Mental Health Care, Interdisciplinary Education, One-year Programme, Part-time

Study programme code HELARB60D

ECTS credits 60

Admission requirements Requirements for admission include possession of a Bachelor´s degree (180 credits) in healthcare and/or social work, and a minimum of one year of relevant professional practice from direct work with patients/clients after completed education. Applicants with two years of higher education in healthcare or social work in accordance with previous National Curriculum, may also be admitted. Applicants with other 3-year college or university education may upon special consideration, be accepted as students. Given a sufficient number of applicants, admission will be based on the following: a) A maximum of 60% of the places in the Mental Health Care programme shall be offered to applicants with the same professional background. b) A minimum of three different professions shall be represented in the student group. The admission committee may deviate from the rules of priority in the admission requirements regulation (´Forskrift om opptak til mastergradsstudier og videreutdanningsstudier ved Universitetet i Agder´) if necessary, in order to fulfil the above mentioned requirements.

Recommended previous knowledge Basic knowledge within the subjects which are included in the study programme are required. Before starting the studies it is expected that students possess knowledge within philosophy of science, ethics, communication, sociology, psychology, psychiatry and methods at bachelor level according to recent study programme structure.

General description and profile of the programme Aim: Continuing education in mental health care is an interdisciplinary programme for professionals who want to strengthen and develop their expertise in working with persons experiencing difficulties in life and/or having psychiatric problems. The programme includes the study of life-long mental health and promotes both theoretical and practical study. This continuing education aims at further developing established skills in taking decisive action within the field of mental health work. The study programme provides health and social workers with methods of treating people suffering from mental illnesses, and with methods for preventative and health promotional work. The study programme aims at qualifying personnel for work in the community health services and community social services, as well as the specialised services. Contents The study programme is divided into one compulsory part comprising 30 credits (PSY407-A1 and PSY408-A1) and one interdisciplinary specialisation in psychosocial work comprising 30 credits (PSY409-A1, PSY410-A1 and PSY500-A1). The compulsory part gives a wide overview of mental health work and various perspectives on mental health and suffering, communication, cooperation and conflict solving, as well as organisation of services. The specialisation will focus on relational and dialogical approaches, service user perspectives, and crisis intervention. Students will be challenged related to the theories of own profession and work methods when performing mental health work.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes After having completed the programme, students will have: knowledge of human development as well as human diversity, and the risk of developing mental disorders knowledge about different perspectives of mental disorders and being able to relate analytically to the correlations between different explanations of causes and treatment models the ability to understand the users´ experiences, and consequences of mental disorders competence in establishing relationships with and giving care to people with mental disorders and their families based on their resources, wants and needs acknowledgement and development of their own skill level, creativity and courage an understanding of the need for coherent and comprehensive treatment knowledge, recognition and utilisation of other specialist groups competence in establishing co-operation, as well as developing the ability to communicate and work together across specialist groups and levels of expertise the ability to exercise critical and ethical reflection in mental health work the ability to systematise and communicate experience-based knowledge knowledge of and ability to use the contribution of their own specialist field in mental health work professional and personal development as well as having strengthened his/her ability for further development (Ministry of Education and Research 2005, page 6)

Teaching methods The programme stimulates personal and professional development, and students are encouraged to develop values and attitudes regarding persons suffering from mental disorders as well as other persons affected by their illness. Varying and flexible forms of work and study will be presented during the various courses. Curriculum outlines provide students with the opportunity of participating actively in the development of learning environments and cooperative methods with their instructors. Students may actively influence and evaluate the programme through organs such as class councils and faculty boards. Instruction will be given both in Arendal and Kristiansand, and students are expected to attend class at both locations. Some travelling must be expected. Language of instruction: Norwegian.

Assessment methods Several assessment methods will be used to ensure coherence between learning outcomes from the various courses and work methods, as well as to ensure the totality and quality of the programme. In theoretical courses written examinations will be given. Students will be assessed individually as well as in groups. Project work and portfolio will be used for courses where practical studies are included.

Student exchange A bilateral agreement with Italy is being considered, which may give the student an opportunity to take parts of his/her practical studies in Italy. Other possibilities are exchange within the Norplus - and Erasmus programmes. More details will be given in the beginning of the semester.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies The education does not lead to an unambiguous title, but many graduates enter positions where the education is required and therefore results in higher salary. Others will have a tool to do their job or a future job even better. You will find professionals graduated from the continuing education in mental health care in community mental health services, community day-care centres, housing consultants, Norwegian Labour and Welfare Organisation, psychiatric wards, regional psychiatric centres, substance abuse services, and services intended for children and adolescents.

Qualification awarded Qualification awarded None. 60 credits.

Other information The programme will be carried out in accordance with the National Curriculum for Higher Education in Mental Health Work, approved by the Ministry of Education and Research on 1 December 2005). The study programme is offered part-time over two years, and there will be joint instruction with the Master´s Programme Community Mental Health Work. The students must be aware of some expenses related to a co-operational seminar with Telemark University College, as well as excursions during the education. The continuing education in Mental Health Care is included as an important part of the government´s National Plan for the Augmentation of Mental Health Services. Economic support is given to municipalities in order to support study leave for employees taking the programme. The programme may be subject to changes. Coordinator Anders Johan Wickstrøm Andersen (anders.j.w.andersen@uia.no)

Contact person Study programme coordinator John Olav Bjørnestad (john.o.bjornestad@uia.no)