The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Psychiatry (Dip P) is a comprehensive qualification designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in the field of mental health and psychiatric care. This diploma is not intended for beginners; it specifically caters to learners who already have a foundational knowledge or experience in healthcare, social care, or related professional environments. By enrolling in this course, learners can enhance their career prospects, broaden their clinical understanding, and significantly contribute to their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
This qualification provides an in-depth exploration of psychiatric conditions, diagnostic techniques, treatment approaches, and therapeutic interventions, equipping learners with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to excel in their professional roles. The structured curriculum ensures learners gain a robust understanding of mental health issues, ethical considerations, patient care strategies, and contemporary practices in psychiatry.
LICQual ensures that all centres delivering this qualification maintain the highest standards of training. Centres must employ competent and qualified staff and provide all essential materials and resources to support effective learning and maximise learner success. This ensures that each learner receives a high-quality, professional learning experience that aligns with international standards.
By completing the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Psychiatry, learners position themselves as capable, confident, and informed professionals, ready to make meaningful contributions within psychiatric care settings, healthcare teams, and broader mental health services. This diploma is ideal for those committed to excellence in psychiatric practice, lifelong learning, and professional development in mental health.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Psychiatry (Dip P)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2200873
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Psychiatry (Dip P), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200873-1 |
Introduction to Psychiatry and Mental Health |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200873-2 |
Biological and Psychological Foundations of Psychiatric Disorders |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200873-3 |
Common Psychiatric Disorders and Their Diagnosis |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200873-4 |
Psychiatric Treatment and Intervention Strategies |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200873-5 |
Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations in Psychiatry |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200873-6 |
Contemporary Issues and Continuing Professional Development in Psychiatry |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Introduction to Psychiatry and Mental Health
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Define key concepts in psychiatry, mental health, and mental illness.
- Explain the classification systems used for psychiatric disorders (DSM-5, ICD-11).
- Recognise the impact of stigma on mental health and well-being.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of psychiatric professionals within a multidisciplinary team.
Unit 2: Biological and Psychological Foundations of Psychiatric Disorders
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the neurobiological and genetic factors contributing to psychiatric conditions.
- Analyse environmental and psychological influences on mental health.
- Apply psychological theories and models to understand mental disorders.
- Evaluate the interaction between physical health and psychiatric conditions.
Unit 3: Common Psychiatric Disorders and Their Diagnosis
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify the signs, symptoms, and features of common psychiatric disorders.
- Conduct basic diagnostic assessments and clinical evaluations.
- Recognise early warning signs and indicators of mental health crises.
- Apply evidence-based approaches to differential diagnosis in psychiatric care.
Unit 4: Psychiatric Treatment and Intervention Strategies
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain psychopharmacological treatment options and their potential effects.
- Apply therapeutic approaches including CBT, DBT, and counselling techniques.
- Demonstrate crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.
- Develop patient-centred care plans and collaborative treatment strategies.
Unit 5: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations in Psychiatry
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply ethical principles and maintain confidentiality in psychiatric practice.
- Understand mental health legislation, patient rights, and safeguarding procedures.
- Demonstrate professional accountability and adherence to clinical governance standards.
- Apply cultural competence and ethical decision-making in patient care.
Unit 6: Contemporary Issues and Continuing Professional Development in Psychiatry
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Evaluate emerging trends, research, and innovations in psychiatric care.
- Apply digital and technology-assisted methods in mental health practice.
- Demonstrate strategies for reflective practice and lifelong learning.
- Plan and engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) relevant to psychiatry.
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Psychiatry is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and career prospects in mental health and psychiatric care. This course is ideal for:
- Healthcare Professionals: Nurses, mental health practitioners, social workers, and allied health professionals looking to specialise or advance their expertise in psychiatry.
- Mental Health Practitioners: Those working in psychiatric units, community mental health services, or counselling settings who wish to deepen their understanding of psychiatric disorders and interventions.
- Social Care Workers: Individuals supporting vulnerable populations who want to enhance their skills in recognising and managing mental health issues.
- Experienced Professionals: Those with prior experience in healthcare, psychology, or social care seeking formal qualifications to support career progression and CPD.
- Aspiring Psychiatric Specialists: Learners aiming to gain advanced knowledge in psychiatric theory, treatment approaches, and ethical practice to improve patient care.
This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates but for learners with a foundational understanding or professional experience in healthcare or mental health services. By completing this diploma, learners will be better equipped to provide high-quality psychiatric care, apply evidence-based interventions, and contribute effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Psychiatry must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ trainers and assessors who are fully qualified, experienced, and competent in psychiatry, mental health, or related healthcare fields. Staff should have expertise in both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres must provide all necessary learning materials, including textbooks, case studies, digital resources, and access to current research to support effective learning.
- Adequate Facilities: Training environments must be safe, well-equipped, and suitable for delivering both theoretical and practical components of the diploma.
- Assessment and Support Systems: Centres must have clear assessment strategies aligned with international standards and provide adequate learner support, guidance, and feedback throughout the course.
- Compliance with Regulations: Centres should comply with local health and safety regulations, data protection standards, and professional guidelines for mental health training.
- Commitment to Quality and CPD: Centres must demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring staff participate in ongoing professional development and maintain current knowledge in psychiatry and mental health practice.
By meeting these requirements, centres ensure learners gain a high-quality, professional learning experience, are fully supported in achieving their qualification, and are well-prepared to excel in psychiatric care and mental health services.
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.
