Diploma in Public Mental Health

Diploma Overview

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Public Mental Health offers a certified qualification from an HEC-recognized degree-awarding institute, supported by the World Health Organization and Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services. This diploma is designed for national and international students and professionals, offering comprehensive training to identify and manage key mental health issues in routine practice.

The core modules focus on detailed assessments of common mental disorders, and ethical practice in evidence-based psychiatry, and aim to prevent mental illness while promoting mental well-being. Earn a globally recognized diploma and gain the skills to make a meaningful impact on public mental health.

Eligibility criteria

Anyone who has completed a bachelor’s Degree in medicine, psychology, nursing, and public health will be entitled to admission. Non-medical graduates can attend non-medical modules and can be given a PG certificate upon request. This diploma will be available nationally and can be attended remotely.

Learning objectives

This diploma equips students with essential skills and techniques to: 

1. To understand the history of the public mental health field and the cultural context of public mental health programs in low- and middle-income countries.
2. To learn about societal determinants and wellbeing drivers of mental health and the epidemiology of common mental disorders and their impact on the health of populations.
3. To design, implement, monitor and evaluate mental health promotion and mental illness prevention interventions at the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary levels through established theoretical frameworks and case studies.
4. To develop essential skills for the leadership and management of mental health programs and advocacy for mental health policy development.

Course Module Overview

Module 1 – Background and history of Public Mental Health

Module 2 – Mental health promotion and mental illness prevention

Module 3 – Leadership, management and advocacy

Module 4 – Research in Mental Health – Evidence-based Interventions

Module 5 – Mental Health in Primary Care

Capstone project

The Capstone project enables students to apply the concepts and methods learned during the course to real-world problems. Projects may include surveys, research, clinical governance, practice evaluations, relapse prevention, case presentations, product creation, or event planning

Diploma Faculty

1. Prof. Dr. Abid Ali Malik, HoD, Prof., PhD
2. Prof. Dr. Atif Rahman, Prof., PhD
3. Dr. Taha Sabri, University of Washington, MPH
4. Dr. Ikhlaq Ahmad, Assit, Prof., PhD
5. Ms. Huma Nazir, Lecturer, MS
6. Ms. Nadia Suleman, Academic Coordinator & Lecturer, MS
7. Ms. Rakhshanda Liaqat, Lecturer, MS

 Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is there supposed to be an entrance exam?

There is no entrance exam required for enrollment in the PGD in Public Mental Health.

2) Could you please tell me more about the capstone project? Does it involve writing a research paper or something else?

The Capstone project enables students to apply the concepts and methods learned during the course to real-world problems. Projects may include surveys, research, clinical governance, practice evaluations, relapse prevention, case presentations, product creation, or event planning. Due to the short duration, writing a full research paper may be challenging, but it is possible for those interested.

3) Will classes be held in Zoom? Will recordings be kept?
Classes will be conducted online through Google Meet. Lectures will be recorded and can be shared.
4) Is it a one-time payment or can it be divided into semesters?

The diploma fee is a one-time payment, but students may request to pay it in installments (two).

5) Does the program end in the fall of 2025?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Mental Health will begin in November 2024 and conclude in November 2025.

6) What is the approximate start date of the course?

Around Start of -November 2024 (depending on the no. of registrations)
7) What are the enrollment deadlines? What is the link to register?

The last date to apply is 30^th October 2024. The link for the registration is https://hsa.edu.pk/direct-apply-for-admission/

8) Is the course divided into semesters with a vacation period?

The program consists of two semesters and a Capstone project. There will be a three-week winter break and a two-week Easter break. No lectures will be held on public holidays in Pakistan.
9) Do I need to submit a petition to divide the fee into two parts?

Yes, 80% of the fees can be paid upfront and the remaining 20% can be paid before the capstone project upon a written request.

For more information:

Email: dpmh@hsa.edu.pk , hsa.edu.pk
Telephone: +92-344-1538716,+92-300-5549109