Postgraduate programme in mental health
Background
 In New Zealand, there is presently a strong interest in learning more about mental health in our community and a commitment by many agencies to improving the outcome for people who suffer from mental illness.
There are increasing expectations on all people working within the area of mental health and related fields to continue to develop their knowledge and skills so that they may deliver services to their identified target groups.
Improving the skill and knowledge base of people working in, or with an interest in, the mental health service is therefore a high priority.
The three clinical medical schools of the University of Otago are playing a major part in this initiative through the postgraduate PSME programme.
The papers offered in this programme are designed to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills in mental health by providing a practical up-to-date review to meet the variety of demands of health professionals.
Papers
Psychiatric practice is attended by a wide range of ethical problems, e.g. questions related to autonomy, responsibility, compulsion, and the needs of the individual vs those of society.
This paper offers an introduction to the application of ethics to a variety of psychiatric questions. We are seeking to promote dispassionate thought about these complicated and controversial issues.
Applications will also be accepted for the Dissertation only and Thesis only, and for PSME 406 Special Topic.
Contact the Department for further details
For further details on papers, please go to:
http://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/papers/index.html?subjcode=PSME
Qualifications
PSME papers can be credited towards the following qualifications:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
- Master of Health Sciences
PSME papers may also be cross-credited to other University qualifications or be taken individually for a Certificate of Proficiency (COP).
Entry requirements
- Admission to the course shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences).
- Every applicant shall:
- Be a graduate, or possess an appropriate health professional qualification requiring at least three years full-time tertiary study
- Have experience of or be currently working in the relevant field of health care
- Present evidence of ability for advanced level academic study
Course structure
Each paper has a value of 30 points.
At the University of Otago each paper has an allocated point value as an indication of the workload involved. The dissertation has a value of 60 points and the thesis a value of 120 points.
Each paper will involve about 20 hours of work per week during the semester. Thus in addition to the lecture programme, about 16 hours a week should be spent on study, researching, reading and assignment writing.
Each paper will usually take the form of weekly presentations/case reviews with active student participation.
Students will be expected to familiarise themselves broadly with the issues under study. They will gain most when they have read about and considered the topics, and can question the presenters and other students about the content, conclusions and context of what they have read. Lively interaction will be welcomed.
Application
Further information and an application form for entry to PSME courses can be obtained by contacting:
Anita Admiraal
Programme Coordinator
Department of Psychological Medicine
Dunedin School of Medicine
PO Box 913
Dunedin 9054
New Zealand
Tel 64 3 474 7989
Fax 64 3 474 7934
Email anita.admiraal@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
|
