PG Cert Mental Health Practice (for Approved Mental Health Professionals)

PG Cert Part-time 1 year

Overview

The Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) courses offered at the University of Wolverhampton will enable you to develop your knowledge, skills and values in mental health practices in order to enhance your capabilities within your own area of expertise. The courses are designed to enable mental health professionals to develop and demonstrate practice in accordance with the published requirements of Social Work England (SWE) to act as Approved Mental Health Professionals.

Why choose this course?

The course has robust external partnerships with numerous local authorities and trusts across the West Midlands region. The module has input from expert practitioners in the area of Best Interests teaching on the module. The University boasts a diverse culture, which is represented across the study body and faculty. Within the module, there is an opportunity to learn with other professionals who come from a range of disciplines (Social Worker, Nursing and Occupational Therapy), which makes it a rich learning environment.

What happens on the course?

Taught sessions will include lectures, practice-based exercises, discussion groups, time to discuss and reflect with peers on experiential learning and workshops for assignment preparation.

Modules

• 6SO030/7SO008: The Mental Health Act for AMHPs (Level 6 & 7)
  • Deep exploration of the Mental Health Act (83/07) & the Code of Practice
  • Consideration of the specifics for AMHP Practice
  • Identification of a wide range of roles to work with the AMHP practitioner
• 6SO031/7SO010: The Legal and Policy Context of AMHP Practice (Level 6 & 7)
  • Consideration of a specific piece of the candidate’s own practice
  • Considered analysis of how legislation and policy in formed that practice
  • Application of the value base of social work practice
• 6SO032/7SO011: Critical knowledge for AMHPs (Level 6 & 7)
  • Debate and conclusion to the overall Award
  • Demonstration of the stance or position of candidate’s practice
  • Ownership of the progression of development, and where this may take you

Supervised practice (43 day placement) will provide experiential learning and opportunities for reflection and learning with a practice educator.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Critical knowledge for AMHPs
  • Module: 7SO011
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• The legal and policy context of AMHP practice (Level 7)
  • Module: 7SO010
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• The Mental Health Act for AMHPs (Level 7)
  • Module: 7SO008
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core

Potential Career Paths

Approved Mental Health Professionals undertake a range of duties under the Mental Health Act 1983. The Code of Practice to Mental Health Act (1983) states that local authorities should ensure that sufficient AMHPs are available to carry out their functions under the Act and that a 24-hour service is available.

Entry Requirements

All candidates will need to have:

• at least 2 years post-qualifying experience of mental health or related health and social care services; and
• an honours degree or successful study of at least one module at level 6.

To be eligible for entry to AMHP training modules, candidates must:

• be a social worker registered with the Health and Care Professions Council; or
• be a first level nurse, registered in Sub-Part 1 of the Nurses’ Part of the Register maintained under article 5 of the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001, with the inclusion of an entry indicating their field of practice is mental health or learning disabilities nursing; or
• be an occupational therapist registered in Part 6 of the Register maintained under article 5 of the Health professions Order 2001; or
• a chartered psychologist who is listed in the British Psychological Society’s register of Chartered Psychologists and who holds a relevant practising certificate issued by that Society.

(The Mental Health AMHP Regulations 2008, Sch 1.)

• be nominated by the local authority or other employer
• meet locally agreed employer criteria for recruitment and selection.

Local Authority/Agency commitment to provide a placement.

Additionally an AMHP candidate needs to be able to undertake the appropriate practice requirements under the supervision of an employer provided practice supervisor and assessor.

Who accredits this course?

Social Work England

Approved by Social Work England (SWE) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with SWE as a social worker in England.

Funding

Postgraduate Loyalty Discount:

You can get 20% discount on a taught postgraduate course if you’re a University of Wolverhampton Graduate.

The University offers a generous 20% Loyalty Discount to students progressing from an undergraduate programme to a taught postgraduate on-site programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree as long as this is your first Masters level qualification.

The discount applies to the first year of enrolment only. Students who receive a loyalty discount are not entitled to any further tuition discount or bursary. For full terms and conditions click here.

Self-funded:

If you are paying for the fees yourself then the fees can be paid in 3 instalments: November, January and April. More information can be found by clicking here.

Sponsored - Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

Your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

What skills will you gain?

The educational aims of the course are to enable candidates to develop their knowledge, skills and values in mental health practices in order to enhance their capabilities within their own areas of expertise.

The course is designed to enable mental health professionals to develop and demonstrate practice in accordance with the published requirements of external professional, statutory and regulatory bodies in order to act as Approved Mental Health Professionals.

The course learning outcomes are:

• Demonstrate critical and analytical knowledge and understanding of medical, social and psychological perspectives in mental health practices, including clear reference to service user and carer perspectives and cultural competence
• Demonstrate critical and analytical knowledge and understanding of the legal and policy context of mental health practice
• Demonstrate critical and analytical knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practice
• Demonstrate critical and analytical knowledge and understanding of values-based practice and ability to recognise and resolve complex ethical dilemmas
• Demonstrate the ability to deal with complex and unpredictable issues systematically
• Demonstrate practice competence as determined by published requirements for AMHP approval.

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PG Cert Mental Health Practice (for Approved Mental Health Professionals)

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Degree Overview:

This course aims to equip approved mental health professionals (AMHPs) with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values to enhance their capabilities within their respective areas of expertise. It is designed to enable participants to develop and demonstrate practice in accordance with external professional, statutory, and regulatory body requirements. The course curriculum covers the legal and policy framework underpinning the AMHP role, including a dedicated module on the Mental Health Act (1983). Participants will also critically appraise essential knowledge areas such as models of mental distress, interventions, and cultural competence.

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Course Objectives:

• Provide participants with a thorough understanding of mental health and mental disorder.
• Equip participants with the necessary skills and values to practice as an AMHP.
• Enable participants to develop critical and analytical knowledge and understanding of the legal and policy context of mental health practice.
• Foster a strong foundation in evidence-based and values-based practice.
• Enhance participants' ability to deal with complex and unpredictable situations systematically.
• Prepare participants for demonstration of practice competence as determined by published requirements for AMHP approval.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Critical knowledge for AMHPs (20 credits)
• The legal and policy context of AMHP practice (20 credits)
• The Mental Health Act for AMHPs (20 credits)

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Assessment:

The course utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning. These may include:

• Essays: Students will demonstrate their understanding of key concepts through written essays.
• Presentations: Students will present their research and findings on specific topics.
• Case studies: Students will analyze and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies.
• Examinations: Students may participate in written or oral examinations to assess their comprehension of the material.

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles. These methods include:

• Lectures: Experts in the field deliver lectures on key topics and concepts.
• Seminars: Interactive seminars provide a platform for discussion, debate, and clarification of complex issues.
• Workshops: Hands-on workshops allow students to apply their knowledge and develop practical skills.
• Independent study: Students engage in self-directed learning through research, reading, and analysis.

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Careers:

Upon completion of the program, graduates can pursue a variety of career paths as AMHPs within diverse settings, including:

• Local authorities
• Mental health trusts
• Independent mental health services
• Hospitals
• Forensic settings

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Other:

• The course is approved by Social Work England (SWE).
• The course is offered part-time over one year.
• The program includes a strong emphasis on ethical considerations and cultural competence.

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Additional Information:

• The program welcomes nominations from employers for individuals seeking to become AMHPs.
• Stand-alone modules Decision-making & interventions for adults in a legal framework (L6) and Decision-making & interventions for adults in a legal framework (L7) are recommended prerequisites.
• The program offers a generous 20% loyalty discount to graduates of the University of Wolverhampton.
• Financial hardship assistance is available through the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

University of Wolverhampton

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Overview:

The University of Wolverhampton is a public university located in Wolverhampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as degree apprenticeships and CPD short courses. The university is known for its strong focus on student support and its commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience.

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Services Offered:

The University of Wolverhampton offers a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

The university provides academic support services such as tutoring, writing workshops, and study skills development.

Student Support:

Students have access to a range of support services, including disability support, mature student support, and career guidance.

Accommodation:

The university offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options, as well as information and support for finding off-campus housing.

IT Services:

Students have access to a range of IT services, including computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.

Library:

The university library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and databases.

Gym:

The university has a gym with a variety of facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and sports courts.

Students' Union:

The Students' Union provides a range of services and activities for students, including social events, clubs, and societies.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Wolverhampton can expect a vibrant and supportive campus environment. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a number of facilities and services to support student life, including a gym, a Students' Union, and a library.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Student Support:

The university is known for its strong focus on student support, with a range of services available to help students succeed.

Affordable Living:

The university offers a variety of affordable accommodation options, as well as information and support for finding off-campus housing.

High-Quality Learning Experience:

The university is committed to providing a high-quality learning experience, with experienced lecturers and modern facilities.

Strong Graduate Outcomes:

A high percentage of the university's graduates are employed or in further education within 15 months of graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Wolverhampton offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts, Business, and Social Sciences:

The university has a strong reputation in these fields, with programs in areas such as creative industries, social science, humanities, business, and law.

Education, Health, and Wellbeing:

The university offers a variety of programs in these fields, including education, nursing, midwifery, psychology, health and society, and sport.

Science and Engineering:

The university has a strong reputation in these fields, with programs in areas such as architecture, built environment, engineering, computing, mathematical sciences, life sciences, and pharmacy.

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Other:

The university has a strong commitment to research, with a number of research centers and institutes. The university also has a strong international focus, with a number of programs and services for international students.