PGCert Higher Specialist Work in Mental Health Services (AMHP) PGCert

The programme is founded on a flourishing partnership between the Department of Social Work and Social Care and nineteen local authorities (and their partner trusts) across England. Our partner agencies are fully involved in the processes of selection, programme delivery and assessment.

The programmes have a record of innovation – for example, in recruiting nurses and occupational therapists onto AMHP training – and have been consistently highly evaluated both by course participants and managers within the partner agencies and by successive accrediting bodies.

The programme particularly emphasises skill development in critical reflection, evaluation and analysis and aims to enable students to:

• Explore core values of the AMHP role, and how you can apply them in real-world practice while gaining confidence.
• Gain a deeper understanding of models of mental disorder and evaluate associated models of intervention.
• Develop the legal knowledge you need to practise safely and effectively, in accordance with relevant policy.
• Engage with the latest research and evidence, deepening your insight into contemporary AMHP practice.
• Learn to work collaboratively across disciplines, championing a social perspective within complex mental health environments.
• Work in partnership with people with lived experience and their carers, enhancing your ability to deliver compassionate, person-centred practice.

You’ll learn from a highly experienced, multi-disciplinary teaching team who bring real depth and breadth to your studies. Our staff include practising AMHPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, academics, nurses, social workers and people with lived experience. Many are actively involved in research and service innovation, ensuring that what you learn is grounded in current practice and forward-thinking approaches. The programme is delivered through flexible, modular teaching, designed to fit around the demands of professional life.

Assessment

Assessment on all modules is by assessment of practice competence as detailed below.

The programme assessment is diverse to ensure that practitioners meet the regulatory criteria set out in Section 2 of the Social Work England (SWE) Approval Criteria and the key areas of competence within Schedule 2 of the Mental Health Act (MHA) AMHP Regulations 2008, while developing the confidence and capability needed for advanced practice.

Students will complete a range of assessments that support the development of integrated professional capability, including:

• A practice analysis and essay, enabling critical engagement with theory, legislation and practice.

• A written unseen examination, assessing knowledge of core AMHP responsibilities, legal frameworks and decision-making.

• A Practice Portfolio, evidencing applied skills, professional competence and reflection on work-based learning.

• A practice reflection, demonstrating critical insight into professional development and practice within complex mental health contexts.

Successful completion of the modules leads to the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Specialist Work in Mental Health Services (Approved Mental Health Professional) and eligibility to be approved as an AMHP. The awarded 60 credits builds a foundation enabling progression to an MA.

The assessment strategy ensures that students are academically challenged, professionally supported, and fully prepared to undertake the responsibilities of AMHP practice within contemporary mental health services.

Candidates applying for AMHP training must be supported by their employers and seconded to the training. Employers must agree to provide a Practice Mentor Assessor and an appropriate Practice Learning Placement.

Applicants require at least 2 years post-qualifying experience in the mental health sector.

Applicants for Stage 1 of the programme must hold a recognised professional qualification in social work, nursing, occupational therapy or psychology. They must be a registered social worker, nurse, occupational therapist or chartered psychologist and be nominated by a local authority, NHS Trust or other employer.

Applicants need to demonstrate that they are already working at the level of responsibility and with the level of complexity appropriate for entry onto AMHP qualifying training.

All candidates will receive support from both a Practice Mentor Assessor and from their Training and Development Officer. A learning agreement underpins that support. They will also receive all the support provided to Registered Students by the University of Birmingham as set out in the Student Charter

Any special needs arising from disabilities, dyslexia etc. will be identified at application and arrangements between the University and agencies will be made for meeting those needs as appropriate.

Entry to Stage 2 (AMHP Qualifying Training) will be contingent upon successful completion of Stage 1 and the employing authority’s agreement to provide suitable opportunities to demonstrate the required competences. Completion of Stage 1 is designed to ensure that only those suitable and with appropriate mental health experience commence AMHP training.

This course is not suitable for overseas applicants, as it focuses on mental health law applicable to England and Wales.

The module fees per candidate for the 25/26 academic year are to be confirmed.

If an organisation sends multiple candidates, a discount is applied on a sliding scale dependent on the number of candidates enrolling on the course (please contact us for further details). Self-funding candidates must still be supported by their employers who must agree to provide a Practice Mentor Assessor and an appropriate Practice Learning Placement.

Contact us at pqmentalhealth@contacts.bham.ac.uk for any further general information about the programme.

Please note that we are not able to accept individual applications that have not been approved by your employing authority or trust as their involvement is necessary to ensure that appropriate practice opportunities and in-house support are available to you. For details about the local application process you will need to speak to the AMHP Training lead in your employing authority.