Why study MA Advanced Mental Health Practice at BU?

  • This is a full-time course, which can be taken over a maximum of 5 years. It is arranged in blocks of taught days and placement days
  • Learning includes a mix of interactive workshops, teaching sessions and facilitated group discussions
  • Service user and carer input are central to the course, combined with individualised self-directed learning with flexibility in units to meet your individual needs
  • Opportunities for experiential learning are provided in a supervised practice placement as required by the professional body
  • Practitioners who successfully complete the programme can be considered for professional warranting by their local authority as Approved Mental Health Professionals under the Mental Health Act 1983 amended 2007
  • As part of your Master’s you’ll deliver a Service Improvement Project, which will involve you improving an existing approach to service improvement or developing a new one.  

Please note: all applicants must be nominated by a local authority employer, who is required to provide a reference of their suitability for the course and verify that they are able to provide an appropriate placement and practice assessor to evaluate the practice competencies.

Career opportunities

The course recognises the diversity of mental health social work, providing practitioners with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and enhance their skills in dealing with complex work. 

Advanced Mental Health Practice graduates can undertake the role of an Approved Mental Health Professional and will be able to support roles within mental health and health & social care.

“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:

October 2023 (Bournemouth, London)

Location:

Bournemouth University Lansdowne Campus and various venues in London and Exeter

Duration:

PG Dip: full-time over a period of 6-months. The remaining elements for the full MA award can be completed on a part-time basis within 5 years.

Accreditations:

Social Work England

Entry requirements:

Applicants for the programme must 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. Additional prerequisites are detailed below.

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.