24 Sep 2025 (Intake closed)
Apply by: 17 Sep 2025
September Intake
24 Sep 2025, 25 Sep 2025, 26 Sep 2025, 29 Sep 2025, 30 Sep 2025
22 Apr 2026 (Available)
Apply by: 15 Apr 2026
April intake
22 Apr 2026, 23 Apr 2026, 24 Apr 2026, 27 Apr 2026, 28 Apr 2026
Course overview
This is a five-day short course where students are taught to cultivate a critical understanding of a range of perspectives in mental health disorders and applied mental health practice, empowering students to make informed decisions and provide a solid foundation for students aspiring to undertake the Applied Mental Health Practice Programme (Pg Cert).
Assessment Details
The course includes an essay based on reflection and consideration of models of mental disorder and the use of formal detention under the powers of the Mental Health Act. It will be based on the completion of 5 hours of ward observations on a psychiatric ward. These should be arranged by the student in conjunction with the Local Authority AMHP lead. The student should spend one hour per day, ideally at the same time each day, on the ward just observing. It should be a busy, acute ward, and one where the candidate does not usually work. The ward observations should be arranged to take place within a week or so of the taught sessions.
Learning Outcomes
Successful students will typically be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of, and ability to critically reflect on, the major models of mental disorder and how this relates to the AMHP's role when carrying out a Mental Health Act Assessment.
- Demonstrate the ability to use critical reflection to understand the impact of the AMHP role on others.
- Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on the impact of living with a mental disorder from the perspective of individuals/ families/ carers
Who teaches the course?
The course is delivered by qualified AMHPs supported by guest speakers with specific and relevant knowledge and experience, including people with lived experience.
Computer equipment requirement
Delivery of the course incorporates online elements and blended learning which aims to combine e-learning activities with class based learning. Candidates therefore need to have access to a suitable personal computer and a good reliable Internet connection. If candidates have any queries or need any additional support with IT skills, the School employs an e-learning technologist who will be pleased to help and advise you: edtechhsk@herts.ac.uk
Contract funding for NHS staff
The University is contracted by the NHS to provide post-registration education/CPD and training for its health professionals. If you are an NHS employee contact the senior manager responsible for post-registration education/CPD in your Trust to check if the course you wish to attend can be supported by the Trust's contract with our University.
When does this course run?
This course is taught over 5 days:
Semester A provisional dates are 24th September 2025 - 30th September 2025
Semester B provisional dates are 22nd April 2026 – 28th April 2026
Course Enquiries
Clare Landy
AMHP Programme Lead
Booking Enquiries
Health short courses team:
Tel 01707 284800
healthshortcourses@herts.ac.uk
Link to apply:
One can also follow the link below and type ‘AMHP’ into the search box to find full course details of the Pre-AMHP Foundation Course (and AMHP courses in due course): www.applycpd-herts.com
Funding
£915.00
The price quoted above is per 15 credits and relates to students assessed as UK/home self-funded for fee purposes. Prices may differ for students that are assessed as EU Overseas/Overseas. Fees status will normally stay with the student for the remainder of their course.
What our students say
"This is the best short course I have been on"
“I can’t wait to start the full AMHP course and feel really prepared now”
“The people with lived experience that are on the course are so powerful, I loved listening to them”
Course details
Course leader
Clare Landy
Administrator
Niamh Sexton
Telephone
01707284800
Course delivery
Number of Learner Hours : 150 Hours. Scheduled - 6.5 x 4 = 26. Independent - 1 x 6.5 home study day + 112.5. Placement - 5 hours.
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Prerequisites
This course is designed for qualified suitably qualified and registered social workers, mental health/learning disability nurses, occupational therapists and psychologists considering or preparing for moving on to undertake AMHP training. You need to have a relevant professional qualification i.e. a first degree or equivalent, or demonstration of ability to study at postgraduate level. You will have suitable prior experience of the practical application of appropriate legislation and policy, specifically but not limited to mental health, mental capacity and human rights legislation. Employer support and support of a local AMHP service is necessary for candidates to do the Pre-AMHP Foundation Course and those preparing to move onto the full AMHP training programme. Where students are employed by a Local Authority or Trust, given their own robust processes, the University is satisfied that an up-to-date enhanced DBS check will be in place. Where applicants/ students are self-employed or not employed by a Local Authority or Trust, however, DBS and University Occupational Health clearances will be required if you are offered a place on the course. Note, if you If only have an adult or child DBS your placement can only be in child or adult services depending on which you have. If/when you go on to do the AMHP programme you will need an enhanced DBS for both adults and children.
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