematically collect, critically analyse and interpret data to inform and enhance their practice when assessing and treating children, adolescents and families.

(Assessed by an assignment)

Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (30 hours) Or
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (30hours)

This module develops the knowledge and skill of data analysis. Students study qualitative or quantitative research methods in detail. In conjunction with the learning from the Research for Evidence Based Practice in Healthcare, this module prepares and facilitates the student to apply and practice research knowledge and skills by developing, implementing, evaluating and writing up a research project

Major Dissertation

Satisfactory completion of the research dissertation (20-25,000 words) is a requirement for the award of the Masters Degree