Low Intensity Assessment and Intervention Skills for Psychological Wellbeing Practice

This award provides education and training that meets the requirements of the Department of Health (2015) curriculum for psychological wellbeing practitioners by:

• providing you with a substantial knowledge base appropriate to degree-level study
• helping you acquire core therapeutic and technical skills that underpin low-intensity psychological interventions
• enabling you to develop a positive attitude and commitment towards lifelong learning, and personal and development planning
• ensuring you are prepared to meet the challenges of current and future contemporary mental health services.

There are eight core themes that run through three modules, helping you to make clear links between theory and practice. They include:

• clinical supervision
• caseload management
• information gathering
• information giving
• shared decision-making
• low-intensity interventions
• values, policy, culture and diversity
• personal development planning.

Core modules

Advancing Engagement and Assessment Skills for Common Mental Health Problems
Develop a collaborative and person-centred approach to a range of assessments appropriate to low-intensity working. You are provided with opportunities to gain knowledge of the incidence, prevalence and presentation of common mental health problems and are introduced to behaviour change theory and cognitive behavioural theory. The module will be delivered over a period of ten weeks, with an initial five-day intensive workshop at the beginning followed by a further five days of theoretical teaching including skills practice and clinical simulations and five days undertaking directed practice-based learning in the workplace. You are expected to complete a range of assessment and intervention clinical contact hours with clients experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression. Summative assessment comprises three components: a brief video-recorded triage assessment with a written formulation assignment, a video-recorded, problem-focused assessment simulation and the achievement of practice outcomes.

Advancing Low Intensity Intervention Skills for Common Mental Health Problems
You develop knowledge and skills in relation to a range of evidence-based, low-intensity interventions for people with anxiety or depression including behaviour change theory and cognitive behavioural theory. You are supported in developing a collaborative, client-centred approach to intervention planning promoting choice and self-management of recovery. The module will be taught over a period of ten weeks, with an initial five-day intensive workshop at the beginning of the module followed by a further five days of theoretical teaching including skills practice and clinical simulations and five days undertaking directed practice-based learning in the workplace. You are also expected to complete clinical contact hours with clients. Summative assessment comprises three components: a written examination an audio video-recorded intervention session (face to face) and the achievement of practice outcomes.

Advancing Reflective, Non-Discriminatory Practice
You explore the concepts of inclusion and multi-culturalism aiming to equip them with the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills to operate ethically and competently within a multi-agency health and social care system. You gain an understanding of the complexity of people's health, social and occupational needs and the services which can support people to recovery. The module will develop clinical management, liaison and decision-making competencies in the delivery of support to patients, particularly where people require intervention or advice outside the core low-intensity evidence-based interventions through the use of supervision. The module is delivered over a period of ten weeks, including theoretical teaching and skill development and directed practice-based learning in the workplace. You are also expected to complete clinical contact, clinical skills supervision and case management supervision hours. Summative assessment comprises a video-recorded clinical case presentation, a 3,000-word essay and the achievement of a Practice Outcomes Portfolio.

How you learn

You learn through a combination of presentations, group discussion and role-play activities as well as self-directed study and supervised practice in the workplace.

Assessment is through role-play and real patient activities, an exam and practice competencies. All written academic work is marked at master's level.

Community college diploma with 65% minimum

Or, holders of a a Tawjihi 65%+ average plus a recognised foundation programme

Or, holders of the International Baccalaureate Diploma with 27 points or more will be considered for direct admission to Bachelor degree courses

This award prepares you for your role as a psychological wellbeing practitioner.

Undergraduate applicants can apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You will find advice and step-by-step guidance about their online application process on the UCAS website.