Approved Mental Health Professional

Entry requirements

To apply for this course you will need to be employed in one of the 16 Local Authorities in Wales or the related Health Boards. You will be selected and funded by your employer to train to undertake the statutory role of an AMHP.

This role is legislated for by Welsh Government and the programme validated by Social Care Wales.

You will need to be a Social Worker, a mental health nurse working in mental health or learning disabilities, a psychologist or occupational therapist working in mental health or learning disabilities.

You will also need to:

• Be registered with a professional body
• Have at least two years post qualifying experience of working with people with mental disorders or dual diagnosis
• Have the support and agreement of your sponsored employer and have the appropriate learning opportunities.
• Have either a Bachelor or Master’s degree or, in exceptional circumstances, where this academic requirement is not met, you demonstrate your experience and qualifications to equip you for undertaking the Postgraduate study. This can be evidenced by, for example, a relevant Post Qualifying Award.
• If you do not hold a degree you may be required to attend an interview.

The AMHP PG Cert course is taken at Master’s level, therefore a pre-programme study day is provided to all students to promote confidence and support for writing at Master’s level.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This unique postgraduate certificate will give you the professional knowledge and skills required by the Welsh Government and Social Care Wales to become an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP).

An AMHP is responsible for assessing a person with a mental disorder when considering the need for an application for formal admission to a psychiatric hospital.