Introduction to Mental Health
Module Description
This module examines a variety of perspectives and factors used to explore issues and concepts of mental health.
The content will focus on distribution patterns, risk factors, and societal efforts toward prevention and treatment of mental illness.
It will also cover the impact the social determinants play in mental health.
This module focuses on the Maltese legislations related to the sector.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must be:
- Be second level nurses in possession of a minimum Level 4 Certificate in Nursing (or comparable as per MQRIC).
OR
- Possess a qualification at MQF Level 4 (one ‘A’ Level or equivalent preferably in science) or if ‘A’ level is not in science subject then a a pass in Biology, Chemistry or Physics at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent) is required.
Preference will be given to prospective applicants who have a minimum of 1-year work experience in healthcare sector.
Target Audience
- 2nd level nurses who hold an MQF Level 4 certificate in Nursing.
- Candidates who are employed within the healthcare sector and possess an MQF Level 4 Diploma qualification (or equivalent) in healthcare/health science or other relevant and related sectors, examples include but are not limited to: Carers, Medical Assistants, Home Health Aides, Orderlies, Administrators, etc.
- Candidates seeking a career in the Health Care sector.
- This Level 5 Diploma provides an opportunity to candidates to progress in their studies and create a study route for further studies in Higher and Further Education while broadening the spectrum of advancement in own career path.
Career Paths
- The second level nurses in possession of a minimum Level 4 Certificate in Nursing (or comparable as per MQRIC) who successfully complete up to a minimum of the Level 5 Diploma in Health Sciences at 60 ECTS together with a Work Placement of 480 hours carried out at health settings are eligible to apply for first level nurses.
- The main objective of Level 5 Diploma in Health Sciences at 60 ECTS together with a Work Placement of 480 hours carried out at health settings is to convert second level nurses to first level nurses.
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Summative Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules
Module Intake Dates
March/ April 2025
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Develop a comprehensive researched based understanding of the biological, psychological, sociological and political perspectives applied to explain mental health issues and mental illness;
- Recognise factors affecting substance abuse, substance use disorder, and addiction amongst Maltese population;
- Identify how mental healthcare policy and system in Malta deals with mental health issues of the island’s population;
- Examine mental health issues and challenges of children, youth and older adults and public health approaches to promote mental health amongst the Maltese population.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following indicative content:
- Foundations
- Introduction to Social Sciences and Mental Health
- Substance Use and Addictions – Psychological perspective
- Mental Health Across the Lifespan
- Crisis and Treatment
- The Mental Health System in Malta
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Be able to have an understanding of the importance of having the appropriate personal judgmental skills in identifying mental state and risk assessment according to the Maltese code of ethics
- Respond to different challenges within the mental health domain
- Identify the contexts how people acquire mental illness and the effects of stigma and discrimination on the overall health and wellbeing of the community;
- Recognise the mental health needs of special populations within the society.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.