Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Community Mental Health)
Course Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Community Mental Health) totalling 60 ECTS is delivered over the academic year. The theoretical component of the programme is comprised of six modules. One of the modules is a clinical placement. Four are theoretical modules are core to the programme. The remainder is optional i.e. you have a choice of one module among four (see program outline for further details). The four optional modules are comprised of the areas relevant to the clinical care programmes in mental health.
A variety of teaching strategies are employed in this programme reflecting the notion of adult learning. These include lectures; enquiry/problem based learning, practical skills workshops, inductive discussion, e-tivities, facilitated discussion boards, group reflection and individual reflection on practice. Self-directed learning is also incorporated into the programme allowing students autonomy in choice and independence in learning. Reflection on practice allows students to link theory with practice and link practice to an evidence base. Enquiry/problem based learning facilitates the student to learn through a process of enquiry encouraging student autonomy, independence of learning and engages the student in the learning process.
Applications and Selections
Click here for the PG Diploma in Nursing (Community Mental Health) Application Form
For those who meet the entry requirements, initial selection will be made on the basis of a completed application form.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
- Be a Registered Psychiatric Nurse on the Psychiatric Division of the active register maintained by NMBI.
- Be currently practising as a psychiatric nurse.
- Have at least 18 months post-registration experience in psychiatric nursing (exclusive of post-registration courses).
- Hold a primary degree in nursing. If applicants do not have a primary degree in nursing, they will be invited to complete an access course (1 day attendance in college). Upon successful completion of this access course, students can then be enrolled onto the Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Community Mental Health) Level 9.
- International students will require a degree of fluency in the English language. A score of 6.5 in the IELTS Academic Test is required. This equates to a score of 570 in TOEFL.
Additional Requirements
Duration
One year, part-time
Next start date
September 2021
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
35
Closing Date
NFQ level
Level 9
Mode of study
Blended Learning.
ECTS weighting
60
Award
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Community Mental Health)
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
There are five core modules and then students can choose one optional module from a list of four below*.
- Recovery Orientated Mental Health Care
- Therapeutic Communication
- Advanced Research Skills
- Primary and Community Mental Health Care
- Professional Practice (Clinical)
*Student can also choose one module from the following four modules:
- Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Assessing and Managing Individuals Following Deliberate Self-harm
- Early Intervention for People Developing First Episode Psychosis
- Eating Disorders in Adolescents and Adults
Induction days for this programme is week beginning Monday 14th September 2020 (compulsory).
| Day Number | Date | Module |
| 1 | 22/09/2020 | Recovery Orientated Mental Health Care |
| 2 | 06/10/2020 | Recovery Orientated Mental Health Care |
| 3 | 13/10/2020 | Recovery Orientated Mental Health Care |
| 4 | 20/10/2020 | Therapeutic Communication |
| 5 | 03/11/2020 | Therapeutic Communication |
| 6 | 17/11/2020 | Therapeutic Communication |
| 7 | 12/01/2021 | Option 1: Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy |
| 7 | 13/01/2021 | Option 2: Early Interventions for People Developing First Episode Psychosis |
| 7 | 14/01/2021 | Option 3: Eating Disorders in Adolescents and Adults |
| 7 | 15/01/2021 | Option 4: Assessing and Managing Individuals Following Deliberate Self-harm |
| 8 | 19/01/2021 | Advanced Research Skills |
| 9 | 26/01/2021 | Option 1: Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy |
| 9 | 27/01/2021 | Option 2: Early Interventions for People Developing First Episode Psychosis |
| 9 | 28/01/2021 | Option 3: Eating Disorders in Adolescents and Adults |
| 9 | 29/01/2021 | Option 4: Assessing and Managing Individuals Following Deliberate Self-harm |
| 10 | 02/02/2021 | Option 1: Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy |
| 10 | 03/02/2021 | Option 2: Early Interventions for People Developing First Episode Psychosis |
| 10 | 04/02/2021 | Option 3: Eating Disorders in Adolescents and Adults |
| 10 | 05/02/2021 | Option 4: Assessing and Managing Individuals Following Deliberate Self-harm |
| 11 | 16/02/2021 | Advanced Research Skills |
| 12 | 16/03/2021 | Advanced Research Skills |
| 13 | 23/03/2021 | Primary and Community Mental Health Care |
| 14 | 13/04/2021 | Primary and Community Mental Health Care |
| 15 | 20/04/2021 | Primary and Community Mental Health Care |
Further Education
Students may opt to progress further on to the Master of Health Sciences (Nusing/Professional Studies) programme at St. Angela's College.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Students are able to build upon their previous nursing expertise with education in the area of Mental Health Nursing. They are able to respond proactively to changes in their practice and work environment and become key drivers in the development of their professional practice. This programme provides a pathway to Masters level education.
Why Choose the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Community Mental Health)?
- Programme accredited by NUI Galway
- Blended Learning Options.
- Providing education in specialist subject areas of Mental Health
- Mental Health is a growing specialist area in Nursing
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
The Professional Practice module aims to expose the student to contemporary mental health care in the community for a minimum of 300 hours. As well as exposure to as many aspects as possible of community mental health care, the student will take on a caseload which offers him/her the diversity of conditions and challenges to facilitate completion of the clinical competency document as well as the associated clinical portfolio. The student will have a preceptor will help to facilitate the placement as well as assess the student's competence throughout the placement.
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
Fees can be paid securely through our Online Payment Facility
Find out More
Tom O'Grady
Course Co-ordinator
School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies
T: +353 (0)71 9135624
M:+353 (0)87 1210602
E: togrady@stangelas.nuigalway.ie
What Our Students Say
Killian Hynes | PG Diploma in Nursing (Community Mental Health)
The supportive environment of St Angela's provided a wonderful learning experience, the access we had to our tutor Tom was incredible and his dedication and motivation kept you going as well, particularly when busy with your own Job and family etc. Each day you left with new learning.
