PgCert Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)

Course summary

This course is essential if you want to practise as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) for a local authority. It can also enhance your knowledge and understanding of the law and mental health as a practice educator of others in AMHP, social worker, nurse, psychologist, occupational therapist, researcher or academic.

How you learn

You'll complete three modules – including a placement organised by your sponsoring authority, where you put your learning into practice. You'll work with service users and carers alongside qualified AMHPs, doctors and other professionals.

• Workshops
• Lectures
• Group and individual tasks
• Practice
• Private study
• Online reading
• Interactive debates and discussions
• Online discussions

Applied learning

Work placements

You'll complete placements in your own sponsoring agency – usually with an AMHP team. You'll be supervised by an allocated practice educator while you shadow and then lead assessments with a range of AMHP colleagues.

Modules

Final year

Compulsory modules

• Amhp Practice (15 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Mental Health Law And Policy (30 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (75%), Practical (25%)
• Values, Ethics And Evidence Informed Practice (15 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)

Future careers

This course is essential if you want to practise as an AMHP for a local authority. It can also enhance your knowledge and understanding of the law and mental health as a:

• Practice educator of others in AMHP
• Social worker
• Nurse
• Psychologist
• Occupational therapist
• Researcher or academic

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for a range of NHS and local authority employers across the region, including:

• Derbyshire County Council
• Sheffield City Council
• Leeds City Council
• East Riding County Council

Equipment and facilities

We've invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

Entry requirements

• A qualification in social work, occupational therapy, nursing or chartered psychology
• Registration with relevant professional body
• Two years post-qualification experience
• Sponsored by local authority or health trust

If you are wanting to self-fund this course, you will need to secure an appropriate placement from an AMHP team that will provide full student support and a Practice Assessor providing 90 minutes support a week. This must be secured before you apply for the course. Self-funders must contact the course leader before applying to make sure your placement meets our requirements.

You need to have completed shadowing of approved mental health professional assessment and submit a write-up of this assessment with your application. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more

If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in all skills or equivalent.

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £3,440 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

Postgraduate student loans

Up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses.

Learn more

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Social work courses (PDF, 331.7KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University's Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.

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Degree Overview:

This PgCert Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) program is designed for qualified and experienced professionals in mental health who wish to become Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHP). The program is approved by Social Work England and enables graduates to apply for registration as a social worker.

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Objectives:

• Study the application of values, ethics, and dilemmas in mental health practice.
• Gain a deeper understanding of mental health and associated law and policy.
• Develop the ability to work collaboratively with professionals to promote recovery.
• Examine current research informing knowledge about mental health conditions and treatments.

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Workshops
• Lectures
• Group and individual tasks
• Practice
• Private study
• Online reading
• Interactive debates and discussions
• Online discussions
• It can enhance knowledge and understanding of mental health law and policy for professionals such as:
• Practice educators of AMHPs
• Social workers
• Nurses
• Psychologists
• Occupational therapists
• Researchers or academics
• Graduates have secured positions with various NHS and local authority employers, including:
• Derbyshire County Council
• Sheffield City Council
• Leeds City Council
• East Riding County Council

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Other:

• The program includes a placement organized by the sponsoring authority, where students put their learning into practice.
• Placements typically involve working with service users and carers alongside qualified AMHPs, doctors, and other professionals.
• Students are supervised by an allocated practice educator during their placement.
• The program is periodically reviewed and enhanced to ensure compliance with professional, statutory, and regulatory body standards.
• Module structure, content, delivery, and assessment may change, but the focus of the course and learning outcomes are expected to remain as described.

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• Home students: £3,440 for the course

Sheffield Hallam University: A Summary

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Overview:

Sheffield Hallam University is a public university located in Sheffield, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning, industry partnerships, and student support. The university boasts award-winning teaching, world-class facilities, and a vibrant campus environment.

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Services Offered:

Accommodation:

Guaranteed accommodation for first-year students in close and affordable locations with all bills included.

Student Support:

Dedicated advisors provide support from place confirmation to beyond graduation.

Career Services:

The university offers resources and guidance to help students find employment after graduation.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Vibrant City:

Sheffield is a scenic, creative, and affordable city with a thriving student community.

Campus Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including libraries, cafes, and sports centers.

Student Clubs and Societies:

Students can join a wide range of clubs and societies to pursue their interests and make new friends.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Award-Winning Teaching:

Sheffield Hallam University is recognized for its high-quality teaching and learning experiences.

World-Class Facilities:

The university invests in state-of-the-art facilities to enhance student learning.

Dedicated Support:

Students receive comprehensive support from dedicated advisors and staff.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong partnerships with businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable industry experience.

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Academic Programs:

Diverse Programs:

Sheffield Hallam University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Strengths:

The university is particularly known for its programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, and creative industries.

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Other:

Research:

The university conducts innovative, real-world research across various fields.

Awards:

Sheffield Hallam University has received numerous awards for its teaching, research, and commitment to social mobility.

Sustainability:

The university is committed to environmental sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

Equality and Diversity:

The university promotes equality and diversity and has a strong commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students and staff.