Postgraduate Certificate Mental Health Law and Ethics

Summary 2012/13

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks that underpin mental health practice;
• Explore the ethical challenges faced when working in mental health settings;
• Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills in practice.

This course is aimed at professionals working in mental health settings. It will enable you to develop your understanding of the complex legal and ethical frameworks that apply to mental health practice. The programme will strengthen your knowledge and skills in engaging with clients’ legal and ethical needs and the structured and supportive framework will help you apply your learning in the workplace.

2012 Entry Requirements

You need to be working in a professional role within a mental health setting in order to fulfil the learning outcomes of the programme. This work-based access could be either on a voluntary basis or in your workplace.

The normal minimum entry requirement is a lower second-class honours degree in a health or social care related-related subject. The focus for the programme is to link theory to practice; you are expected to be working in an environment that allows you to meet the learning outcomes of the course. All applicants will be offered an academic interview prior to commencement of the programme.

Summary 2013/14

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks that underpin mental health practice;
• Explore the ethical challenges faced when working in mental health settings;
• Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills in practice.

This course is aimed at professionals working in mental health settings. It will enable you to develop your understanding of the complex legal and ethical frameworks that apply to mental health practice. The programme will strengthen your knowledge and skills in engaging with clients’ legal and ethical needs and the structured and supportive framework will help you apply your learning in the workplace.

2013 Entry Requirements

You need to be working in a professional role within a mental health setting in order to fulfil the learning outcomes of the programme. This work-based access could be either on a voluntary basis or in your workplace.

The normal minimum entry requirement is a lower second-class honours degree in a health or social care related-related subject. The focus for the programme is to link theory to practice; you are expected to be working in an environment that allows you to meet the learning outcomes of the course. All applicants will be offered an academic interview prior to commencement of the programme.

Details

Who is this course for?

This programme is designed for all professionals working within mental health. It is expected to appeal to approved clinicians in particular.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will gain an in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks that underpin mental health practice and explore the ethical challenges faced when working in this complex and demanding area.

Successful completion of the programme provides evidence of continued professional development for professional registration. It also links to the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework thereby providing evidence for performance review in practice.

How we will support you

You will be allocated a personal tutor who will support you throughout your studies, complemented by module coordinators for each taught module. During the work-based learning module you will receive support from a mentor in practice as well as an academic tutor. Further support is available via Student Services.

What will I study?

In the first taught module, you will study the legal frameworks that apply to mental health settings which need to be considered when working with users of mental health services. This module will facilitate and further develop a critical awareness of the many complex areas relating to mental health law, and move you towards a position of defensible rather than defensive practices.

The second taught module involves considering the ethical dilemmas and challenges that can face practitioners working in the mental health arena. A work-based learning module concludes the programme and allows you to apply what you have learnt to your practice.

How will I study?

The two taught modules on the programme are delivered via face-to-face sessions at the Ormskirk Campus. Half-day attendance, once a week over two semesters, is typically required.

The work-based learning module involves the construction of an individual learning agreement. You will then be supported to apply the learning from the legal and ethical modules to your practice.

Placement

You will undertake a work-based learning module within your own workplace.

Who will be teaching me?

The programme is delivered by a dedicated team of research-active professionals and guest speakers drawn from a broad range of health and social care professions. These include experienced mental health practitioners, approved clinicians and lawyers.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of presentations, case studies as well as critical reflection and deconstruction. The practice-focused module will involve a negotiated assessment.

What are my career prospects?

The course is designed to assist professionals to demonstrate achievement and progression within the knowledge and skills framework and will assist practitioners to move up the skill escalator.

The course is especially relevant to practitioners working within newly constructed advanced practice roles - Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), Approved Clinician (AC) and Responsible Clinician (RC) - within mental health services.

Professional Accreditation

If you wish to take on Approved Clinician (AC) status, this programme will assist you to meet the mandatory competencies required to apply for this status.

The 60 credits achieved for this award can be used to progress to a Masters level award such as MSc Leadership Development (Clinical Leadership / Leadership and Management) or MSc Advanced Practice (Mental Health).

Further study at Edge Hill University

• MSc Leadership Development (Clinical Leadership / Leadership and Management)
• MSc Advanced Practice (Mental Health)

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise and 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply directly to Edge Hill University. Download the Health Professional Development pathway application form and notes for guidance (pdf).

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees for this programme are £560 per 20 credit module for academic year 2012/13.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Not got the entry requirements?

If you do not have previous academic study at degree level, it is possible to demonstrate an ability to study at postgraduate level by joining a module on a standalone basis prior to registering for the full programme.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about the course, please contact:

• Barry Williams, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657071
• Email: williamb@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

• HEA 9085 Mental Health Law and Defensible Practice
• HEA 4049 Ethical Consideration in Decision Making
• HEA 4034 Negotiated Work Based Learning

You can exit at the end of any module with the accrued academic credits awarded.