Approved Mental Health Professional Practice (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.

 Taught days will take place at the University of Birmingham and are integrated with supervised practice placement days. Placement opportunities and Practice Mentor Assessors are provided by our partner employers.   

You’ll learn from a highly experienced, multi-disciplinary teaching team that brings real depth and breadth to your studies. Our teaching staff include practising AMHPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, academics, 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.  

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.

• An oral presentation based on work undertaken in supervised practice placement.

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.

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

Modules dates

The PGCert in Approved Mental Health Professional Practice (AMHP) will next run in the academic year 2026/27 from February 2027 – June 2027.  The AMHP course is full time and will necessitate the release of candidates from all other duties whilst engaged on the programme. Candidates who are employed part-time will be supported to join the programme in negotiation with the University and their employer.

Applicants to this programme must hold a recognised professional qualification in social work, nursing, occupational therapy or psychology and be currently registered in their profession. They will have a minimum of two years post qualifying practice experience and be able 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. Applicants must be supported by their employers and seconded to the training. Our partner employers have their own internal selection processes which candidates must complete before application to the programme. As a minimum requirement, all applicants to the programme will have shadowed at least three AMHP assessments.

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.

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 26/27 academic year are £3,750.

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.

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 course and will close on Friday 28th August 2026. Admissions interviews will take place in October 2027. 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 application process in your local area you will need to speak to the AMHP Training lead in your employing authority.  

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