The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychiatry (PgDP) is a prestigious qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in psychiatric practice. This qualification is specifically tailored for experienced practitioners, clinicians, and mental health professionals who aspire to enhance their career prospects, deepen their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It is not intended for fresh entrants but rather for those committed to progressing within the field of psychiatry at an advanced, postgraduate level.
Learners undertaking this Level 7 diploma will engage with comprehensive and rigorous study units that explore advanced psychiatric theories, clinical practices, patient assessment, and evidence-based interventions. The programme is structured to promote critical thinking, reflective practice, and the application of research-informed strategies within professional settings. By completing this course, learners will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to make informed clinical decisions, contribute to multidisciplinary teams, and deliver high-quality mental healthcare services.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychiatry must meet stringent quality standards. This includes employing competent and qualified staff, providing access to all required learning materials and resources, and maintaining an environment that supports effective learning and professional growth. Ensuring these standards guarantees that learners receive a robust, engaging, and outcome-focused educational experience.
This qualification is ideal for psychiatric practitioners, mental health specialists, clinical psychologists, and healthcare leaders who are seeking to consolidate their expertise and achieve excellence in psychiatric practice while adhering to internationally recognised educational standards.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychiatry (PgDP)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2200959
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychiatry (PgDP), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200959-1 |
Advanced Psychiatric Theories and Models |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200959-2 |
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200959-3 |
Evidence-Based Interventions in Psychiatry |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200959-4 |
Advanced Psychopathology and Neuropsychiatry |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200959-5 |
Mental Health Policy, Ethics, and Professional Practice |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200959-6 |
Research, Leadership, and Innovation in Psychiatry |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Psychiatric Theories and Models
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate key psychiatric theories and models, including biological, psychological, and social approaches.
- Analyse the relevance and application of contemporary models in clinical practice.
- Integrate theoretical knowledge to inform clinical decision-making and patient care strategies.
- Reflect on the limitations and strengths of different psychiatric models in addressing mental health issues.
Unit 2: Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments, including mental state examinations and risk assessments.
- Apply diagnostic frameworks such as ICD-11 and DSM-5 accurately in clinical settings.
- Formulate evidence-based diagnoses and treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Demonstrate advanced decision-making skills in evaluating complex clinical cases.
Unit 3: Evidence-Based Interventions in Psychiatry
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise pharmacological and psychological interventions for psychiatric disorders.
- Apply evidence-based treatment approaches to diverse mental health conditions.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions using clinical data and research evidence.
- Develop patient-centred strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Unit 4: Advanced Psychopathology and Neuropsychiatry
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse complex psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions using current research and clinical knowledge.
- Explain the neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying mental health disorders.
- Integrate advanced psychopathology knowledge into assessment and treatment planning.
- Critically evaluate case studies to inform best-practice interventions.
Unit 5: Mental Health Policy, Ethics, and Professional Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of ethical, legal, and policy frameworks in psychiatry.
- Apply principles of professional practice and accountability in clinical decision-making.
- Reflect on ethical dilemmas and resolve conflicts in mental healthcare settings.
- Promote compliance with international standards and best practices in psychiatric care.
Unit 6: Research, Leadership, and Innovation in Psychiatry
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Design and conduct advanced research projects in psychiatric practice.
- Critically appraise psychiatric literature to inform evidence-based practice.
- Demonstrate leadership skills in multidisciplinary mental health teams.
- Implement innovative approaches to service improvement and professional development.
This advanced postgraduate diploma is ideal for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and career prospects in mental health. The course is particularly suitable for:
- Psychiatrists and Specialist Doctors seeking to deepen their knowledge and adopt evidence-based practices in psychiatric care.
- Clinical Psychologists and Mental Health Practitioners aiming to expand their clinical competencies and apply advanced assessment and intervention strategies.
- Nurses and Allied Health Professionals working in mental health or psychiatric settings who wish to progress to senior or leadership roles.
- Healthcare Leaders and Managers responsible for mental health services, policy implementation, or multidisciplinary team oversight.
- Experienced Professionals in Mental Health Services looking to enhance Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and maintain compliance with international standards.
- Researchers and Academics in Psychiatry interested in developing advanced research skills and contributing to innovation in mental health practice.
This course is designed for motivated learners who are committed to achieving excellence in psychiatric practice, improving patient outcomes, and advancing their professional career within the mental health sector.
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering this Level 7 postgraduate diploma must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ educators, trainers, and assessors who are highly qualified in psychiatry or related mental health fields, with relevant professional experience and expertise.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with access to all essential learning materials, including textbooks, journals, case studies, and digital resources aligned with Level 7 academic standards.
- Clinical and Practical Facilities: Centres should ensure access to appropriate clinical or simulated environments that enable learners to practise advanced psychiatric assessment, interventions, and evidence-based care.
- Assessment and Support Systems: Centres must have robust procedures for learner assessment, feedback, and academic support to facilitate successful completion of the diploma.
- CPD and Professional Development Opportunities: Centres should encourage and support learners in continuing professional development (CPD) activities to enhance clinical expertise and career progression.
- Compliance with Quality Standards: Centres must adhere to national and international standards for postgraduate education, ensuring a structured, outcome-focused learning experience.
- Technology and Accessibility: Centres should provide access to reliable technology platforms for online learning, research, and communication to support flexible and inclusive learning.
Meeting these centre requirements guarantees that learners receive an engaging, comprehensive, and professional educational experience, preparing them to excel in advanced psychiatric practice and leadership roles.
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.
