Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Relational Practice in Mental Health

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with the technical skills and knowledge needed to work in relational practice in mental health. This qualification provides an opportunity to build on the experience gained working in the community by engaging with a theoretical framework both to challenge and develop learners’ practice.

This vocational qualification aims to equip trainees with the necessary self-awareness, knowledge base and practical application skills to work effectively with clients experiencing mental distress and diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health problems in a range of settings using a relational approach. The programme offers opportunities for trainees to achieve and demonstrate learning outcomes that evidence post-graduate level self-directed research and development, depth of understanding and critical awareness, the articulation of knowledge, good professional practice and applied therapeutic skills.

• Neurobiology, Psychodynamic Theory and Practice
• Trauma-informed Approach in Mental Health
• Presenting Issues and Diagnoses in Mental Health
• Enabling Recovery in Mental Health
• Social Dynamics in Mental Health
• Professional Skills in Mental Health

1. A high level of critical self-reflexivity based on enhanced self-awareness that facilitates managing, understanding and making therapeutic use of the emotional processes that unfold in therapeutic settings with people who have experienced significant trauma.
2. An ability to engage effectively and ethically with clients who experience significant emotional and psychological distress, and who present with the characteristics of the main psychiatric diagnoses including personality disorders and psychoses.
3. An in-depth understanding of human development and the development and functioning of the mind through the twin lenses of neurobiology and psychodynamic theory.
4. A critical understanding of current models of mental health and mental health treatment, and of their place within science, culture and society.
5. A range of skills for applying their knowledge base to their day-to-day practice as relational practitioners in mental health, and the ability to articulate the reasoning behind their practice.
6. An ability to work reflectively and thoughtfully, and to work with clients in an egalitarian and collaborative way.
7. An ethical and professional approach to working with people in distress and their families, and with professional colleagues, and an understanding of the nature and importance of ethical practice and professional conduct.
8. A clear understanding of, and the ability to put into practice, the key content of each module of all six Units of the diploma course.

• Approved centres are responsible for reviewing and making decisions as to an applicant’s ability to complete the learning programme successfully and meet the demands of the qualification. The initial assessment by the centre will need to consider the support that is readily available or can be made available to meet individual learner needs as appropriate.
• The qualification has been designed to be accessible without artificial barriers that restrict access. For this qualification, applicants must be aged 19 years or over.
• Learners are expected to hold the following:
  • level 6 qualification or:
  • first degree.
• In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate enrolment to UK higher education postgraduate programmes where applicable. Applicants are normally required to produce two supporting references, at least one of which should preferably be academic.
• In certain circumstances, applicants with considerable experience but no formal qualifications may be considered subject to interview and being able to demonstrate their ability to cope with the demands of the qualification.