PGCert Mental Health Social Work at University of Strathclyde

Programme overview

A part-time postgraduate certificate that trains qualified social workers for the role of Mental Health Officer under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. It is accredited by the Scottish Social Services Council.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences | Duration: Part-time, August to June | Intake: August | Study mode: full-time | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Three classes: Mental Disorder, Mental Health Legislation & Human Rights; Capacity, Incapacity & the Law in Scotland; and Working with Individuals with a Mental Disorder & Criminal Proceedings.

Career pathways

Graduates are appointed as Mental Health Officers by their local authority, with routes to senior practitioner and management posts.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must be nominated and supported by their employing local authority, which provides appropriate learning opportunities; hold a professional social work qualification recognised by the SSSC (for example BA (Hons) Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or CSS; overseas-trained applicants need a letter of comparability or verification from the SSSC or another UK registering council); normally have at least two years' post-qualifying experience; and show capacity to achieve the Mental Health Officer standards at SCQF Level 11 through a critical review of professional development, motivation for mental health work, empowerment skills and awareness of the MHO role. Selection involves application, interview where applicable and a selection decision; final acceptance rests with the Joint Course Management Committee.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,770 a year (2027/28). Same fee for students from Scotland and from England, Wales & Northern Ireland; full-time, per academic year Source

International applicants: GBP 8,100 a year (2027/28). Full-time, per academic year Source

Intake: August

Duration: Part-time, August to June

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