Advanced Professional Studies (Mental Health Officer Award)

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, or a recognised qualification in social work and at least two years' relevant experience in social work practice.

If you are a qualified social worker but you do not hold a degree-level qualification, you may ask for special consideration when applying.

You must be employed, supported, and seconded by one of the 12 employing local authorities within the East of Scotland MHO Partnership catchment area.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This programme is the postgraduate qualification for qualified social workers wishing to practise as mental health officers (MHOs). It has been designed by, and is delivered in partnership with, 12 local authorities in the East of Scotland.

This programme focuses upon the role of the MHO in relation to relevant Scottish legislation. In addition to the taught elements, students undertake two periods of assessed MHO practice.

Under Section 32(2) of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 local authorities have a statutory duty to appoint and provide training for MHOs to undertake mandatory MHO responsibilities, enshrined in legislation: mainly the 2003 Act, but also the Adults with Incapacity Act 2000 and the Criminal Proceedings Act 1995.

This programme’s primary aim is to provide the required MHO qualification in partnership with the East of Scotland MHO Award Partnership.