MSc Mental Health and Mental Capacity Law at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The MSc in Mental Health and Mental Capacity Law provides the required training for social workers to undertake the statutory role of Approved Social Worker under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. Applications must have the support of a Health and Social Care Trust. The PG Diploma gives the Approved Social Worker qualification and the dissertation module completes the MSc. The MSc is accredited by the Northern Ireland Post-Qualifying Education and Training Partnership at specialist and leadership levels. Teaching contributors include service users and carers, Approved Social Workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, court and Review Tribunal representatives and legal advisers.

Faculty: Social Sciences, Education and Social Work | Department: School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work | Duration: 2 years part-time | Intake: 2027/28 entry | Study mode: part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules: Social Work Practice Development in Mental Health (40 credits), Law, Ethics and Applied Law in Mental Health (40 credits), Context and Concepts in Mental Health (40 credits) and a Specialist Practice Dissertation (60 credits).

Career pathways

The programme provides the qualification for practising as an Approved Social Worker and offers CPD opportunities that support professional development in the field.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification. Where this is not met, applicants must show ability to study at postgraduate level through the Pre-2007 Post-Qualifying Social Work Award or a 2,000-word reflective assignment on their practice. Applicants must be nominated by their Health and Social Care Trust or employer. Closing date: Friday 30 July 2027, 4pm (late applications may be considered). International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last 2 years) or an equivalent qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,250 a year (2027/28). Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland rate; annual inflationary increase applies Source

International applicants: GBP 24,400 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other rate; annual inflationary increase applies Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 2 years part-time

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