番茄社区

Course Overview

This module has been developed to assist mental health practitioners enhance their skills in risk assessment and risk management. You will focus on risk assessment and management related to a variety of service user issues, mental health problems, multi-professional and multidisciplinary working. It will be underpinned by theoretical evidence from a range of sources including psychiatry, nursing, social work, research evidence and service user experience.

For more information please contact the module leader, Ruairi Mulhern: R.Mulhern@mdx.ac.uk

Course content

During this module, you'll learn to:

1. Evaluate the contemporary evidence that underpins effective risk assessment and management in the mental health services
2. Demonstrate an understanding of evidence-based practice in risk assessment and management
3. Illustrate how complex, high-risk situations can be managed within a positive risk taking framework
4. Explore advanced decision-making skills in complex and unpredictable situations
5. Reflect on your professional and organisational developments in respect of risk.

Teaching and learning

Teaching on this module is delivered entirely online, with all scheduled sessions taking place via Microsoft Teams. The module adopts an online, student-centred approach to learning that combines synchronous and asynchronous activities to support engagement, flexibility, and the development of advanced knowledge and skills.

A range of teaching methods are employed to promote active participation. These include structured presentations supported by PowerPoint, interactive group work, and scenario-based learning designed to encourage critical thinking and the application of theory to practice. Digital technologies are used extensively to enhance learning, including video resources and interactive platforms. Students are expected to engage with preparatory and consolidation activities to reinforce learning and support independent study.

Formative assessment is embedded within the module to provide ongoing feedback and support students’ academic development. This enables learners to reflect on their progress, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence in meeting the module learning outcomes.

Assessment

For your assessment, you will have the opportunity to research an area of risk management you are interested in focusing on a chosen client. You will first submit a 750-word outline of coursework detailing your reasons for choice and the discussion focus. This will be submitted via an active learning set with peer feedback provided. You will then complete a 3,000-word essay of your research and analysis.

Teaching dates

All days will run between 9.30am to 4.00pm for a week (dates TBC).

Fees and funding

The fees* below refer to the 2026/27 academic year unless otherwise stated.

15 credits: £1,035

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation.

There are several funding options available:

• receiving course fees via CPPD contracts between NHS trusts and 番茄社区 University
• paying your own fees
• sponsorship by your employer (but not under a CPPD contract).

For more information for any of these options, including fee rates for self-funding/employer-sponsored students, please visit our dedicated funding page.

How to apply

To be eligible for this module, you must provide evidence of an ability to study at Level 7.

Download an enquiry form and for more information on the application process. Applications to this module should be made directly to the university, apply for a CPD module or programme.

Please note applications to this module will close 10 days before the module start date for all intakes (spring).