Mental Health and Mental Capacity Law MSc
Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom
Course overview
The MSc in Mental Health and Mental Capacity Law provides the required training for social workers to undertake the role of Approved Social Worker under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. This is a statutory role and applications must have the support of a Health and Social Care Trust. The PG Diploma provides the qualification for practising as an Approved Social Worker (ASW) and then the Dissertation Module must be successfully completed for the MSc.
Contributors to the taught element of the ASW Programme are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds and professions including service users and carers; ASWs and other social work staff, psychiatrists, psychologists and nursing staff; representatives from the courts, Review Tribunal; Regulation Quality Improvement Authority; legal advisers and researchers. Please note that this course is not eligible for a Student route visa. Closing date for applications: Friday 31st July 2026 at 4 pm.
Late applications may be considered.
Key highlights
- Required training for the statutory Approved Social Worker role in Northern Ireland
- Covers Mental Health (NI) Order 1986 and Mental Capacity Act (NI) 2016
- PG Diploma stage qualifies you to practise as an Approved Social Worker
- Taught by service users, carers, psychiatrists, psychologists and legal advisers
- Contributors include courts, Review Tribunal and Regulation Quality Improvement Authority representatives
- Dissertation module completes the MSc after the PG Diploma
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:2 — 2.2
Scholarships
International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship
Year one award of between £2000 and £5000.
Up to £2,000The Burdett Trust MSc Nursing Scholarships
For Home Students: Tuition fees £7,665 Stipend £10,250. For International Students: Tuition fees £24,295 Stipend £17,000
Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Postgraduate Taught
Value: 50% of tuition fees paid for up to a maximum of two years.
Up to 50% of fees
Careers this course leads to
- Approved Social Worker
- Mental health social worker
- Senior social worker
- Social work team leader
- Mental capacity practitioner
Cost of study
UK/Home: £7,700 (NI/ROI), £10,400 (GB) | International: £23,000
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Queen's University Belfast, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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