Perinatal Mental Health (Maternal, Infant and Family) (Level 6, 20 credits)
Part-time
One semester
February 2025
In a nutshell
This course aims to develop knowledge and skills in relation to perinatal mental health (PIMH) problems, offering appropriate care and support for pregnant women, mothers, infants and their families. It will also help develop critical understanding of the evidence base related to the appropriate management and treatment of mild-moderate and severe PIMH problems, in the mother and the promotion of infant wellbeing.
You will:
- develop expertise in perinatal mental health in relation to pregnant and new mothers, their infants and family
- enhance your own practice and confidence in relation to PIMH
- gain critical awareness of the potential impact of psychological/emotional changes during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period
All about the course
This module will enable you to develop expertise in perinatal mental health in relation to pregnant and new mothers, their infants and family. The module runs over one semester. You would be required to attend for one week block and then three single study days which will deliver the taught components. The other weeks will be in practice developing clinical skills.
Taught sessions will include theory and practice where discussion is encouraged. We will use clinical scenarios throughout the module to explore the identification, assessment and management of perinatal mental health illness including care and support for the infant and wider family. It is anticipated that students will contribute to the taught sessions as we feel that sharing good practice is an important component of this module.
On successful completion you will be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge and skills in relation to PIMH, identifying, assessing and supporting pregnant and new mothers, their infants and families.
- Critical awareness of the potential impact of psychological/emotional changes during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period on the mother, infant partner and family.
- Critical understanding of safeguarding, legal and policy issues related to PIMH, including engagement in collaborative working within the multidisciplinary and agency team.
- Critical understanding of the evidence relating to the complex factors that may increase the risk of PIMH problems.
- Critical understanding of the assessment, referral pathways and treatment options for PIMH issues.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
What about after uni?
This module would help to develop or enhance your knowledge and skills related to caring for pregnant women, new mothers their infants and families with perinatal mental health problems. This module would be especially beneficial for those already working in specialist perinatal mental health roles or those aspiring to work in such roles.
Career Links
We work with over 100 health and social care organisations so our links with industry are very strong. These relationships will be of direct benefit to you because our academic team work in practice in some of these organisations at a senior level so are able to keep you at the forefront of developments in the sector which in turn help you provide a better service.
What you need to know
This module is aimed at midwives, health visitors, neonatal nurses, mental health nurses and other health care professionals working with women and families.
Previous study and experience
You must have a health professional qualification recognised by a professional body such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You also need to have evidence of prior learning at Level 6 in the last 5 years.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £965 per 20 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.