PGCert Mental Health Practice

COURSE OVERVIEW

Working in mental health can be demanding but rewarding. Gain the skills to become an approved mental health professional (AMHP) who practises safely and effectively.

As an AMHP, you will need to act independently and assertively, taking accountability for the decisions you make. Approved by Social Work England, your course will give you the skills to be an effective practitioner with a comprehensive understanding of current legislation. By looking at issues such as asylum, substance misuse and how adult mental health relates to child protection, you will be well prepared for the responsibilities of the role.

This course is aimed at qualified social workers, mental health nurses, learning disability nurses, occupational therapists and psychologists, and it provides an interprofessional as well as specialist understanding of mental health. Teaching is delivered by a team featuring a number of AMHPs and professionals with extensive expertise in mental health provision.

This course was approved by the previous social work regulator, the Health and Care Professions Council. From 2 December 2019, responsibility for the approval of courses transferred to Social Work England. This course remains approved by Social Work England.

TEACHING & LEARNING

Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.

Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

Applicants should normally have at least a second class Honours degree, hold a recognised professional qualification in Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy or Psychology and be a registered Social Worker, First Level Mental Health or Learning Disability Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Chartered Psychologist. All applicants should be supported by their employer (normally a local authority) with agreed access to an appropriate practice learning placement. This should be submitted as an attachment to your application. In the event that other placement arrangements are necessary, a DBS check will need to be completed. Applicants should demonstrate in their personal statement that they have the appropriate level of professional competence, capacity and ability to undertake and complete an AMHP training programme as recognised by the requirements set out in the AMHP criteria requirements, including a sound mental health knowledge, values of the 10 essential shared capabilities. They are also required to submit a 1500 word written piece based on a recent piece of mental health practice, including a critical and reflective account of the practice, referencing relevant theory, policy and legislation. This should be submitted as an attachment to your application. All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.