This module facilitates an exploration of key issues concerning mental health as they occur across the lifespan. Students will learn about the causes, risk factors and symptoms associated with different types of mental health issues. Besides the overview, students will learn about the wider contextual issues surrounding mental health (e.g. family and carers, stigma etc) and the implications of these for those concerned. Students will explore the lived experience of mental health difficulties and examine ways of supporting positive coping strategies and resilience within the individual, the family and the community. 

In this module, students will learn about the factors (e.g., psychological and social) associated with well-being and mental health problems over the life course from childhood to old age. An experiential and reflective approach will be fostered where students will explore different definitions of wellbeing, ‘normal’ mental health and common mental health problems. An overview of mental health and its features and factors which impact on mental health will be addressed including the negative effects of stigma and discrimination. Ways to reduce risks of developing mental illness will be explored. Social and community factors associated with the promotion of well-being and positive mental health will also be explored.

The aim of this module is to equip students with study and effective study skills as well as provide for career development, which are necessary to participate fully in, and derive maximum benefit from, third-level experience. The syllabus for this module will provide the learner with the necessary tools to become effective and confident learners. The principle focus will be on study skills, personal development and reflecting on issues in both areas of the module.

This module is designed to help students to develop feelings of personal agency and empowerment that are central to personal, social and professional development. This module recognises that the acquisition of these kinds of life skills is a life-long process, but this module is designed to help students develop psychosocial competencies and interpersonal skills that will facilitate them to make informed decisions, solve problems, think critically, communicate effectively, build healthy relationships, empathise with others, and cope with and manage their lives in a healthy and productive manner. The graduate attributes developed through participation in this module include; ‘collaborative’ and ‘articulate’. The module learning outcomes clear aim towards development of the ability to convey ideas effectively using a range of media. The module syllabus is focused on theories of group working, negotiation and conflict resolution. In conjunction with this syllabus practical opportunities to work with and collaborate with others will facilitate the development of collaboration skills.

The aim of this module is to provide a detailed overview of the management of health and well-being across the lifespan. Students will learn about the theoretical principles underlying the management and treatment of health and well-being which will include biological, psychological and social applications to advance positive well-being. Students will also explore ways of fostering positive coping strategies and resilience within the individual, the family and the community as a means of preventing or reducing the burdens associated with physical or mental ill health. The graduate attributes developed by participation in this module are ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘creative’. Students will be encouraged to think critically about health and well-being and interventions/treatments. Students will have opportunities to identify and consider a wide range of positive coping strategies.

The Leadership Module is designed to help students become truly effective leaders. This module recognises that the acquisition of leadership skills is a life-long process. Students will learn about; the characteristics of effective leaders and how leaders function within groups and society. The module will consolidate learning from Practicum I as it relates to Leading and Sustaining Change in the Community and prepare for implementation of project work to be undertaken in practicum 2. The graduate attributes developed by participation in this module are ‘proactive’ ‘creative’ ‘responsible’ ‘collaborative’ and ‘articulate. The focus on leadership in this module includes attention to competence in; conveying ideas clearly and effectively, recognising the local and global impact of decisions, proficiency in working with others, capacity to see new possibilities and confidence to take initiative.

The UL Practicum provides a mechanism to broaden the curriculum through action- oriented research and service-learning. It is designed to facilitate students to work incross-disciplinary teams, on real-world problems, identified with external partners. Students on this module will take part in faculty designed, multi- and/or inter-disciplinary applied research projects in collaboration with external community stakeholders (civic, public, private). As with any project, Practicum projects will comprise a varied number of work packages, which may require a variety of levels of experience and/or skills. This experiential and disciplinary diversity will be provided by a team of students with different disciplinary and programme expertise, in terms of their competence levels (e.g. undergraduate or postgraduate) and the extent of their involvement in the project (e.g. as part of a programme, as an elective or as dissertation). This practicum module reflects student input and work that is equivalent to one diploma level module at 15 ECTS.