International Diploma

Applications are now being accepted for the RCPsych International Diploma in Older Adults’ Mental Health course, starting in September 2024.

To apply, you should:

• review the entry requirements to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria
• send all documents in PDF or Word format only
• name each file with the document number and your name (for example, "Application Form - Dr Forename Surname") 
• submit your application in one single email 

To apply please complete the below International Diploma Application form and submit to internationaldiploma@rcpsych.ac.uk.

• RCPsych International Diploma – 2024/25 Application Form 

You will also need to submit:

• Evidence of a primary medical qualification from a recognised medical institution, with certified translations if not in English
• Evidence of professional medical registration
• Copy of photo ID e.g. passport, driving licence (with all details clearly legible) 
  

Applications will close on 15 May 2024. A decision will be made if you are successful, and you will be notified shortly thereafter. If successful, the course fee of £6,000 will be payable in full prior to the start of the programme in September 2024, instructions will be sent separately.  

The programme emphasises an international focus and will allow learners to broaden their understanding of the clinical and service-related complexities of working within older adults' mental health. In addition, learners will contribute to an international community of practice for psychiatry of older people, providing the skills and knowledge to develop services for older people within their own clinical practice, particularly in limited resource settings.

• Commitment: one year part-time, 42 weeks up to four hours a week
• Format: 100% online
• Nine modules
• Course cohort: Max 30 learners
• Proposed course start date: September 2024
• Fees: £6,000 to be paid in full before the start of the course
• Open to members and non-members of RCPsych

The diploma is targeted at doctors outside of the UK, to support ongoing training in sub-specialty areas in countries where psychiatric training is focused on working age adults, including:

• Psychiatrists
• Doctors in other relevant medical specialties e.g. general practitioners, geriatricians, family doctors, neurologists aspiring to practise in this field

• Confidence in the assessment and diagnosis of mental disorders presenting in older adults.
• Ability to effectively and safely prescribe medications used within older adults’ mental health.
• Understanding of the clinical and service-related complexities of working within older adults' mental health.
• Skills and resources to develop services for older people within your own clinical practice.
• An approach to understanding older adults’ mental health from a global perspective and an appreciation of the challenges in the delivery of high-quality healthcare in diverse socioeconomic settings.
• On successful completion of the course, candidates will be awarded the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ International Diploma in Older Adults’ Mental Health.

• Access to a community of global experts in older adults’ mental health. Our faculty has been selected based on their subject expertise and experience to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
• Participants from across the globe. Study together, learning from each other's experiences and challenges.
• Easy-to-use learning platform. The course is delivered using the RCPsych web-based platform, which offers a modern and flexible learning experience to students with access to all the learning resources at any time.
• Support of a dedicated course administrative team.
• Skills acquisition, employability and career progression in fields related to older adults’ mental health.
• Flexibility around work and home commitments and accessibility of content at a time and pace that suits each learner. 

• Primary medical qualification from a recognised medical institution. Please visit the World Directory of Medical Schools.
• Three years’ postgraduate experience working as a psychiatrist, or as a doctor in another relevant medical speciality.
• Professional medical registration with your local regulatory body.
• Recommended English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS Level 6.
• Professional experience in older adults’ mental health or an aspiration to practise in older adults’ mental health.

If you would like advice about requirements before applying, please contact us at internationaldiploma@rcpsych.ac.uk.

This interactive programme will be delivered fully online through a model which blends self-directed learning with tutor-led group learning including:

• eLearning modules
• tutor moderated discussion forums, emphasising peer-to-peer knowledge and experience sharing
• regular webinars so learners can interact with experts in the field
• interactive case-based and problem-based learning
• written reflections encouraging participants to engage critically and apply the learning to their experience and practice in their own healthcare systems
• access to an extensive online library
• formative exercises and assignments
• individualised feedback points during the programme
• a summative piece of written work at the end of the course

This course consists of 9 modules covering the following topics:

• Introduction to older adults’ mental health
• Assessment in older adults
• Dementia
• Non-pharmacological management of Dementia
• Mood and Anxiety Disorders
• Delirium
• Psychotic disorders in older adults
• Neuropsychiatric disorders in older adults
• Prescribing in older adults

To successfully complete the programme, you will be expected to:

• regularly login and participate in the course
• spend approximately 15 hours per module (3 to 4 hours a week) on your studies
• complete a written reflective activity at the end of each module
• participate in discussion forums throughout the course
• attend monthly live sessions and actively participate in discussions
• produce a written piece of summative work at the end of the course