Perinatal mental health (degree and masters level)

Increase your knowledge in the care of childbearing women with perinatal mental health needs
Perinatal mental health (degree and masters level)

Key features

This 20 credit module can be studied at degree or masters level and will enable you to develop contemporary, evidence-based knowledge of perinatal mental health issues that can affect childbearing women and their infants. 

You will examine the application of this knowledge to your specialist area of work and emphasise the ability to develop appropriate individual care pathways. 

You will learn from visiting lecturers who are clinicians specialising in perinatal mental health in the local area. As a multi-disciplinary module, you will also learn through discussion with fellow students who bring different perspectives and experiences. The module is highly relevant for midwives, health visitors, mental health nurses, psychologists and others working with families around the perinatal period.

The module is research informed and will prepare you to examine evidence to inform your decision making, with the needs of mothers and babies before, during and after birth at the centre of care and a strong emphasis on respect and dignity.

Module code

HEAD377/APP721

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 6 - bachelors degree

Level 7 - masters degree

Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth

HEAD377 course details (degree level)

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

  • demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of mental health disorders in pregnancy and the perinatal period
  • explore the impact of maternal mental health on the developing infant both before and after birth
  • critically analyse a range of treatments and support available for women and families with perinatal mental health needs
  • critically analyse your own professional role in relation to national and international policies, guidelines and contemporary issues in the area of perinatal mental health.

Assessment

The assessment for this module is a written assignment.

(Please note that these assessment details are provisional - if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).

APP721 course details (masters level)

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

  • demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of mental health disorders in pregnancy and the perinatal period
  • critically appraise the impact of maternal mental health on the developing infant both before and after birth
  • critically evaluate a range of treatments and support available for women and families with perinatal mental health needs
  • discuss and critically appraise your own professional role in relation to national and international policies, guidelines and contemporary issues in the area of perinatal mental health.

Assessment

The assessment for this module is a written assignment.

(Please note that these assessment details are provisional - if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).

Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.

Access to: 

  • application forms 
  • change of name forms
  • pre-course information
  • downloadable guides
  • student card.

Visit our admissions homepage for full details.

Module date

3, 10, 17, 24 February and 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 March 2022. 

(Occasionally delivery dates might be subject to change – always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit).

Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers. 

In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date. 

Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.

What programmes can these modules count towards?

The degree-level module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards some of our BSc (Hons) Professional Development pathways.

The masters-level module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards some of our MSc Advanced Professional Practice pathways.

For further information please contact the Professional Development Unit.

COVID-secure module delivery

The University is adhering to government guidance relating to COVID-secure operation. For this reason, modules are being delivered in a variety of formats, with much content delivered online, either in an interactive manner (i.e. requiring participation at the allotted times), or sometimes in a passive manner (i.e. you may be able to conduct some of the study outside of the typical taught hours of 09:00–17:00).

Some sessions, particularly clinical assessments, will continue to be delivered face-to-face with appropriate risk-mitigating measures in place. Others may allow you the option of attending face-to-face or synchronously engaging online with peers who attend face-to-face.

When you receive confirmation of your enrolment on a module, you will be granted access to our Digital Learning Environment (DLE or Moodle). You should access this prior to the start of your module to determine the teaching format of the module’s sessions.

Module lead - Heather Hopper

"This new module provides an exciting opportunity for health professionals across the South West of England to explore issues surrounding perinatal mental health. A multi-professional approach will enhance learning with the ultimate aim to improve the care provided to families around the time of birth."

Find out more about Heather Hopper

Entry requirements

To be considered for a place on these modules you must be:

  • a registered health and social care practitioner or health and social care worker working in an area of clinical practice that will allow you to meet the module learning outcomes
  • in possession of previous study at level 5 (Diploma of Higher Education) or a foundation degree to study the module at degree level
  • in possession of previous study at degree level to study the module at masters level.

Each student will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit. Please contact the PDU or programme lead if you have any queries regarding your situation.

Fees

Please see our professional development module fees page.