Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
PGCert Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | PGCert Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture | Programme code | PNC1PSYHPS01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This PgCert programme offers a combination of knowledge and understanding of key theories and approaches in psychedelics involving both science (medicine, psychological therapy, neuroscience and research methods) and philosophy (ethics, metaphysics and cultural contextualization).
This programme has been developed not only for therapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists who are interested in branching out into the psychedelic sphere, but also for those with a growing interest in psychedelic research generally wanting to continue their studies in this space.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
Students are intended to receive a broad, comprehensive knowledge of issues that pertain to the psychedelic field. For this reason, the programme shall look at both the sciences and the humanities. This is an academic rather than practical qualification though it is intended to prepare those who wish to become practitioners with detailed information about cutting-edge psychedelic research from leaders in the field alongside broader cultural, philosophic issues that contextualize that research. It is also intended for those with a general interest in psychedelic research who may wish to further their studies with leading experts.
Specific educational aims include training the student in the current clinical, alternative, and historical practices of psychedelic therapy and use; in metaphysical perspectives pertaining to psychedelic experience, in the neurosciences related to psychedelic research, and in specific ethical theories and issues deemed important in psychedelic research and wider activity.
The course is delivered online, with both asynchronous and synchronous (live) activities, these might include short pre-recorded lectures, audio discussions, online written questions and answers, reading material with associated questions and activities, live Q&A with the teacher(s), live student seminar discussions, and more.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The PGCert Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture is a 60 credit online eight to twelve-month programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
You will study one 30 credit module per term. You will take 60 credits of compulsory modules in total. Modules are offered on a carousel model.
Stage 1
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website.
Students may enter the programme during two fixed starting dates during the academic calendar, which are January and September. The module running order will be dictated by your entry point and the corresponding module/s available on the carousel model at that entry date.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYM235Z | Psychedelics: Therapeutic Practice and the Metaphysics of Mind | 30 | Yes |
| PSYM236Z | Psychedelics: Neuroscience and Cultural Ethics | 30 | Yes |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate knowledge of history of psychedelics and psychedelic therapy, metaphysics, neuroscience of psychedelics and ethical and cultural issues affecting the field | Lectures, audio podcasts, group tutorials, forum debates and padlets, synchronous Q&A sessions with experts in the field, weekly ‘journal’ club. | Formative: Answers to ‘big questions’ each week using different media e.g. vlogs, blog posts, audio, text. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
3. Skills: Critical evaluation of evidence and practice in the psychedelic field | Lectures, audio podcasts, group tutorials, forum debates and padlets, synchronous Q&A sessions with experts in the field, weekly ‘journal’ club, contemplative embodiment workshop. | Formative: submitting a reflective journal entry on a relevant subjective experience. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Presentation skills | Lectures, audio podcasts, group tutorials, forum debates and padlets, synchronous Q&A sessions with experts in the field, weekly ‘journal’ club, microphenomenology workshop, contemplative embodiment workshop, assessment workshop | Summative: For each module students will be required to submit a recorded presentation which draws together content from two different topics, from different disciplines, with follow up questions from examiners |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Core content for the programme will be made available online and asynchronously via our dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to allow maximum flexibility in when you study to fit around your other commitments. We will provide a range of rich online materials, a variety of learning activities and encourage you to participate in learning communities. Each module will set out the key expectations and requirements at the start of teaching and you will receive timely feedback on your progress throughout the duration.
You will be allocated an academic tutor who will be able to provide guidance and feedback on assessment performance, guidance on generic academic skills, and pastoral support. Academic tutors are also able to refer you to more specialist support services as required, both within the College, and across the extensive network of support the University has to offer.
The Student/Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
10. Admissions Criteria
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
PGCert Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 60 |
ECTS credits | 30 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 27/06/2023 |
Date of last revision | 08/11/2023 |
|---|
