Primary Mental Health Care pathway: The University of Manchester

Course description

Postgraduate study in Primary Mental Health Care (PMHC) commenced at The University of Manchester in 2004, building on the well-established national and international reputation of the university for innovative research, service development and training in this field of practice. Common mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, account for one-third of all consultations in Primary Care in the UK and the impact of these on individuals, families, communities and health care resources is recognised at a global level.

A key strategy to address current and future challenges of this immense area of need is to equip those working in Primary Care, including those in both existing and new roles, with relevant knowledge and skills to enhance access to and effectiveness of services and care delivery through evidence-based, innovative approaches. The programme is directly relevant to clinical practice, using a bio-psychosocial framework to enable students to develop knowledge and skills in evidence-based interventions, including cognitive-behavioural approaches, collaborative case management and community engagement.

This part-time, multi-disciplinary, practice-focused educational programme has received national acclaim and aims to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to offer high quality, evidence based interventions and contribute to service developments which promote socially inclusive mental health care for individuals, families and communities.

The first year of the pathway (PGCert) meets the national competencies for IAPT Low-Intensity Therapists (LITs) and is a mandatory requirement, funded through an NHS contract, for newly appointed LITs and Primary Care Graduate Mental Health Workers in Greater Manchester.

Course aims

The aim of the programme and pathway is to enhance access to, and the effectiveness of, mental health and social care services that are evidence-based, multidisciplinary and focused on the needs of patients/service users and their carers.

The programme will equip students with advanced knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their own practice (PGCert), the practice of others and contribute to innovations and developments in mental health care and service delivery (PGDip/MSc).

Career opportunities

This course is for:

• Existing practitioners across the North-West region employed in the NHS and in some cases in other statutory/voluntary services contributing to the work of the NHS
• Trainee IAPT Low-Intensity Workers/Psychological Well-being Workers as part of the 'Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies' (IAPT) initiative and newly appointed Primary Care Graduate Mental Health Workers employed in the NHS in Greater Manchester. The first year of the pathway (PGCert) is automatically undertaken as part of these roles
• Students from outside of Greater Manchester are also able to apply for the programme but full costs of the programme, available on request, will need to be met by the student and/or their employer

Primary Care Graduate Mental Health Workers and IAPT Low-intensity Therapists who have already completed the PGCert in Primary Mental Health Care since 2004 at either The University of Manchester, University of Central Lancashire, Liverpool John Moores University, and have their employers' support, may enter the pathway at year two. Other students may only APL (accreditation of prior learning) up to 30 credits towards a PGDip and 60 credits towards an MSc.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: An honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent from a recognised institution, an approved and relevant postgraduate qualification (minimum Postgraduate Diploma or equivalent - 120 credits at Masters level), or evidence of previous advanced study, research or professional experience, which the University accepts as qualifying the candidate for entry.

English language: Students whose first language is not English are required to hold either: IELTS at grade 7.0 or above, with a score of 6.0 or above in each component; TOEFL test with a score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) or above; GCSE English with grade C or above; or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency.

Other international entry requirements: Due to funding arrangements and practice requirements this course is not available to International students.

Professional entry qualification: A recognised health/social care-related professional qualification and/or employment in mental health and/or social care services in a recognised role - eg 'primary care graduate mental health worker', 'IAPT Low-intensity worker' relevant to the pathway.