Program Overview

Overview

The Mental Capacity and Mental Disorder course provides health and social care professionals with an introduction to both the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983. It offers an opportunity to critically examine the concepts of mental capacity and mental disorder within the context of the current policy and legislative framework relating to this field of practice.

Key Features

• This course provides the necessary pre-requisite knowledge for those who are not Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) trained, which is a prerequisite for those aiming to undertake the Best Interest Assessor course.
• Teaching is built around the needs of experienced busy professionals who have chosen to study this course as part of their continuing professional development and career progression.
• Students will learn alongside a range of other professionals from a variety of disciplines, allowing them to share valuable knowledge and experience.
• The course explores capacity and mental disorder from both a medical model and alternative perspectives.

Teaching and Assessment

• Students will be taught through a series of lectures and independent study, supported by the University’s virtual learning environment.
• Assessment will include submission of a case study.
• Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks.

Entry Requirements

• Possess a degree or an equivalent qualification.
• Be a Health or Social Care Practitioner.
• Have relevant experience within a health or social care setting.
• If intending to continue on to the Best Interest Assessor Course, please be aware of the additional entry requirements for that course.
• If not possessing a degree but having relevant experience, preparatory work may be required to demonstrate the ability to study at postgraduate level.
• For those not registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), or Social Work England (SWE), and if the first language is not English, the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification must be met (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent).

Start Dates and Duration

• Start date: 2 February 2026
• Duration: 5 weeks, part-time
• Credits: 15 Masters level credits
• Code: HMS1061

Fees and Finance

• Part-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate students: £660 (Band 1) per 15 credit module and £1,320 (Band 1) per 30 credit module.
• Tuition fees for UK students cover the cost of study at the University.
• For more information about funding, fees, and finance for UK students, including what the tuition fee covers, please refer to the University’s Fees and Finance information.
• Tuition fees for subsequent years of study may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X).

Career Support

• This short course assists in meeting the specialist skills and post-registration development requirements stipulated by employers or professional regulators.
• It helps develop competences required to relate learning to practice.

Research Excellence

• The University of Huddersfield is in the top 50 UK universities for Research Power.
• Three-quarters of all research is world-leading and internationally excellent.
• Over 60% of the research environment was classified as world-leading and internationally excellent, especially in Music, Biological Sciences, Architecture and Built Environment, Social Work and Social Policy, History, and Communication and Media Studies.

Student Support

• The University of Huddersfield offers support networks and services to help students get ahead in their studies and social life.
• Support includes dedicated staff and resources to navigate through the personal student journey.

Important Information

• The University operates an attendance monitoring system.
• Changes to courses may occur due to various reasons, including changes in the law, requirements of regulators, or unforeseen circumstances.
• Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year but may happen sooner in an emergency.
• The University will notify students as soon as possible should a major change be necessary and will consult with affected groups of students.