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Find out morePG Certificate Mental Health Law (Part Time)
Key Details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- March 2027
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
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UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research QualityCourse Overview
Advance your career with our Mental Health Law (PGCert).
Designed for experienced mental health professionals and clinicians, this specialist course gives you the essential training to gain Approved Clinician (AC) status under the Mental Health Act 1983, enabling you to take on greater responsibility for decision-making and the oversight of care for detained patients.
You’ll build a comprehensive understanding of the portfolio qualification process, while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to demonstrate the required competencies.
This course will also help you identify your individual training needs, strengthen your practical expertise, and apply your learning directly to your professional practice as a trainee Approved Clinician.
Developed in line with NHS England’s 2023 National Curriculum for professionals seeking Approved Clinician status via the portfolio route, this PGCert provides nationally recognised, career-enhancing training that prepares you to lead safe, effective, and legally informed mental health care.
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Study and Modules
Structure
This 12-month programme combines expert teaching, practical training and professional reflection to guide you step-by-step towards Approved Clinician (AC) qualification.
You’ll begin with a series of teaching sessions introducing the portfolio application process, helping you complete a detailed self-audit to assess your existing knowledge and identify areas for development. You’ll then explore the professional and ethical responsibilities that come with the Approved Clinician role, deepening your understanding of what it means to lead patient care under the Mental Health Act 1983.
Next, you’ll build advanced expertise in mental health law through an intensive series of lectures that take your foundational knowledge to the next level. This element culminates in a summative essay on a topic directly relevant to your professional practice.
In the second half of the course, the focus shifts to practical application. You’ll explore key themes such as equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), learn from experts by experience, and gain insight into the core practicalities of applying the Mental Health Act. You’ll also receive specialist training in report writing and evidence giving for Mental Health Tribunals.
Throughout this stage, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world settings and engage in Action Learning Sets to discuss and reflect on professional challenges. The course concludes with focused guidance on how to compile a successful portfolio application for Apporved Clinician approval.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your learning will be led by a team of academics and professionals with extensive practical experience in mental health law and clinical practice. You’ll also benefit from unique insights shared by Approved Clinicians who have qualified via the portfolio route, as well as experts by experience, including service users who have been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Teaching is delivered primarily through engaging lectures, blending directly taught material with online learning resources such as written materials and recorded sessions you can access in your own time.
These core sessions are supported by group and individual tutorials, Action Learning Sets (ALS) — where you’ll meet regularly online in small groups over a three-month period to reflect on and discuss real-world challenges related to your Approved Clinician training — and practical workshops, including mock Mental Health Tribunal exercises.
Together, these experiences will help you develop the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to apply your learning effectively in professional practice.
Assessment
Assessment on the course is designed to support your progress and prepare you for portfolio submission. You’ll complete a combination of formative and summative assessments, allowing you to track your development and receive valuable feedback throughout the course.
To successfully achieve the Postgraduate Certificate, you’ll complete three summative assessments across two modules: an essay, a Mental Health Tribunal evidence-giving presentation, and a training reflective log. Each assessment is carefully designed to align with the competencies required for Approved Clinician (AC) qualification.
In addition to contributing to your academic success, the work you produce for these assessments may also form part of the evidence you use within your portfolio application, helping you take meaningful steps toward achieving your Approved Clinician status.
Employability
After the Course
This course is designed for senior clinicians working within mental health services who are ready to take the next step towards becoming an Approved Clinician (AC) under the Mental Health Act 1983 — a role that carries significant professional responsibility and influence.
Whilst successful completion of the course does not in itself confer Approved Clinician status, it’ll equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to compile and submit a portfolio for approval to the relevant Regional Approvals Panel. You’ll leave the course fully prepared to take this crucial step in advancing your professional practice and leadership within mental health care.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in March each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
A Health Care profession
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate current registration as a health professional with an appropriate professional statutory regulatory body within the UK in one of the following roles: Learning Disability Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Practitioner Psychologist, SAS Doctor or Social Worker.
A Memorandum of Understanding (which can be downloaded within the application form) must be signed and completed by all relevant parties in order for us to consider your application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in March each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
A Health Care profession
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate current registration as a health professional with an appropriate professional statutory regulatory body within the UK in one of the following roles: Learning Disability Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Practitioner Psychologist, SAS Doctor or Social Worker.
A Memorandum of Understanding (which can be downloaded within the application form) must be signed and completed by all relevant parties in order for us to consider your application.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
NHS England funds this course, meaning candidates do not pay fees.
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.