Mental Health Practice

Overview

Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) exercise functions under the Mental Health Act 1983. Those functions relate to decisions made about individuals with seriously impaired mental health, including the difficult decision to apply for compulsory admission to a hospital for treatment.

Our Mental Health Practice programme consists of two independent elements: AMHP training available at Postgraduate Diploma level, and either a Diploma or Master's Degree in Mental Health Practice. By studying on this programme, you'll gain a detailed understanding of relevant legislation, theory, empirical work and conceptual material around how mental health wellbeing is constructed and supported in England and internationally.

Registered social workers, mental health and learning disabilities nurses, occupational therapists and practitioner/chartered psychologists may train to become an AMHP.

Employers are responsible for sponsoring students for this programme. They also provide practice placements to enable students to develop their practice. This is assessed by means of a portfolio.

Professional Accreditation

The Postgraduate Diploma programme with Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) training is accredited by Social Work England (SWE). Only those who have completed SWE accredited (approved) training and have been approved to act as an AMHP by a local social services authority in England may perform the functions of an AMHP. This means that graduates successfully completing the approved course to at least Diploma level are eligible to be approved to work in an AMHP role.

Entry Requirements

• Employer nomination: All applicants must be nominated by a local authority or other employer.
• A first degree (minimum 2:2). In exceptional cases candidates without a first degree may submit evidence of their ability to study at postgraduate level - the Programme Director will assess this for suitability.
• English language requirements: IELTS at 7.5 or the equivalent.

Your Learning Journey

All module information is for 2023 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

Postgraduate Certificate

• Law, Policies and Procedures (and AMHP role)
• Critical Perspectives in Mental Health
• Collaborative Practice in Mental Health

Second Year

Postgraduate Diploma

Modules taken on the Postgraduate Certificate must be completed, plus:

• Approved Mental Health Professional Practice
• Risk: Evidence-based Decision-making and Communication

Final Year

Degree of Master

Modules taken on the Postgraduate Diploma must be completed, plus:

• Mental Health: MA Dissertation

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching is focused on meeting clear learning outcomes for each module whilst maintaining an overall holistic approach to mental health and mental health practice. Small student numbers facilitate the creation of a safe and stimulating environment in which the students can learn, recognising and building on the rich contribution that students bring from their own professional experience.

An induction programme will provide an introduction to adult learning with an emphasis on developing critical analysis and reflection accompanied by guidance on what is expected of postgraduate level study by the University.

Learning will be directed and supported using a range of methods and approaches, combining a mix of direct teaching / lecture input with small group discussion, case studies and examples from practice. The use of appropriate audio-visual resources will be used to enhance learning in addition to the contribution of service users and carers / experts-by-experience.

Guest speakers and associate lecturers will also provide relevant input based on their own expertise and specialist knowledge. Collaborative learning and discussion with peers will reflect the emphasis in advanced professional practice where peer consultation and supervision are recognised as good practice.

Each 20 credit module represents approximately 200 hours study time including time spent on assessment and directed study.

Fees, Finance and Scholarships

Tuition Fee

• 10 credits: £627
• 20 credits: £1254
• 30 credits: £1881
• 40 credits: £2508
• Dissertation: £2714

Additional Course Costs

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Funding Your Studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.

Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.

Postgraduate Master's Loan

If you live in England you may be able to apply for a special Government-funded Master's Loan to help pay your tuition fees and living costs. You don't have to pay the loan back until you're earning a certain amount of money.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career Prospects

On completion of the first five modules, you will be eligible for the Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice and eligible for approval as an AMHP by your employer.

The AMHP Programme is approved by the SWE, in line with their criteria for the approval of AMHP programmes.

Career Opportunities

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

University of Bradford

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Overview:

The University of Bradford is a public research university located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. It is known for its strong focus on research and its commitment to social mobility. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university provides a vibrant student life experience with a range of clubs, societies, and events. Students can expect a welcoming and supportive campus environment.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong research focus:

The university is recognized for its high-quality research, with 77% of its research impact rated internationally excellent or world-leading.

Social mobility:

The University of Bradford is ranked first in England for its impact on social mobility.

Value for money:

The university's Distance Learning MBA is ranked the best value for money by the Financial Times.

Excellent academic programs:

The university excels in various fields, including Physiotherapy, Forensic Science, and Children's Nursing.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Business:

The University of Bradford's Business School is recognized for its support of firms and students.

Nursing:

The university provides financial help for nursing students.

Computer Science:

The university has invested £600k in new computer science labs.

Other:

The university also offers programs in various other fields, including engineering, law, and the arts.

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Other:

The university is a member of Yorkshire Universities and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. It has also received the Athena Swan Bronze Award and the Queen's Anniversary Prizes.