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Short courses & CPD
Psychology

Peer Support in the Community University Certificate in Advanced Professional Development

You develop the skills to provide compassionate, strengths-based support within community settings.

 

1 year

 

Course overview

You explore non-medical frameworks, positioning you for a range of careers in peer support as a social prescribing link worker, recovery coach, community wellbeing practitioner, trauma-informed practitioner, wellbeing officer or related roles.

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Course details

What you study

You deepen your understanding of mental health and well-being, learn practical skills and develop robust reflective practices that promote personal and professional growth.

You engage in reflective practice and peer learning, fostering a collaborative environment where you share experiences, challenge assumptions, and develop a deeper self-awareness of your approach to community-based mental health support.

Your learning is centred around trauma-informed care, recovery, and ecological approaches, empowering you to understand and apply mental health support from a community-centred, strengths-focused perspective.

You develop practical skills, ethical awareness and reflective practice techniques that are relevant to a wide range of roles, including peer support coordination, community advocacy, recovery coaching and mental health education.

How you learn

You learn using case studies and real-world application of key frameworks. This is delivered through weekly 3-hour workshops that blend the delivery of theory-based material with group discussions, practical activities and exercises and class debates.

How you are assessed

Summative assessments include group presentations, an evidence-informed holistic wellbeing plan, video role play and reflection and a self-care intervention-based reflective report. Formative assessments occur throughout the course through classroom exercises and tutor feedback.

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

96-112 tariff points from at least two A-levels (or equivalent).

We consider applications from those with non-standard entry level qualifications. Please contact the admissions team for further information.

 

Employability

Career opportunities

This credit-bearing university-level course has been specifically designed to provide academic recognition and professional development pathways for lived experience practitioners, ensuring parity alongside other professional groups working in mental health and community settings.

 
 

Part-time

2026-27 entry

Fee for applicants:

£2317.50

  • Length: 1 year
  • Middlesbrough campus
  • Start date: September

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