Low Intensity Psychological Interventions - GCert/PGCert

Postgraduate

Patient connected to life supporting machine being looked after by a nurse

The Low Intensity Psychological Interventions GCert/PgCert is a professional training course commissioned by NHS England.

Year of entry

2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Part-time
Work based Learning

Duration

1 year part-time
2 years part-time

Course code

HLSU276 - GCert, HLST310 - PGCert

Start date

January 2025

How to apply

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Course overview

The Low Intensity Psychological Interventions GCert/PGCert is a professional training course commissioned by NHS England for staff employed on trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) contracts.

The training programme is provided to staff who are employed on trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) contracts in NHS or NHS-commissioned services. The course aims to ensure that graduates have reached the required competencies to deliver evidence-based, low-intensity psychological interventions informed by cognitive behavioural principles.

Trainees will be taught and assessed in the following key areas:

Low intensity psychological assessment of common mental health problems, including risk assessment, treatment pathway suitability and setting clear treatment goals.
Low intensity psychological interventions for common mental health problems such as depression, generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder.
Working inclusively in clinical practice, with opportunities to develop the reflective capacity required to examine the role of culture, values and belief systems, and how these are important in the therapeutic process.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

This course aims to develop trainee competence in delivering low intensity psychological interventions to people with depression and a range of anxiety disorders.
Successful completion of the training should equip trainees with the skills required to become a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP).
The course has a dedicated focus on reflective practice and working with difference and diversity as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.
Each year, course places are fully funded by NHS England.*

*NHS England-commissioned places are available to those candidates who have an NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression Service commissioned clinical placement.

What you'll study

The course has been designed in accordance with the National Curriculum for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) Programmes (2022) and the British Psychological Society Standards for Accreditation (2019).

Trainees will have the opportunity to develop key interpersonal skills and clinical competencies to effectively engage patients in low intensity psychological assessment and interventions. The programme also aims to provide trainees with opportunities to develop the capacity for self-reflection as part of the professional role, whilst also paying attention to the impact of personal values and beliefs.

The training programme incorporates three mandatory modules which focus on key patient assessment skills, the delivery of low intensity psychological interventions for depression and anxiety disorders, and working within the context of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Modules

Module 1: Low Intensity Psychological Assessment - 20 credits

This module aims to provide an opportunity for trainee PWPs to develop comprehensive patient assessment skills in order to operate effectively with NHS Talking Therapies Services. This module therefore focuses on the teaching, practice and evaluation of competence in utilising a range of assessment methods, including screening/triage assessments; risk assessment; provisional diagnostic (problem descriptor) assessment; psychometric assessment; problem-focused assessment; and intervention planning assessment. As part of this, trainees will also have the opportunity to practice developing ‘common factor’ relational skills to allow them to engage patients in the process and build an effective therapeutic alliance with them. Finally, the module will enable trainees to use assessment data to develop SMART targets for brief low-intensity intervention, or else effectively signpost or refer patients to other treatment pathways as required.

Compulsory

Module 2: Low Intensity Psychological Interventions - 20 credits

This module is designed to equip trainee PWPs with a good understanding of the process of therapeutic support when working with patients on both a 1:1 basis and in a group setting, and across a range of physical and digital mediums. Skills-based teaching will allow the development of general and disorder-defined competencies in the delivery of low-intensity treatments which are informed by cognitive-behavioural principles. Interventions taught are in line with the IAPT Manual and include behavioural activation, graded exposure, cognitive restructuring, worry management, problem-solving and sleep hygiene, in addition to advocating for physical activity and medication concordance. Trainees will have the opportunity to continue to develop ‘common factor’ therapeutic alliance skills when working with patients at the stage of intervention and will also be taught how to use appropriate outcome measures to monitor progress and inform clinical decision-making. .

Compulsory

Module 3: Working Inclusively as a Low Intensity Practitioner - 20 credits

The broad aims of this module are to enable trainees to further develop their clinical skills in the context of equality, diversity and inclusion, whilst ensuring that they are utilising supervision effectively to manage their caseloads and develop clinical competencies. The module aims to provide opportunities for trainees to understand the importance of inclusive working practices. This will include considering adaptations to ensure that the psychological services within which they operate are accessible and developing the reflective competencies required to illuminate their own beliefs, biases and prejudices and the impact these might have on their clinical interactions. Given that PWPs work with high caseloads, the module will also focus on the use of case management and clinical skills supervision, enabling trainees to use these forums effectively to promote safe, ethical and inclusive working practices, and helping to ensure that the PWP role is one within which they can thrive post-qualification.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

academic lectures
skills workshops
directed and self-directed study tasks
individual tutorials
self-practice/self-reflection exercises and groups
clinical skills and case management supervision in placement**
practice-based learning tasks.**

**Trainees will normally be employed and based within an NHS-commissioned Talking Therapies Service. Trainees who are employed on full-time contracts will normally complete the course in one year (i.e. three academic semesters). This equates to three days in clinical placement, one day at the university and one day engaged in practice-based learning or study each week (during term time). An adapted training route is available for trainees employed on part-time contracts. These trainees will still attend the university and placement learning days each week but will be in placement less than the usual three days. The trainees on part-time contracts will have up to two years to complete the clinical requirements of the course (depending upon the parameters of their placement contract). All course attendees must be employed in a relevant clinical service for the duration of the course.

Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 7.5 contact hours (one day) per week in the taught semesters. Additionally, trainees will be expected to undertake practice-based learning tasks, directed study tasks or self-directed study equating to approximately 7.5 hours (one day) each week. The remaining three days per week will be spent in clinical practice (depending upon the parameters of each individual’s employment contract).

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

clinical simulation assessment
reflective commentary report
submission of recorded clinical sessions
clinical and supervision case studies/reports
oral presentation
clinical practice outcomes reports
professional portfolio of clinical practice.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

The training programme is offered as both a Graduate Certificate (Level 6) and Postgraduate Certificate (Level 7). Applicants must be able to evidence an ability to study at the programme level being applied for. The Postgraduate Certificate will usually require completion of an undergraduate degree of 2:2 or above in a relevant subject.

All applicants (Level 6 and Level 7) will also require:

evidence of relevant mental health experience, for example working with people with common mental health problems in an employed or formal volunteer capacity
evidence of a broad understanding of common mental health problems, and the skills required to form effective helping relationships with those suffering in this context
course-related employment or placement within an NHS Trust or equivalent healthcare setting. This will usually be an NHS-commissioned Talking Therapies service, must be attended three days per week (or less for those on an adapted training route for part-time employees) and include clinical and case management supervision
confirmation of satisfactory employment-related checks (occupational health and DBS)⁵.

Please note that NHS England dictates that individuals who have completed other NHSE-funded training in the psychological professions must remain in their role for at least two years before applying for further funded training: https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/mental-health/psychological-professions/nhs-funding-psychological-professions-training-programmes. Candidates who have previously been enrolled and not completed an NHSE-funded PWP training course must provide evidence and reference from the previous higher education institution about extenuating circumstances that led to withdrawal from the course.

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact PWPtraining@coventry.ac.uk.

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally required to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with no lower than 5.5 in any component, or equivalent. Pre-sessional English is available if required.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	No tuition fee is payable - see fees section	Not available

NHS England-commissioned places are available to those candidates who have an NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression Service commissioned clinical placement, and therefore no tuition fee is payable. Trainee therapist vacancies are usually advertised by trusts (e.g. on the NHS Jobs website) and the recruitment process is conducted jointly with them (academic screening and interview).

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

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+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

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Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.