This part-time course is designed to prepare practitioners who will be considered for appointment as approved mental health professionals under the Mental Health Act 2007.
After completing the course, you’ll be able to take on the role of best interest assessor (Mental Health Capacity Act 2005). In meeting the requirements of the Higher Specialist Social Work Award in Mental Health, the course also recognises the diversity of mental health social work and provides practitioners with the opportunity to develop and extend their knowledge and enhance their skills in dealing with complex work.
Learning includes a mix of interactive workshops, teaching sessions and facilitated group discussions. Service user and carer input will be central to student learning methods, and this is combined with individualised self-directed learning with flexibility in units to tailor learning to meet individual student needs.
Opportunities for experiential learning are provided in a supervised practice placement as required by the professional body. Assessment for the course will include completing a portfolio including a report by a practice assessor, based on observation of how you apply learning and competence in showing the requirements. A range of reflective assignments and an in-class test will also be included.
“This course is fast-paced and challenging, but I have really enjoyed the structure of the law and ethics taught sessions, mixed with practice placement learning experiences. I have learned so much and feel confident and ready to work as an enhanced mental health professional.”
Seth Rowles, graduate
Key information
Next start date:
Please enquire
Location:
Bournemouth University, Lansdowne Campus
Duration:
Maximum 5 years
Entry requirements:
A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2 in any subject, or equivalent. Applicants are normally expected to have at least one year of professional or management experience.
Applicants for the programme must also meet the professional requirements set out in Schedule 1 of the Mental Health (AMHP) Regulations 2008 and hold a professional qualification in social work, nursing, occupational therapy or psychology and be currently registered to that profession as laid out in Schedule 1. Applicants must also follow their local employer’s preparation pathway.
International entry requirements:
If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component of writing, speaking, listening and reading, or equivalent.
For more information check out our full entry requirements.
Please enquire for fees for this course.
