Postgraduate taught programme
MSc
Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Mental Health
Are you a registered health or social care professional ready to advance your mental health career? With employer support, this clinically and academically focused MSc builds skills to deliver and lead high-quality advanced practice.About
This part-time MSc is designed for registered health and social care professionals who want to advance their clinical practice in mental health.
Delivered mainly through online learning with limited on‑campus days, the programme supports flexible study alongside work. You will develop advanced assessment, treatment, leadership and prescribing skills, with a strong focus on workplace‑based learning, evidence‑based practice and person‑centred care, preparing you to deliver and lead high‑quality mental health services.
Future‑ready programme
Fully aligned to HEE advanced practice frameworks and mental health capability standards, preparing graduates to deliver and lead high‑quality, evidence‑based, person‑centred care.
Flexible, work‑based training
Blended delivery combines online learning with limited on‑campus days and supervised workplace‑based experiential learning, enabling immediate application to complex mental health practice.
Advanced clinical focus
Develop autonomous assessment and treatment, leadership and management skills, with independent and supplementary prescribing embedded where appropriate.
Details
Year 1
In the first year, you will build strong foundations in advanced clinical practice through core modules in research, health assessment and mental health assessment. You will develop skills in critical appraisal, advanced assessment, formulation and the management of common and complex conditions, supporting safe, evidence‑based mental health practice within your clinical role.
Core modules
APP758:
Advanced concepts in research: methodology and methods (20 credits)
AMH701:
Advanced Mental Health Assessment and Formulation (20 credits)
APP774:
The Fundamentals of Health Assessment and Common Illness (20 credits)
AMH701:
APP774:
Year 2
In Year 2, you will develop advanced skills in mental health planning and therapeutic interventions while tailoring your learning to your clinical interests and career goals. Through option modules, you can deepen specialist knowledge, strengthen leadership, education or coaching capabilities, or undertake non‑medical prescribing. Your second year emphasises applied, evidence‑based practice and continued workplace learning to support confident, autonomous advanced clinical practice.
Core modules
AMH702:
Advanced Mental Health Planning and Interventions (20 credits)
Option modules
Option modules can be two 20 credit modules or one 40 credit (40 credits).
Option modules can be chosen from the list given below. Please contact the
Professional Development Unit Admissions Team to discuss your options.
- APP701:
Advancing practice in context (20 credits) - APP781:
CBT interventions for mental health professionals (psychosis) (20 credits) - APP709:
Collaborative working with people who attract a diagnosis of personality disorder (20 credits) - APP721:
Perinatal mental health (20 credits) - APP727:
The child and young person with mental health needs (20 credits) - APP768:
Coaching and leadership (20 credits) - APP741:
Advocacy and education for quality improvement in practice (A-EQUIP) (20 credits) - APP782:
Principles of Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Practice (20 credits) - ISP701:
Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (40 credits)
Final year
In the final year, you will consolidate your advanced practice learning through a substantive professional project, enabling you to investigate and address a real‑world issue in mental health practice. Optional modules allow further specialisation or development in areas such as leadership, education, therapeutic interventions or prescribing. This year focuses on demonstrating advanced clinical capability, leadership impact and evidence‑based innovation to support high‑quality mental health care.
Core modules
SPP702:
Substantive professional project (40 Credits)
Optional modules
Optional module 20 Credits. Optional modules can be chosen from the list given below. Please contact the
Professional Development Unit Admissions Team to discuss your options.
- APP701:
Advancing practice in context (20 credits) - APP781:
CBT interventions for mental health professionals (psychosis) (20 credits) - APP709:
Collaborative working with people who attract a diagnosis of personality disorder (20 credits) - APP721:
Perinatal mental health (20 credits) - APP727:
The child and young person with mental health needs (20 credits) - APP768:
Coaching and leadership (20 credits) - APP741:
Advocacy and education for quality improvement in practice (A-EQUIP) (20 credits) - APP782:
Principles of Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Practice (20 credits) - ISP701:
Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (40 credits)
Apprenticeship option
This programme is also available as an Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practice in Mental Health.
For further information on the apprenticeship route, and details of how your employer can apply for you, please visit our
apprenticeships webpage .
This programme is approved by NHS England
The programme is accredited by Health Education England on successful completion you will be eligible for a digital badge confirming you have met the standards for Advanced Practice.
The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:
Careers, industry and research
What is advanced practice in mental health?
"An advanced practitioner is a clinician with a certain level of clinical practice, underpinned by a Master's degree. We work across the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical work, leadership, education and research.
We are embedded in the medical team. The role is varied - I could get a call about physical or mental health... it's really satisfying to support patients and ensure that they are looked after as best as they can be."
We are embedded in the medical team. The role is varied - I could get a call about physical or mental health... it's really satisfying to support patients and ensure that they are looked after as best as they can be."
Matthew Hibbert – Advanced Practitioner in a Forensic Mental Health Service.
Furthering your career
This programme is designed for registered health and social care professionals with 3-5 years’ experience in mental health. It is ideal for those working in mental health services who wish to advance their clinical expertise, research, education and leadership skills towards a higher level of practice and autonomy. Graduates are equipped to take on senior and lead roles across a range of settings - in management, clinical practice and education - working inter-professionally alongside diverse healthcare teams to deliver and manage mental healthcare.
Career opportunities include advanced and specialist practice roles, consultant positions, education, research, and audit. While the advanced mental health practitioner role varies regionally and nationally, practitioners play a key role in supporting high‑quality mental health care across all service levels.
Learn from experienced healthcare professionals
We pride ourselves on our cutting-edge, research informed curriculum which ensures that you are equipped with the latest evidence, as well as the research skills to support patients’ recovery.
Mr Francis Thompson
Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing (Education)
Programme Lead
Mrs Kay Lobo
Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing
Ms Tracey Cassidy
Lecturer - Mental Health (Education)
Postgraduate student life
Postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth is about more than just getting a qualification – it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options – including part-time and January start dates – you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Plymouth offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.
Joyita
Postgraduate student
Postgraduate student
Your Plymouth community
At the University of Plymouth, you get the same access to support, sports and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Plymouth community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer – get involved, stay connected and make the most of your time here.
Enrich your studies with a society
Postgraduate study is about more than academic achievement. Joining a society is a great way to connect with other students, build friendships, develop new interests, and create a healthy balance alongside your studies.
Whether you're looking to meet people with similar interests, try something new, expand your professional network, or simply take a break from academic commitments, there's a society for everyone.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for UK students starting in
Part-time study
£650 per 10 credits
£650 per 10 credits
Tuition fees for UK students starting in
Part-time study
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
Fees and costs of studying .
This programme is not open to applicants who will require a Student Route (formerly Tier 4) visa to enter the UK.
Fund your studies
As a postgraduate student at Plymouth, there may be funding options available to you, including postgraduate master's loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds, that can help towards costs.
Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)
You may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
- 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
- Applicant must be registered with a relevant professional body, for example the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and substantial experience as a registrant in mental health practice. Professional body registration must be maintained throughout the duration of the programme.
- Applicants must be in salaried employment, in a role demanding advanced practice skills and knowledge and have the full agreement from their employer.
- Applicants must have a named, allocated co-ordinating workplace supervisor and the employer must have committed to the provision of ongoing workplace supervision that meets the Health Education England guidance for advanced clinical practice.
- Applicants must have access to clinical areas that will facilitate the successful completion of the programme and module learning outcomes.
- Applicants will normally have a relevant first degree, BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above; or a European first cycle equivalent. Applicants without a first degree, BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above may be eligible to apply, if combined with appropriate practice related experience relevant to the programme and following submission of a written essay marked against level 6 criteria.
- Applicants will be assessed individually for their ability to study at Master’s level and an interview will normally be necessary.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English through an IELTS average of 6.5, overall minimum of 5.5 in each part.
- Claims for credit for prior learning will be assessed following University regulations.
Extended entry requirements
- a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element).
English language requirements - evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Ready to apply?
After you apply
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
7525
7525
Duration
3 years
Course type
Part-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
This programme is not open to applicants who will require a Student Route (formerly Tier 4) visa to enter the UK.
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Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
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