This new programme has more flexible entry requirements (e.g. RPL) than the existing MSc in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology and also has the option of an exit award after 60 credits completed (e.g. Higher Diploma Award). This degree runs parallel to the existing programme which aligns to the Psychological Society of Ireland accreditation requirements. The purpose of this degree is to offer a pathway for those seeking to upskill on topic areas relating to mental skills and mental health in sport and the degree is not a qualification in psychology. It offers a grounding in research and application for those who seek further training to pursue roles that don’t explicitly require a qualification in psychology (e.g. sports coaching, sports management etc.).

The overall aim of the Master of Perinatal Mental Health program is to support health care professionals to work more effectively with parents and their families experiencing perinatal mental health issues. A key goal of this program is to prepare practitioners for the challenges of leading and delivering quality of perinatal mental health care. To achieve this goal the program content focusses on providing practitioners with the theoretical underpinnings for the development of knowledge and skills in areas of assessment, screening and therapeutic interventions for persons with perinatal mental health issues.

The program provides opportunities to explore research as evidence for enhancing and changing practice; key emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking and reflective skills at specialist and advanced practice levels; it develops professional qualities and a high level of competence in the promotion of excellence and current best practice in the delivery and appraisal of advancing practice; on completion of the program students can: utilise evidence to inform nursing practice in monitoring co-ordinating and managing care; critically review current innovations and developments within nursing; utilise a knowledge base consistent with that of the profession, and which incorporates the standards of professional groups; critically appraise strategies to promote, maintain and restore health in relevant care groups; critically evaluate, generate and conduct research that incorporates evidence-based practice in nursing; critically evaluate the role of specialist and advanced practice in nursing; collaborate within multidisciplinary teams in the provision of quality outcomes; critically appraise international, national and local policy strategies that are relevant to advancing nursing roles; discuss factors that influence practice and theoretical knowledge at specialist and advanced practice levels; demonstrate the critical thinking skills and ethical decision-making required for specialist and advanced practice in nursing care; critically evaluate the use of psychosocial interventions in mental health care; critically discuss the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist or Advanced Nurse Practitioners in the monitoring, coordination and management of individuals experiencing mental health problems.