COURSE CURRICULUM

The psychosocial and community-focused program provides a comprehensive and practical education that develops knowledge, skills, and values needed to work effectively in diverse community settings. In the first year, students are introduced to key areas through modules such as What’s Going On (Mental Wealth 1) and Constructions of Identity, where they explore personal development, social inequality, and cultural influences on identity. These modules focus on understanding the self in relation to broader social structures and prepare students for academic and professional growth. Additional modules like Psychology: Perspectives for Psychosocial Community Work and Communication for Psychosocial and Community Work Relationships introduce foundational psychological concepts, ethics of care, and communication strategies essential for engaging with individuals and groups. Preparation for Working with Communities helps students build a professional portfolio and explore career aspirations, while Psychosocial Work in Community Settings examines the diversity of service users and the impact of policy and practice in community contexts.In the second year, the program deepens its focus on collective practices and professional development. Students examine teamwork, community projects, and ethical collaboration through modules that develop emotional and cultural literacy, reflexivity, and practical planning skills. The module Mad, Bad or Sad? Understanding Mental Disorder explores different models of mental distress and critiques mainstream psychiatric approaches, fostering critical awareness. In Professional Practice in Communities 1, students begin to apply trauma-informed and intersectional approaches in community work. Counselling: Therapeutic Skills and Practice introduces various counselling frameworks and practical therapeutic techniques, while Research Methods builds students' abilities to conduct ethical and reflective inquiry in social sciences.The final year supports students in consolidating their knowledge through real-world applications and research. Professional Practice in Communities 2 helps them develop long-term career goals and integrate theory with ongoing community work. The Applied Research Project in Social Sciences provides an opportunity to design and carry out independent research, drawing on placement experiences or areas of personal interest. By the end of the program, students are equipped to enter professional roles in health, education, social care, or community organisations, or to continue their studies at postgraduate level.