Advanced psychosocial assessment and formulation (degree and masters level) (HEAD398DL/APP765DL)

Develop effective competencies in communication skills and collaborative working alongside an understanding of mental health difficulties
CPD for healthcare professionals
Mental health

Advanced psychosocial assessment and formulation (degree and masters level) (HEAD398DL/APP765DL)

Develop effective competencies in communication skills and collaborative working alongside an understanding of mental health difficulties
CPD for healthcare professionals
Business people with gears and teamwork concept

Key features

This module will enable students to develop a systematic understanding of conceptual frameworks and the use of therapeutic factors to undertake comprehensive and collaborative biopsychosocial assessments of mental health presentations, and develop a critical understanding of person-centred formulations and the use of internationally recognised classification criteria. There will be a focus on reflective practice and application.
Module code

HEAD398DL/APP765DL

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 6 – bachelors degree
Level 7 – master's degree

Location

Distance online learning

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APP765DL course details (masters level)

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
  • demonstrate an advanced critical understanding and application of conceptual frameworks of mental health, mental illness and internationally recognised classification criteria to the assessment of mental health presentations
  • demonstrate the effective selection and advanced application of therapeutic factors to engage patients, build effective therapeutic alliances and to work in partnership to complete a comprehensive assessment of mental health presentations in unpredictably complex contexts
  • synthesise complex interrelated information drawn from a range of appropriate sources to develop advanced, specialist, evidence-based judgements and to develop person-centred formulations and apply internationally recognised diagnostic classification criteria
  • in the context of national policy and legislation, develop advanced capabilities and accurately recognise and effectively manage the risks posed by clients to themselves and others in a range of client specific contexts.
Assessment
One part written assessment. 

HEAD398DL course details (degree level)

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
  • demonstrate an in-depth and critical understanding of conceptual frameworks of mental health, mental illness and their selection and application to the assessment of mental health presentations
  • demonstrate the effective selection and application of therapeutic factors to engage patients and to work in partnership to complete a comprehensive and person-centred formulation
  • synthesise complex interrelated information drawn from a range of appropriate sources to develop evidence-based judgements and develop person-centred formulations
  • in the context of national policy and legislation, accurately recognise and effectively manage the risk posed by clients to themselves or others. 
Assessment
One part written assessment. 

Module dates

2026/27 Provisional dates
14, 21, 28 January, 4, 11, 18, 25 February, 4 March 2027 
(submission: 5 April 2027)
(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, as a core module towards the BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Mental Health or as an optional module towards some other BSc (Hons) Professional Development pathways.
The masters-level module can be studied as a standalone module, as a core module towards MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Mental Health or as an optional module towards other MSc Advanced Professional Practice pathways. 
For further information please contact the Professional Development Unit. 

Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms. 
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
Admissions information Additional information and documentation required for the application process.Access to application forms, download guides and confirmation information. Visit our admissions homepage.

Entry requirements

To undertake 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.

Fees

Further information

For further information regarding these modules, please contact:
Professional Development Unit
Floor 9, InterCity Place, Faculty of Health, Â鶹Æƽâ°æ, Â鶹Æƽâ°æ PL4 6AB
Prospective student enquiries: pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Phone: +44 1752 586951
Current student enquiries: pdu@plymouth.ac.uk
Phone: +44 1752 586950

Module lead

The module lead for both modules is Mrs Kay Lobo