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PGCert

Mental Health Practice

Duration
1 year
Start
September 2025
Delivery
In-person

Our Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health incorporates Approved Mental Health Professional training and uses an in-depth approach to developing skilled AMHP practitioners.

Why study with us

  • Our course draws on the expertise of practising AMHPs, academics, researchers, lawyers, service users and carers.
  • The course reflects the needs of our local employers and stakeholders and is continually shaped in response to feedback.
  • Build on and refine the skills and values needed to work as an autonomous, competent practitioner.
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What you'll do

  • You will extend your University teaching into a practice placement in a mental health setting, with a suitably qualified AMHP acting as Practice Educator.
  • You’ll demonstrate applied knowledge through a practice portfolio.
  • On successful completion of this award, you could progress to a PGDip or MA award.

Modules

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Looking to start your postgraduate journey?

Our range of subjects and study modes can support your goals. Take your next step with a postgraduate degree.

How to apply
Jill Hemmington
Senior Lecturer

Entry requirements

You will need to have access to a suitable practice placement with a practice assessor who is a qualified AMHP. You will also need to demonstrate your relevant experience and readiness to undertake AMHP training as part of professional body requirements. 

  • Applicants should hold at least a 2:2 degree in health related area or equivalent
  • The programme is open to any applicants meeting the entry requirements for the course and have prior formal agreement support from their employer including practitioners working outside of the Local Authority
  • Applicants who are employed outside the boundaries of England and Wales are excluded from applying for the AMHP programme
  • AMHP Applicants qualifications: Social Worker registered with the Health and Care Professions Council or Occupational Therapist registered in Part 6 of the Register maintained under article 5 of the Health Professions Order 2001 or 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, with the inclusion of an entry indicating their field of practice is mental health or learning disabilities nursing or 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
  • HCPC continuing registration requirements for Qualified Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Clinical Psychologists or NMC continuing registration requirements for Qualified Mental Health and Learning Disability Nurses required
  • Undertaking the course will ensure compliance with elements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council ‘The Code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives’ and the NMC’s Post-Registration education and practice standards and guidance
  • DBS required and advised to speak to employer about reimbursement
  • The applicant will usually have employment with an agency with the ability to provide or arrange a suitable practice placement
  • Applicants who work for an agency that cannot provide placement are advised to seek advice from the either the programme team or their Local Authority
  • All applicants will provide their employer with a detailed written application where they will provide evidence of their relevant experience, professional competence, capacity, written language skills and ability to undertake and complete an AMHP training programme and study at postgraduate level
  • As professional registration is an ongoing employment requirement, arrangements will be in place in relation to payment of fees to the relevant professional body

This course will involve you working with vulnerable groups of individuals, this may include children. In order to ensure that the University offers places on their programmes to suitable candidates you will be required to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (formerly termed CRB).

Not got the grades?

Our courses with a foundation year could be exactly what you're looking for. They provide an alternative route to study for this degree.

Find out more about our courses with a foundation year.

Fees and funding

2024/25
UK
Part-time£975 per 20 credits
Distance Part-time£4,000 per trainee
2025/26
UK
Distance Part-timeTBC
International
Distance Part-timeTBC

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

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This course is delivered by the School of Health, Social Work and Sport

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page