Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Part-Time -
9 Months -
25 Jan 2027
This Social Work England-approved course is for registered social workers, mental health nurses, learning disability nurses, occupational therapists and psychologists. We'll provide you with a specialist understanding of mental health and you'll develop the competencies needed to practice as an approved mental health professional.
As part of this course, you'll:
- Build your skills and knowledge to expand your current remit and carry out certain mental health-related responsibilities
- Embed professional and ethical approaches into your practice to ensure you operate as a safe and effective practitioner
- Critically reflect on what service users and their carers need to maximise successful outcomes
- Gain a thorough understanding of current legislation and mental health law
- Study prevalent and topical issues in society, ranging from asylum to substance misuse and child protection
- Learn to act independently and assertively and take accountability for the decisions you make
- Apply your skills hands-on through varied work placements
Approved by Social Work England
Our Mental Health Practice course has been approved by Social Work England since 2 December 2019.
Teaching expertise
Throughout the course, you'll be taught by professionals with extensive expertise in mental health provision and mental health law, some who are still active practitioners. Many of your teaching team are already AMHPs or are experts in mental health services.
Invaluable insight
As well as expert teaching, you'll hear invaluable accounts from service users experiencing mental distress, giving you first-hand insight into the topics you'll be covering.
Why study the PG Cert Mental Health Practice course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Expand your career prospects by training to become a qualified approved mental health professional
- Study a professionally approved course – we’re approved by Social Work England
- Engage with academic and industry experts, as well as service users
- Part-time study allows you the flexibility to work around existing commitments
Why Leeds for health? Employing over 196,000 health and science professionals, Leeds is the UK’s leading centre for healthcare and innovation. Find out why studying here is the right choice for you.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants are normally expected to hold at least a second-class Honours degree and possess a recognised professional qualification in Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, or Psychology. They must also be registered as a Social Worker, First Level Mental Health or Learning Disability Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Chartered Psychologist.
All applicants must be formally supported by their employer (typically a local authority) in pursuing training to become an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP). This support must include guaranteed access to a suitable practice learning placement, supervised by a qualified AMHP who will act as the practice assessor. To undertake this placement, applicants must hold an enhanced DBS check and provide confirmation that no fitness-to-practice concerns exist that would prevent them from working within AMHP services.
As part of their application, applicants must demonstrate the potential to develop and evidence the competencies required under the legislation governing AMHP practice. These competencies are detailed here.
To assist in assessing suitability for the programme, applicants are required to submit a personal statement outlining how their current professional practice has prepared them to meet these competencies. This may include examples from their own practice and/or reflections on an observed Mental Health Act assessment conducted by an Approved Mental Health Professional.
All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 6.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Entry requirements
Applicants are normally expected to hold at least a second-class Honours degree and possess a recognised professional qualification in Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, or Psychology. They must also be registered as a Social Worker, First Level Mental Health or Learning Disability Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Chartered Psychologist.
All applicants must be formally supported by their employer (typically a local authority) in pursuing training to become an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP). This support must include guaranteed access to a suitable practice learning placement, supervised by a qualified AMHP who will act as the practice assessor. To undertake this placement, applicants must hold an enhanced DBS check and provide confirmation that no fitness-to-practice concerns exist that would prevent them from working within AMHP services.
As part of their application, applicants must demonstrate the potential to develop and evidence the competencies required under the legislation governing AMHP practice. These competencies are detailed here.
To assist in assessing suitability for the programme, applicants are required to submit a personal statement outlining how their current professional practice has prepared them to meet these competencies. This may include examples from their own practice and/or reflections on an observed Mental Health Act assessment conducted by an Approved Mental Health Professional.
All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 6.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 6.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
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.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
This module will help prepare you for the role of the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), giving you the ability to appraise, and apply, relevant legislation, policy, theory and research to complex and challenging assessments.
Gain an in-depth understanding of mental health legislation and its application in practice. This module includes up-to-date and practical applications of the Mental Health Act and related legislation, with the key focus centring upon the role of the AMHP and the requirements set down by the HCPC and the statutory regulations.
This module will introduce you to the numerous approaches to understanding mental disorder and how they are utilised in practice. You will examine how approaches to mental health (disorder) have developed from large institutional approaches to the present-day community care, and you will consider the effect that historical and current policies have had within the mental health system.
Fees and funding
£3,680
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £3680. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Fees and funding
£3,680
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £3680. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you'll need to pay for any additional travel costs.
- You'll need to be registered with the professional body relevant to your profession. There are no additional fees relating to this course. For example, you could be: 1. a social worker registered with Social Work England, 2. 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(1), with the inclusion of an entry indicating your field of practice is mental health or learning disabilities nursing, 3. an occupational therapist registered in Part 6 of the Register maintained under article 5 of the Health Professions Order 2001(2), 4. 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.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you'll need to pay for any additional travel costs.
- You'll need to be registered with the professional body relevant to your profession. There are no additional fees relating to this course. For example, you could be: 1. a social worker registered with Social Work England, 2. 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(1), with the inclusion of an entry indicating your field of practice is mental health or learning disabilities nursing, 3. an occupational therapist registered in Part 6 of the Register maintained under article 5 of the Health Professions Order 2001(2), 4. 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.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
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