Approved Mental Health Professionals
- Study Mode: Part Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: 6 Months
- Start Date: January 2025
This is a post graduate diploma course for social workers, occupational therapists, nurses and psychologists currently working in mental health services or related services who want to practice as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHPs).
There is a shortage of qualified AMHPs, and our course offers you a fantastic opportunity to train locally and help fill demands in Buckinghamshire and nationally. Employers in various health and social care settings are working with BNU to train the next generation and we are proud to offer this professionally led course with the in-work insight you need to succeed.
Why study this subject?
AMHPs are mental health professionals who have been approved by a local social services authority to carry out duties under the Mental Health Act. You are responsible for coordinating assessment and admission to hospital if someone is sectioned. You may be a social worker, nurse, occupational therapist, or a psychologist.
You must comply with statutory requirements including attending 18 hours relevant training per year and succeed in getting through a re-approval process every 5 years. The Mental Health Act lays down the legal framework in which people can be compulsorily admitted and detained in psychiatric hospitals and the AMHP has a key role to play in the assessment process.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Developed from professional input and our working experience, Our AMHP course at BNU has been developed with local partners and has been approved by Social Work England. This course gives you a fantastic opportunity to train locally, with easy links to London and the South.
With access to a 24/7 library, offering you a space to study whenever your schedule requires, we can offer you all the resources you need to complete your qualification as well as benefit from first class professional teaching.
Our teaching team is a passionate team with years of experience in delivering courses that inspire, engage, and empower individuals. You can take advantage of our first-hand knowledge, skills and research to gain a truly unique educational experience.
What facilities can I use?
Studying with means you gain access to our High Wycombe, Aylesbury and Uxbridge campus as a student of our University. You will also benefit from our library, computer rooms, café, union and other spaces for you to take advantage of whenever you require for the duration of your study. These facilities are equipped with public use IT facilities for your use at all times of the day and night.
You will be able to practice in a professional hospital or practice environment as part of your placement module for this course. This is a great learning experience and the best way to understand and learn more about your chosen subject.
With access to the AppsAnywhere service you can use the necessary software such as Word and PowerPoint from home. In addition, laptops are available for lend. All facilities and learning resources are designed to be accessible, and support services are available to all students for finance, funding, learning and welfare concerns.
What will I study?
We will deliver this course in partnership with local authorities, this course is also approved by Social Work England and meets their expected standards and best practices for AMHPs. .
Throughout the course we will focus on 5 key skills:
- knowledge and skills
- autonomy
- decision making
- equality
- communication
We build your knowledge of legislation, mental health disorders and the unique health needs. We build your autonomy by giving you the skills to make important decisions, backed by your information and insight. We improve your decision making using reflective practice and placement. We champion equality, understanding the unique needs and perspectives of people with different backgrounds, and we improve your communication so you can champion your values throughout your organisation.
How will I be taught and assessed?
You will be active participants in the learning process, with your thoughts, ideas, and contributions respected throughout. A variety of assessment methods will be employed to test practical skills in practical or clinical contexts. An inclusive approach to learning, teaching, and assessment strategies will be developed to provide sensitivity to individual needs.
Some of the ways you will be assessed are:
- exams
- essay
- practicals
- skill demonstration
- presentation
What are the course entry requirements?
The successful candidate will ordinarily be nominated by their employer who must ensure that there is a placement opportunity, supervision and assessment of practice in place before the programme commences. In order to be considered you should have:
- an undergraduate degree and/or demonstrate an ability to study at Higher Education Level 7.
- hold a professional qualification in social work, nursing, psychology or occupational therapy and have a current registration with the respective professional statutory regulatory body.
- have at least two years’ experience of working in statutory services where you have worked with people experiencing mental health problems. This may include you if you are a suitably qualified professional who has not worked specifically within mental health services but in related areas.
Admissions Process
Employers will provide candidates with information about the AMHP programme, and the eligibility criteria listed above. The employers will be provided with an information pack and programme handbook which will include information about the entry criteria, the course structure, information around student support services.
Candidates will be provided the contact details of the course leader who can be contacted for any additional information candidates might need. An academic member of staff involved in the AMHP programme will be part of the employer’s panel that interviews candidates.
The application process will ensure appropriate qualifications and/or prior experience requirements are met. Where applicants have qualifications and prior experience that might exempt them from undertaking any modules in the AMHP programme, these will be considered via the University Accreditation of Prior Learning criteria.
Candidates will be interviewed by the employers and will have an academic from the Buckinghamshire New University on the selection panel.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £5,000 per year *
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Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £5,000 per year *
Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.
Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  
Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  
Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  
We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.
The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.
What are my career prospects?
We see your journey with us as much more than a degree, we are committed to supporting you to carve out the route to your chosen career and life beyond university. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good business leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our student success and support pages to find out more.
The demand for AMHPs is growing in the UK and internationally, and now is the perfect time to take advantage of that demand. You could be a social worker, nurse, healthcare professional or working in mental health. There is always value in learning, growing and improving.
According to , on average, someone who is a qualified AMHP adds an extra £2,000 to their annual salary. If you were to assume that increase in your salary, and apply it over a period of 10 years you could be earning an additional £20,000 from this qualification, so its a worthwhile investment into your future.
Not only is there a monetary benefit, but it’s a great way to grow your skills, become more independent and gain more from your role. It also sets out a clear pathway that can be your lifetime job, your rewards and opportunities will grow as you gain experience at higher level in the profession.
Course leader
