University Calendar 2009/10
Section VIII : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
School of Health Sciences



PREFACE
CONTENTS
SEMESTERS
SECTION I
SECTION II
SECTION III
SECTION IV
SECTION V
SECTION VI
SECTION VII
SECTION VIII
SECTION IX
 
ARCHIVE 2003/4
ARCHIVE 2004/5
ARCHIVE 2005/6
ARCHIVE 2006/7
ARCHIVE 2007/8
ARCHIVE 2008/9
 
Biological Sciences
Health Sciences
Medicine Index
Psychology
School School of Health Sciences
Final Award Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Studies
Programme(s) Mental Health Studies
Programme Pathway 1 Mental Health Practitioner
Programme Pathway 2 Low Intensity Worker
Last modified 23 July 2009

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV and Section V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.

Except where the School has been granted an opt-out by the University (see below) the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.

1. Admissions
 
All candidates must satisfy the regulations for admission to degree programmes as specified in the General Regulations. In addition, the normal requirement for entry to all programmes is a good first degree (first or second class), or equivalent, in a relevant subject of an approved university or institution of higher education.

All candidates must satisfy the Programme Leader that they are competent to pursue the programme. Candidates must also be approved by the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences. The right to refuse permission shall be reserved to the relevant Programme Leader.

Equality Statement
The School wishes to make places available to a wide range of people who will make a useful contribution to the study and practice of mental health. The University and the School are committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities in which students are recruited on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the University. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no prospective or current students should receive less favourable treatment on any grounds that are not relevant to academic ability and attainment as a mental health practitioner or low intensity worker.

The University's Disability Equality Scheme includes an Action Plan which identifies the steps that the University is taking to improve the opportunities available to disabled students. Applications from candidates with disabilities are always considered and assessment of their abilities and needs undertaken sensitively.

Decisions are based on whether or not the applicant meets the admission criteria, whether the programme can be delivered to the applicant in a way that meets their requirements, making reasonable adjustments if necessary and whether at the end of the programme, the graduate would meet the required competencies.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential/Certificated Learning (APEL/APCL) for IAPT-Low Intensity Worker - pathway
The University has extensive AP(e)L and AP(C)L arrangements in place to accredit prior certificated or experiential learning against modules learning outcomes. Some modules on either pathway can be taken on a stand-alone basis or be used to contribute to another Masters award, providing they have the necessary pre-requisites for admission to the programme.

It is not possible to claim exemption on the basis of prior learning or experience for the Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Studies Mental Health Practitioner pathway. However it is possible to claim exemption from some parts of the programme on the basis of prior learning or experience for the Low Intensity Worker pathway. This will be subject to individual assessment.


2. Structure of Programme(s)
 
The programme structure is as follows:

120 credits
1 taught module of 20 credits at HE6
5 taught modules, each of 20 credits, at HE7

The programme will be undertaken part-time. The minimum and maximum periods of study for PGDip in Mental Health Studies are as follows:

Part-time: Minimum 2 years: Maximum 5 years.
(Note: The maximum time allowed by the University to complete the full programme may be longer than that required by the students’ employer.)

The programme may include lectures, seminars, tutorials practical work, course work, contract learning and projects as specified for individual modules.

Individual modules may be taken by students registered on other programmes of study or on a stand-alone basis. These students may not be required to complete the practice competencies within the Mental Health Practitioner pathway modules which are a requirement for students undertaking the full-programme leading to employment as a mental health practitioner.


3. Progression
 
The module pass mark is 40% for Module 1 (HE6 level) and 50% for Modules 2 - 6 inclusive (HE7 level).

Candidates who fail in any taught module (up to a maximum of 2 modules) shall have the right to be re-assessed on one further occasion.

Any further opportunity for re-assessment shall be at the discretion of the relevant Board of Examiners and the students emploer and shall only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

A student who fails a third module at the first attempt shall be deemed to have failed the programme and will have their registration terminated.


4. Assessment
 
Each module will be assessed according to the module description. Assessments may include written assignments, examinations, seminar work, simulated practice, poster presentations, practice portfolios.


5. Award of Qualification(s)
 
Candidates who have satisfied the examiners and who have accumulated the requisite number of credits shall be awarded the qualification for which they have registered.

Candidates may register for the Postgraduate Diploma, however the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health Studies may be awarded if candidates wish to exit and have successfully completed three modules and met the appropriate Assessment of Practice requirements for either pathway. (Postgraduate Certificate: 60 credits (1 taught module of 20 credits at HE6 and 2 taught modules, each of 20 credits) at HE7))

Candidates pursuing the low intensity worker pathway will, on successful completion of the four designated IAPT modules, have achieved Low Intensity Worker Trained Status as well a postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health Studies.


6. Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork
 
Not applicable.


7. Other
 
These regulations may be revised during the student's period of registration in accordance with the procedures approved by Senate.


Submitted by the Secretariat
Last reviewed: 24-Aug-2009
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