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Course Summary

This part-time interprofessional course is delivered in collaboration with Cheshire Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Partnership and incorporates AMHP training. The aim of the course is to produce competent, independent mental health practitioners capable of complex decision making and working with high levels of professional responsibility.

Successful candidates will be eligible to be approved as an AMHP by their relevant Local Authority.

Our course structure and content shows a strong commitment to the integration of theory and practice, underpinned by a strong value base. The course will build on your graduate and professional experience by immersing you in the multifaceted and rapidly changing face of mental health practice.

The taught content is delivered by the Cheshire AMHP Partnership. Nationally recognised mental health speakers, specialist mental health practitioners, academics, and service users and carers contribute to the teaching on the course. The AMHP training component also involves undertaking a practice placement within a community mental health setting or equivalent.

The course will equip you to play a key role in the care and protection of people with mental disorders and to undertake the specific duties of an AMHP.

Why you'll Love it


What you'llStudy

You will learn about the complexities involved in working in mental health practice. While the focus of the teaching is on mental health legislation, you will also learn about the range of models of mental disorder. The practice placement will enable you to apply your learning to practice.

Module content:

Module content will include:

  1. Mental health and other relevant legislation, related Codes of Practice and national guidance, including related case law. Mental Capacity Act 2005 and related Codes of Practice.
  2. National and local policies, guidance and procedures relating to statutory mental health functions and in relation to the AMHP's wider role and duties.
  3. Roles and responsibilities of the AMHP and other professionals involved in statutory mental health work. Adult and child protection procedures in relation to AMHP practice.
  4. Case material - application of law in practice.

Module aims:

This module seeks to equip students with a systematic and detailed knowledge of mental health law and related relevant legislation, including associated codes of practice. Students will develop a critical awareness of the the legal position and accountability of AMHPs in relation to the Mental Health Act 1983, any employing authority and the authority on whose behalf they are acting. There will be an opportunity to critically reflect on the complexity of the power inherent in the AMHP role, and the implications for service users, carers and other professionals in the exercise of that power.

Module content:

Module content will include:

  1. Underpinning values and principles of AMHP training and mental health practice (HCPC 2013). Mental Health Act 1983 Code of Practice Guiding Principles, Professional Codes of Ethics.
  2. Models of mental disorder, including the contribution of  biological, psychological and social factors.
  3. Signs, symptoms and assessment of mental disorder. Diagnostic criteria: DSM V and ICD 10. Transcultural psychiatry and culturally sensitive practice.
  4. The social perspective on mental disorder and mental health needs.
  5. Methods of care, treatment and interventions in mental health practice.
  6. The needs of children, young people and their families.
  7. Social divisions and mental health.
  8. Service users and carers - personal perspectives and experiences.

Module aims:

This module introduces the students to a range of models of mental disorder. It will enable the development of knowledge and critical understanding of the main clinical symptoms and classification of mental disorder. It will also explore the social perspective of mental illness and critically examine a range of different interventions, allowing a comprehensive understanding of the applicability of relevant techniques and approaches. It will debate and critically reflect upon the implications of mental disorder for service users, carers and other professionals.

Module content:

Module content will include: 

  1. Key Competence Areas for AMHP Practice (DH Regs 2008).
  2. Indicators associated with risk, risk assessment, management, promoting safety and positive risk-taking in relation to the AMHP role.
  3. Independence, authority and autonomy in the AMHP role. Managing anxiety, risk and conflict.
  4. Effective decision-making. Analysis of information and evaluation of evidence-based AMHP Practice.
  5. Effective communication and the AMHP role. Assessment and Intervention. Interviewing skills.
  6. Interprofessional practice and effective collaborative working.

Module aims:

Approved Mental Health Professionals are required to carry out a range of responsibilities in respect of legal processes and risk assessment with people who experience mental distress. This module will enhance the candidate's understanding and skills in undertaking an AMHP assessment under MHA 1983. Candidates will critically evaluate the ethics and values located in the role, and analyse the good practice that underpins this work. The main aim of the module is to enable candidates to exercise appropriate use of independence, authority and autonomy in the AMHP role.

How you'll Learn

The course location is a Cheshire AMHP Partnership venue.

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, small group work, case discussions, tutorials, problem-based learning, experiential learning activities, peer learning and self-directed learning.

You will be assessed through written assignments, presentations, individual case studies, case discussions, direct observation, and a practice portfolio. The practice elements of the course are assessed by experienced Approved Mental Health Professionals.

Modules are delivered in two-week blocks and you will be expected to undertake ten hours private study per week.

Beyond the Classroom

On this course, you’ll spend time out on placement where you’ll apply what you have learnt to real scenarios in the workplace, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future career. This will be a minimum of 51 days or 60 days depending on experience.

Entry Requirements

The course is available to:

  • Registered social workers
  • First level nurses – their field of practice being mental health or learning disabilities nursing
  • Occupational therapists
  • Chartered psychologists

Applicants will have two years’ post-registration experience and be nominated and supported by their employer.

The course is available to:

  • Registered social workers
  • First level nurses – their field of practice being mental health or learning disabilities nursing
  • Occupational therapists
  • Chartered psychologists

Applicants will have two years’ post-registration experience and be nominated and supported by their employer.

Please note, this course is not eligible for progression to the Graduate Visa (PSW) or Skilled Worker Visa. It is not possible to upgrade from this course to the MA Applied Mental Health Practice.

English Language Requirements

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Successful candidates will be eligible to be approved as an AMHP by their relevant Local Authority.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.