Mental Health Awareness: From Prevention to Recovery

Course overview

The module explores mental health awareness across the continuum of prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery. You will critically examine key mental health conditions, contemporary interventions, stigma, recovery-focused practice, mental health law, and the role of services and professionals in supporting people with mental health needs.

Through engagement with research evidence, policy developments and practice-based scenarios, you will be encouraged to think critically about ethical, value-based and inclusive approaches to mental health care. The module also places strong emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion, including intersectional perspectives and the importance of working collaboratively with service users, carers, families and professionals.

This module is suitable for those working, or aspiring to work, in health, social care, education, voluntary sector, community, or mental health-related roles. It can be taken as a standalone CPD module or as part of the MSc Mental Health Studies pathway, or any MSc programmes within the Faculty. 

Course content

This module provides a broad and critical introduction to mental health awareness, prevention and recovery. You will explore a range of key topics, including:

• mental health promotion, prevention, recovery and stigma; 
• common mental health conditions and diagnostic approaches; 
• dual diagnosis, including mental health and substance misuse; 
• mental health services and service models; 
• evidence-based interventions and models of treatment; 
• complex situations, including suicide, self-harm and aggression; 
• multidisciplinary and partnership working; 
• ethical and value-based practice; 
• equality, diversity and inclusion from an intersectional perspective; 
• mental health law, including relevant legal and policy frameworks. 

Learning and teaching

Study mode: Teaching is delivered through a combination of synchronous online sessions, asynchronous learning, workshops, tutorials, seminar discussions, peer learning and research-based study. Sessions include presentations, group discussion, communities of enquiry, learning activities and technology-enhanced teaching. Students are encouraged to draw on their own professional and personal experience, as well as current evidence-based practice.

The module includes formative assessment through group discussion and case study planning. This provides an opportunity to receive peer and tutor feedback before completing the summative assessment.
The summative assessment is a 4,000-word case study portfolio based on two pre-selected service-user scenarios. You are required to demonstrate critical understanding of mental health conditions, stigma, prevention, recovery, legislation, evidence-based interventions, and the roles of services and professionals. The assessment is worth 100% of the module mark.

Successful completion of this module can support professional development for those working in mental health, social care, health services, education, community services, the voluntary sector, or related areas. It may also contribute towards further postgraduate study in mental health.

Fees and funding

UK students

Per taught credit: £69

30-credit module: £2,070

International students

Per taught credit: £126

30-credit module: £3,780

Students will need access to a computer, internet connection and the University’s online learning platforms. Core learning resources are available through the University library and online reading list. 

There are several funding options available:

• Receiving course fees via CPPD contracts between NHS trusts and Middlesex University
• Paying your fees
• Sponsorship by your employer.

For more information on these options, including fee rates for self-funding/employer-sponsored students, please visit our dedicated funding page.

Entry requirements

You should normally have a relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification.

The module is particularly suitable for professionals working in, or seeking to develop knowledge of, mental health, health and social care, social work, education, community services, public services, or the voluntary sector.

Applicants without a first degree may be considered where they can demonstrate relevant professional experience and the ability to study at Level 7.

How to apply

Apply for this module through our online application form.

Download an enquiry form for more information on the application process. Applications to this module should be made directly to the university, apply for a CPD module or programme.

For applicants already studying on a Middlesex University programme, please contact the programme team to discuss whether this module can be taken as part of your award or as a standalone CPD module.

Get in touch

For more information about this module please contact Alfonso Pezzella.