Approved Mental Health Practice

Entry requirements

See University of Brighton website for entry requirements

Months of entry

January

Course content

This intensive Level 7 course is for qualified Social Workers, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Nurses, Occupational Therapists, and Psychologists who are currently working in mental health or related services.

If you successfully complete the course, you will be eligible to apply to a local authority for approval to practise as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP). This is a specific role that is legally defined under the Mental Health Act 1983. AMHPs lead on organising statutory mental health assessments under this Act, contribute to assessments alongside medical colleagues, and are independently responsible for deciding whether to admit an individual for compulsory assessment or hospital treatment.

The course operates in partnership with local authorities including Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, and Southampton, who support and fund students to attend the course. Applicants from other local authorities or NHS mental health trusts are also welcome. Independent applicants (i.e. students who are not funded by their employing body) are welcome to apply but at the point of application you must have a written agreement from a local authority or NHS trust agreeing to provide, support, and assess your practice placement.