The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatry (Dip P) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to specialise in mental health and psychiatric care. This course is intended for learners who already have a clinical or healthcare background and wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and advance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It is not suitable for fresh candidates but for professionals committed to excellence in psychiatric practice.
This diploma equips learners with comprehensive knowledge of psychiatric theories, mental health disorders, diagnostic methods, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Learners will develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills, enabling them to assess, manage, and provide effective care for patients experiencing a wide range of psychiatric conditions.
Centres delivering this qualification are required to uphold the highest standards of education and training. This includes employing competent and qualified staff and providing learners with access to all necessary resources, facilities, and materials to ensure successful learning outcomes. By maintaining these standards, centres ensure learners receive a high-quality educational experience, gaining the confidence, expertise, and professional credibility required to excel in psychiatric practice.
Completing the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatry allows learners to demonstrate advanced professional competence, strengthen clinical skills, and achieve recognised credentials that reflect both dedication and expertise in mental health and psychiatric care.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatry (Dip P)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
480
Qualification #
LICQ2200916
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatry (Dip P), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200916-1 |
Foundations of Psychiatry and Mental Health |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200916-2 |
Psychiatric Disorders and Diagnosis |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200916-3 |
Psychopharmacology and Therapeutic Interventions |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200916-4 |
Advanced Clinical Practice and Patient Management |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200916-5 |
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Mental Health Governance |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200916-6 |
Case Studies, Research, and Applied Psychiatric Practice |
20 |
80 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Foundations of Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of psychiatric theories, models, and frameworks.
- Explain key concepts, terminology, and historical developments in mental health care.
- Analyse biological, psychological, and social factors influencing mental health.
- Integrate multidisciplinary perspectives into the understanding of psychiatric practice.
Unit 2: Psychiatric Disorders and Diagnosis
- Identify and classify psychiatric disorders according to DSM-5 and ICD-11 standards.
- Analyse symptoms, presentation, and epidemiology of common and severe mental illnesses.
- Conduct psychiatric assessments using appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques.
- Develop differential diagnoses and apply risk assessment strategies effectively.
Unit 3: Psychopharmacology and Therapeutic Interventions
- Demonstrate knowledge of psychopharmacology, including mechanisms of action, indications, and side effects of psychiatric medications.
- Apply evidence-based psychological therapies and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Integrate pharmacological and psychological approaches into personalised care plans.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment strategies and adjust interventions accordingly.
Unit 4: Advanced Clinical Practice and Patient Management
- Develop comprehensive care plans for patients with psychiatric conditions.
- Apply risk management, crisis intervention, and safeguarding procedures.
- Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary mental health teams.
- Monitor, evaluate, and adjust treatment outcomes to ensure high-quality patient care.
Unit 5: Professional Practice, Ethics, and Mental Health Governance
- Apply legal, ethical, and professional principles in psychiatric practice.
- Maintain patient confidentiality, informed consent, and duty of care.
- Implement clinical governance procedures, audits, and reflective practices.
- Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain and enhance professional competence.
Unit 6: Case Studies, Research, and Applied Psychiatric Practice
- Analyse complex psychiatric case studies to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical clinical scenarios safely and effectively.
- Critically evaluate current research and emerging trends in mental health practice.
- Reflect on clinical interventions and patient outcomes to improve professional competence and quality of care.
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatry is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to specialise in mental health, enhance their clinical expertise, and achieve recognised professional credentials. This course is ideal for learners aiming to advance their career, expand their knowledge, and further their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
This course is suitable for:
- Experienced Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, psychologists, and allied health practitioners seeking advanced knowledge in psychiatry.
- Clinical Mental Health Specialists: Professionals managing patients with complex mental health conditions in clinical or community settings.
- CPD-Oriented Learners: Individuals committed to ongoing professional growth and staying current with evidence-based psychiatric practices.
- Career-Focused Professionals: Learners aiming to enhance their career prospects, credibility, and professional profile within healthcare.
- Advanced Practitioners: Those seeking to master psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based management strategies.
- Patient-Centred Practitioners: Professionals aiming to improve patient outcomes through safe, ethical, and effective mental health care.
By completing this course, learners gain theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence, enabling them to deliver high-quality psychiatric care and excel in advanced mental health practice.
To deliver the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatry effectively and ensure high-quality learner outcomes, centres must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff: Centres must employ competent and certified instructors with professional experience in psychiatry, mental health, and advanced clinical practice.
- Training Facilities: Centres should provide well-equipped classrooms and clinical practice areas suitable for both theoretical instruction and practical demonstrations.
- Access to Clinical Equipment and Learning Resources: Learners must have access to all necessary diagnostic tools, mental health assessment resources, and reference materials to complete practical and assessment components successfully.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Centres must adhere to current health, safety, and hygiene regulations, ensuring a safe environment for learners and staff.
- Assessment and Learning Support: Centres must provide comprehensive learning materials, assessment tools, and guidance, supporting learners in achieving competence and completing the qualification successfully.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Support: Centres should facilitate learners’ ongoing professional growth by providing CPD opportunities aligned with best practices in psychiatry and mental health care.
- Quality Assurance and Monitoring: Centres must maintain robust quality assurance systems to monitor training delivery, learner progress, and overall programme effectiveness.
Meeting these centre requirements ensures learners receive high-quality education, practical experience, and professional support, preparing them to excel in psychiatry and achieve recognised professional qualifications.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
