Advanced Assessment, Formulation and Treatment Planning In Mental Health
Everything you need to know
- Start date: September 2026
- End date: January 2027
- Module leader: Steve Bown
- Level: 7
- Credits: 30
- Accreditation/qualification: This is part of the Mental Health Centre- endorsed area specifc framework
Introduction
This course develops advanced mental health assessment and formulation skills, emphasising critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice.
It integrates biomedical and biopsychosocial perspectives, trauma-informed approaches, ethical considerations, risk management, and awareness of cognitive biases, supporting their recognition and mitigation in complex clinical decision-making and person-centred care.
Who is this course/module for?
The module is aimed at senior mental health staff of all disciplines who have a responsiblity for engaging and managing complex mental health care situations.
What you’ll learn
You will develop advanced mental health assessment and formulation skills, strengthening critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice. You will learn to integrate biomedical and biopsychosocial perspectives, apply trauma-informed approaches, address ethical considerations, manage risk effectively, and recognise and mitigate cognitive biases to support sound, person-centred clinical decision-making in complex care contexts
Skills you’ll gain
Biomedical Assessment
Biopsychosocial Assessment
Formulation
Trauma Informed Formulation
Risk Assessment
How you’ll learn
You will learn through action learning, using real and simulated experiences to develop clinical reasoning. A heutagogical, constructivist approach will support self-directed learning, with reflection in response to learning assets. Facilitated group reflection and engagement sessions will promote dialogue, shared inquiry, critical thinking, and collaborative knowledge development.
Fees and Funding for 2026/27
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £1,825 EU / International students: £1,860 - The University cannot sponsor a Student Visa for CPD modules. However, if you already have permission to study in the UK, you can apply. If you’re unsure whether your visa allows this, please contact the International Experience Team at hallamhelp@shu.ac.uk to discuss your options. |
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| How to apply |
You can apply for this module using our online admissions form. After you have registered or logged in, select the module title under "Please choose your first module". |
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Entry requirements
Evidence of level 6 study and or hold a relevant undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2 or equivalent) in a health, social care, or related discipline.
Be a registered professional with an appropriate regulatory body (e.g. NMC, HCPC, or equivalent), where applicable. Provide evidence of English language proficiency where English is not the first language, typically an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no component below 6.0)
Be currently employed in, or have access to, a relevant practice setting that supports engagement with mental health practice.
Demonstrate the ability to study at Level 7, including skills in critical thinking, academic writing, and independent learning.
Have appropriate support in practice, such as access to supervision or a workplace mentor, where required for module activities.
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
Synchronous online learning (distance learning). Take part in live, timetabled online sessions using tools like video calls and virtual classrooms. You’ll learn in real time with tutors and other students, with no need to attend campus for teaching or assessments.
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
Tutorials will be held on the following dates:
- 28 September 2026 - Induction and Week 1
- 5 October 2026 - Week 2
- 12 October 2026 - Week 3
- 19 October 2026 - Week 4
- 26 October 2026 - Week 5
- 2 November 2026 - Week 6
- 9 November 2026 - Week 7
- 16 November 2026 - Week 8
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Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Viva: typically, a combination of a presentation/demonstration to one or more academics, with discussion, questioning and oral feedback
- Coursework
Successful completion of this module will earn you 30 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Steve Bown - steve.bown@ahu.ac.uk