PGDip Education Mental Health Practitioner for Children and Young People at Edge Hill University

Programme overview

The role of an Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) is an innovative and important role in the government’s Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) – part of the National Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies initiative. In your year of study with us, we’ll help you learn the role and teach you how to make a difference working with children and young people. As an EMHP you’ll work alongside schools and colleagues to support children and young people with mental health problems and wellbeing.

What you will study

The curriculum aligns with the work-based component of Health Education England’s Education Mental Health Practitioner training programme. You’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to support child and adolescent mental health within an education context. Modules include Assessment and Engagement, Children and Young People’s Mental Health Settings: Context and Values, Common Problems and Processes in Education Settings, Evidence-Based Interventions for Common Mental Health Problems with Children and Young People (Theory and Skills), Interventions for Emerging Mental Health Difficulties in Education Settings, Working, Assessing and Engaging in Education Settings.

Career pathways

Child and adolescent mental health services are being transformed across England. As part of a Government strategy to ensure services are available in schools, third-sector voluntary agencies and the private sector, new roles are being created to deliver evidence-based brief psychological interventions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject, such as child health and wellbeing, child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing, psychology, or early years, primary or secondary education. GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent) is also required. Experience of working with children and young people and/or in mental health/education settings is desirable. An interview forms part of the selection process. If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of ‘Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults’. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Intake: January 2027

Duration: 1 year part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/

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