Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping, and parks - we've got it all. Leeds city centre has been named one of the Best Places to Live in the UK*.
*The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, 2026
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Course overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Part-Time -
2 Years -
21 Sep 2026
Developed in partnership with Minds Ahead and school leaders, this course equips you with the most up-to-date knowledge of mental health research in educational settings. You’ll explore a range of theories from diverse perspectives and learn how to apply them to support the wellbeing of both pupils and staff.
As part of your course, you'll:
- Apply cutting-edge research and best practices to school-based mental health approaches, tailoring learning to meet the unique needs of your school
- Develop an expert understanding of key mental health issues within your setting, enabling you to promote protective factors and support early mental health improvements in children
- Build your confidence, knowledge, and critical thinking skills to contribute to an inclusive and supportive environment where every student's mental health is nurtured and strengthened
- Engage in reflective practice, critically analysing and evaluating current strategies to implement evidence-based improvements that benefit pupils, staff, and parents
Promoting mental health support
Evidence shows that promoting positive mental health significantly enhances students' ability to learn effectively, manage daily challenges, and develop into resilient young adults. This course provides a comprehensive developmental opportunity for you to ensure quality, evidenced-based, support and strategies exist in your setting.
Learning to make a positive change
You'll have access to expertise within the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. The Centre aims to strengthen the mental health of the next generation by supporting schools to make positive changes at all levels of the UK's education systems. It focuses on improving outcomes and life chances of children and young people.
Teaching expertise
You’ll work with staff from our partner organisation Minds Ahead, who collaborate in delivering the course. The teaching team will support you in exploring how to enhance the mental health of your pupils.
Why study the PG Dip School Mental Health Specialist course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Learn from experts - your course is delivered by academics and practitioners with significant expertise in school mental health
- Make a difference as you learn to reshape mental health in education
- Flexible study – study from anywhere in the world via distance learning
- Build your network as you connect with fellow students and external providers
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 should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment. Applicants will need to be in a relevant post in a school or educational setting and have satisfactory experience in this role to undertake the course.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.0 with no skill below 5.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment. Applicants will need to be in a relevant post in a school or educational setting and have satisfactory experience in this role to undertake the course.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.0 with no skill below 5.5. 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 6.0 with no skill below 5.5. 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
Distance learning
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you’ll have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you’ll also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Technical requirements for distance learning study are detailed in the full guide. Visit our distance learning website for more information.
Overall workload
Each module on our distance learning courses is individually designed to maximise your learning so study requirements will vary. As a general guideline, you’ll need to allocate around 10 hours per week to complete each module, plus a further five hours for additional reading and assignments. However, this may vary depending on the module. Teaching and learning will be delivered using a range of interactive resources. This typically includes audio and video content, group discussions, reflective exercises, quizzes, online reading and much more. All these resources are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment and can be accessed at a time and place that suits you.
What you'll learn
Develop the skills to support emotional resilience in both staff and pupils within your school or college. This module prepares you to lead wellbeing initiatives and help establish a culture that supports positive mental health. Working alongside the designated senior mental health lead, you'll also empower pupils to lead activities that strengthen protective factors and raise awareness of risks affecting mental health and wellbeing.
Explore current theory, data and statistics, and demographic factors shaping mental health and wellbeing. This module helps you identify the signs, symptoms, and behaviours linked to a range of mental health conditions. You'll examine national and international perspectives to understand how special educational needs and disabilities can influence mental health. You'll also investigate approaches that support children and young people in self-assessing their own needs within school and college settings.
Learn to apply evidence-based intervention strategies to support children and young people with specific mental health needs. This module equips you to select and sensitively use ethically approved approaches tailored to individual requirements. You'll examine national and international evidence on effectiveness, exploring theoretical models that build resilience, reduce behavioural and emotional difficulties, and promote wellbeing. Approaches covered include CBT, social learning theory, mindfulness, person-centred support, and the human givens framework.
What you'll learn
Explore models of good practice from the UK and internationally that involve parents and carers in supporting children and young people’s mental health. You'll learn how to strengthen pupil participation in wellbeing initiatives and interventions within your educational setting. By the end of the module, you'll be equipped to establish effective peer support approaches in your school or college.
Take a lead in supporting school staff to develop and deliver evidence-based interventions suited to their experience and the individual needs of children and young people. Working alongside your school’s senior mental health lead, you'll adopt, embed, and sustain data-driven, whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing. Drawing on national and international perspectives, you'll also be able to signpost and refer pupils, staff, and parents to high-quality support, advice, and guidance.
This module helps you to clearly define the role of the school mental health specialist in relation to other school, college, and external support staff. By engaging with and learning from other educational institutions, you'll strengthen your knowledge, skills, confidence, and professional identity. You'll also complete an independent, work-based study, developing valuable research and data analysis skills to help shape and sustain your role into the future.
Fees and funding
£7,900
UK
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £65.83 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 120.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
£10,900
International 2026. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £90.83 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 120.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Fees and funding
£7,900
For students entering in 2026. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £65.83 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 120.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
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
- You'll need access to an appropriate device such as a computer or tablet, together with a reliable internet connection for this online course. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
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.
£10,900
For students entering in 2026. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £90.83 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 120.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
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
- You'll need access to an appropriate device such as a computer or tablet, together with a reliable internet connection for this online course. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
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
Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools
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.
Career Prospects
Mental health is everybody's responsibility, and schools play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of both students and staff. This course equips you with the skills to make a meaningful difference – not only to the pupils you work directly with, but to your wider educational community. Former graduates from this course have progressed to a range of roles, including:
- Trust lead for mental health and wellbeing
- Senior mental health lead
- Deputy SENCo with responsibility for social, emotional and mental health
Good mental health is essential for the success of children and young people, and fostering a positive environment in schools is key to supporting their development. These courses provide teachers with the knowledge and tools they need to better understand and address mental health issues in their pupils. They not only equip educators with practical strategies for supporting mental health, but they also help build a school culture that prioritises emotional wellbeing and an ethic of care.”
Dr Steve Burton
Head of Subject
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
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.
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