Mental Health Law and Policy
Everything you need to know
Start date: September 2026 and April 2027
End date: October 2026 and May 2027
Module leader: Alan Marshall
Level: 7
Credits: 30
Introduction
This module aims to provide students with the knowledge of the legal and policy framework around the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007).
Who is this course/module for?
Anyone who wants to improve their knowledge of the MHA 1983 and the context around AMHP practice. The module is part of the PG Cert AMHP programme, but can be taken as a stand-alone module - it will not, by itself, qualify you to work as an AMHP. This would be suitable for anyone who works with people affected by the MHA 1983.
What you’ll learn
- Detailed examination of the Mental Health Act (1983 amended 2007)
- Overview of associated legislation the Mental Capacity Act (2005/ 2007), Children Acts (1989, 2004), Human Rights Act (1998)
- National and local Codes of Practice
- Service users’ and carers’ perspectives
- Relevant case law
- The AMHP role, powers, accountability and responsibilities
- The AMHP role - interpreting and applying legally defined threshold criteria in complex practice situations (risk, rights, judgements and dilemmas in decision making)
- Other statutory roles within the legislation that interface with the AMHP role
- The AMHP role in inter-professional practice.
Skills you’ll gain
You will learn key areas of the legislation and statutory guidance and the practical implications of the MHA 1983. You will analyse the impact on service-users, patients and other relevant professionals. You will be able to critique the law for it's efficiency, clarity and effectiveness.
How you’ll learn
- workshops
- lectures
- group and individual tasks
- private study
- online reading
- interactive debates and discussions
- online discussions
Where teaching is on campus, this will be based at City Campus.
Fees and Funding for 2026/27
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home / EU student: 1,825 International students: N/A - not open to International /EU |
|---|---|
| How to apply |
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Entry requirements
- a qualification in social work, occupational therapy, nursing or chartered psychology
- registration with relevant professional body
- two years post-qualification experience.
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
Blended learning (in-person and online learning activities). A mix of on-campus and online learning, with both in-person sessions and digital activities included in your course. We will require all non-British and non-Irish students to attend campus for an in-person verification check to comply with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements at the start of their first module.
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
From September 2026:
- Wednesday 7 September
- Tuesday 15 September
- Wednesday 16 September
- Tuesday 22 September
- Wednesday 23 September
- Tuesday 29 September
- Wednesday 30 September
- Tuesday 6 October
- Wednesday 7 October
- Tuesday 13 October
- Wednesday 14 October
- Tuesday 20 October
- Wednesday 21 October
From April 2027:
- Monday 12 April
- Tuesday 20 April
- Wednesday 21 April
- Tuesday 27 April
- Wednesday 28 April
- Tuesday 4 May
- Wednesday 5 May
- Tuesday 11 May
- Wednesday 12 May
- Tuesday 18 May
- Wednesday 19 May
- Tuesday 25 May
- Wednesday 26 May
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Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Coursework
- Presentation
- Written Examination
Successful completion of this module will earn you 30 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Alan Marshall - alan.marshall@shu.ac.uk