Improving Access to Psychological Therapies - Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners Programme (UG)

This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.

Overview

The Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) programme provides the formal training required to qualify as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.

The programme was developed from a governmental white paper that discussed the devastating effect that depression and anxiety disorders have on individuals, their families and society.

The training is a combination of teaching, skills practice, directed reading, online learning, workshops, clinical seminar skills groups and clinical practice under supervision in an NHS funded service.

Students on the programme will have a training contract as a trainee PWP within an NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service, where they will deliver low intensity cognitive behavioural interventions for anxiety and depression.

The training programme is of nine-month duration, consisting of one day per week of university teaching and four days per week working in their service employer.

The course programme consists of three core modules (20 credits each) which are based on the National Curriculum for the Education of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners.

All places on the programme are linked to a trainee job so successful applicants must apply for and secure a PWP trainee post as well as apply to the University of Bradford.

Entry requirements

Graduate Certificate

English GCSE Grade 4 (old C) or above (or equivalent) - other academic qualifications of an equivalent standard and work experience and achievements at work demonstrating ability to study successfully can be taken into account.

What you will study

The curriculum is designed to be available to both undergraduate (level 6) and postgraduate certificate level (level 7). The programme is designed to train PWPs to deliver competent guided self-help at step 2 of the IAPT stepped care model.

The curriculum is organised into the following modules:

Engagement and assessment of patients with common mental health problems
Evidence-based low-intensity treatment for common mental health disorders
Values, diversity and content
Placement

More information on the curriculum will be published shortly.

Learning and assessment

The programme is delivered over 45 days - one day per week. 25-30 days are delivered as theoretical learning and skills practice, and 15-20 days as directed practice-based learning. There is one module for the placement hours.

Directed practice-based learning tasks include:

shadowing/observation
role play/practice with peers of assessment and interventions
self-practice of interventions with reflections (i.e. applying techniques to issues from your own life)
directed problem-based learning

Contact and supervision hours

You will complete a minimum of 80 clinical contact hours with patients (face-to-face or by telephone) within an IAPT service as a requirement of your training. You will also undertake a minimum of 40 hours of supervision, of which 20 hours will be case management supervision and 20 hours will be clinical skills supervision. These hours are in addition to the academic training.

Learning technologies

A variety of learning technologies are used on the programme, including team-based learning, online learning platforms, online videos, and independent learning options.

Career prospects

This programme provides the formal training required to qualify as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP).

The NHS provides employment after the completion of the programme. The NHS has a preceptorship programme for newly-qualified PWPs. A preceptorship is a structured period of transition for a newly-qualified practitioner, during which you are supported by an experienced practitioner to develop your confidence and refine your skills.

After qualifying, you are likely to be offered a position within the trust and paid a salary of £24,907 for the first two years. You will also have access to the NHS pension scheme, health service discounts, and 27 days of annual leave - plus bank holidays.

As a qualified and experienced PWP you can apply for more senior posts with additional management or leadership responsibilities, or a clinical specialism.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.