PGCert Approved Mental Health Professional at Swansea University

Programme overview

A 60-credit Level 7 postgraduate certificate giving registered health and social care practitioners the knowledge and skills required by the Welsh Government and Social Care Wales to be nominated for approval as an Approved Mental Health Professional. It is the only AMHP-approved programme delivered in Wales and was developed with 15 Welsh local authorities.

Faculty: Medicine, Health and Life Science | Department: School of Health and Social Care | Duration: 1 year full-time | Intake: September | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules are Understanding Mental Health and Distress, Professional Practice, Accountability and AMHP Decision-Making in Mental Health, and Ethics, Law and Policy in AMHP Decision-Making, each worth 20 credits, with supervised statutory practice and simulation.

Career pathways

Graduates are ready to evidence the 34 Social Care Wales competencies and to practise as AMHPs, making lawful, rights-based decisions under the Mental Health Act 1983, and the award supports career development for social workers, nurses, psychologists and occupational therapists.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must be employed by one of the 15 Welsh local authorities or related health boards, which select, sponsor and fund them, with the support of an Agency Liaison Person. They must be a social worker, a mental health or learning disability nurse, a psychologist or an occupational therapist working in mental health or learning disabilities; be registered with a professional body; have at least two years of post-qualifying experience with people with mental disorders or dual diagnosis; and hold a bachelor's or master's degree or, in exceptional circumstances, show equivalent experience and qualifications (for example a relevant post-qualifying award). Applicants without a degree may be required to attend an interview.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,900 a year (2026/27). PGCert, 1-year full-time. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 1 year full-time

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