Queen's University Belfast

Mental Health and Mental Capacity Law PgDip

Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom

Course overview

The Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) 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).

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 2025 at 4 pm.

Late applications may be considered.

Key highlights

  • Provides the qualification for practising as an Approved Social Worker
  • Training under Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and Mental Capacity Act 2016
  • Prepares social workers for a statutory mental health role
  • Taught by service users, carers, psychiatrists, psychologists and legal advisers
  • Input from courts, Review Tribunal and Regulation Quality Improvement Authority

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:2 — 2.2

Scholarships

  • International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship

    Year one award of between £2000 and £5000.

    Up to £2,000
  • The 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
  • Community mental health team social worker

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,133 (NI/ROI), £6,933 (GB) | International: £15,333

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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