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: Thursday 31st July 2025 at 4 pm. Late applications may be considered.
The programme responds to the needs of its students with updated, current and evidence-based information which will enhance their PG educational experience through vibrant and interactive learning.
Mental Health and Mental Capacity Law highlights
Professional Accreditations
This MSc has been accredited by the Northern Ireland Post-Qualifying Education and Training Partnership and meets all nine of the professional requirements in the ‘Specialist’ category and giving the specialist award (PG Diploma option) and three requirements at the ‘Leadership and Strategic’ category.
Industry Links
On this programme there will be restricted access to relevant data by employers, the NISCC, Dept. of Health, HSC Boards and any successor bodies.
Career Development
Professional Development
For applicants the programmes offer relevant CPD opportunities as well as recognised qualifications accredited by the University which will augment their professional development and enhance the development of further opportunities in their chosen field of practice.
Student Experience
The Programme Director has developed and nurtured their subject proficiency via their own practice, teaching and research in relation to their specialist area and they impart this trilateral expertise to the students via teaching on the MSc.
Industry Links
For social workers, the programme reflects the Department of Health policy in relation to social work and social care training and development, including links with the Northern Ireland Professional in Practice Partnership’s professional requirements and awards in the specialist and leadership categories.
The MSc in Mental Health and Mental Capacity Law is awarded to students who successfully complete taught modules (PG Diploma,120 CATS points) and a 15,000 – 20,000 word dissertation (60 CATS points).
SSESW Professor Gavin Davidson is a qualified social worker whose research interests are in the area of mental health, specifically: the effectiveness of mental health services; the recovery approach; inequalities; trauma; coercion; mental health/mental capacity legislation; and the associations between adverse childhood experiences and mental health.
Teaching Times
In addition to the 37 taught days (normally taught in blocks of 1-5 days), practice days will also be available to enable candidates to gather the necessary evidence of competence.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities associated with this course are a combination of lectures, small group work, skills workshops and practice:
Practice Days
In addition to the 37 taught days, practice days will also be available to enable candidates to gather the necessary evidence of competence. Candidates should be able to address many of the core practice and competence requirements in their own work setting. However, where this is not possible, it is envisaged that no more than 35 practice days will be spent outside of that setting. In addition, 4 private study days are allocated to each Module (12 days in total) and 5 days, for meetings with the practice assessor.
Training Profile
You will have an individual training profile and learning agreement around which your full programme, including practice, supervision and private study will be developed.
VLE
Canvas is the university’s VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). You will have a Canvas site for each module which will work a little like a website where you can click on information to download or view it. For each module, the Canvas site will include resources such as: recorded audio/ visual lectures; readings (some of which are downloadable); video links; useful web links; discussion forums; activities. This is also where you will submit your coursework and receive feedback.
Assessment
Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
Assessment methods include a written assignment, a presentation, a written exam, observations of practice, a practice portfolio and a dissertation (for the final 60 credits).
Facilities
The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces.
Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour: https://youtu.be/vB0jafwkgd0
"This course qualifies you to act as an Approved Social Worker (ASW) under mental health and mental capacity law in Northern Ireland. The course involves consideration of the relevant law, codes of practice and complex ethical issues."
Professor Gavin Davidson, Programme Director
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Semester One
• Overview of the process of audit, service evaluation, and empirical research for qualitative research.
• Overview of the process of audit, service evaluation, and empirical research for quantitative research.
• Identifying and understanding research papers and how to critically appraise literature.
• Overview of how to undertake a systematic review of the literature.
• Overview of the ethical approval process and ethical implications and considerations for research proposal.
• Present brief research proposal to peers and supervisors.
Semester Two
• Submission of research proposal (1000 words).
• Feedback of research proposal to students.
• Overview of Quantitative Data Analysis.
• Overview of Qualitative Data Analysis.
• How to write up and disseminate findings.
September 2025
• Submission of 12,000 word dissertation.
Learning Outcomes
• Understand systematic approaches to searching and retrieving literature from electronic, academic and professional databases.
• Understand the use of appraisal tools in reviewing research literature.
• Appraise and synthesise a body of literature into a coherent and robust review based on an explicit methodology.
• Identify a question and use an explicit methodology to answer it (e.g. audit, service evaluation or empirical research).
• Understand and demonstrate skills for collecting and analysing data based on an explicit methodology.
• Demonstrate skills in writing a dissertation on the project including: aims and objectives, identification and appraisal of relevant literature, rationale and methods for data collection, analysis of data, findings and conclusions with recommendations.
• Demonstrate skills of disseminating project findings and highlighting implications for policy, practice or future research at a regional event.
• Demonstrate leadership within their field.
Skills
Skills of devising a project using a specific approach to answer an agreed question.
• Skills of searching, appraising, synthesising and presenting literature.
• Skills of collecting and analysing data.
• Oral and written presentation skills.
• Skills of writing a dissertation to the required academic standard.
• Skills of disseminating findings of research dissertation.
The module will focus on the following:\n-Models of and approaches to mental disorder including medical, social psychological; related characteristics and outcomes.\nspecific groups such as children, young people, older people, people with learning disabilities and people with a sensory impairment.\n- Drugs and substance misuse, including their interrelationship with mental disorder and the implications for treatment and intervention.\n- Self-harm and suicide risk.\n- Forensic Psychiatry\n- Trans-Cultural Psychiatry\n- Gender cultural and religious issues in relation to mental health and mental disorder\n- The impact of organisational and institutional structures on mental health work
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes\nOn successful completion of this module candidates will be able to produce evidence of their ability to:\n1.1 Apply knowledge and understanding of a range of models of mental disorder,\n1.2 Discuss critically the implications of mental disorder for service users, children families and carers.\n1.3 Apply knowledge and critical understanding of the implications of a range of relevant treatments and interventions for service user's families and carers.\n1.4 Understand the roles, responsibilities and perspectives of other professionals and bodies in relation to their work with people with a mental disorder.\n1.5 Explore the themes of anti-racist, ant-sectarian and anti-oppressive practice, in particular in relation to people with a mental disorder and develop self-awareness in these areas of practice.\n1.6 Practise in an anti-racist, anti-sectarian and anti-discriminatory manner.\n1.7 Recognise the influence of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of service users.\n1.8 Understand the process of reflective practice.\n1.9 Integrate social work values into all aspects of approved social work practice.\n1.10 Analyse research, policies and developments in relation to mental disorder and approved social work practice.
Skills
Candidates will develop skills of:\n1.1 assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation in relation to complex mental health needs and risks.\n1.2 negotiation, mediation, advocacy and empowerment of service users and carers in mental health.\n1.3 critical thinking, reflection, decision-making and problem-solving\n1.4 communication with service users, carers and other professionals\n1.5 enabling the professional development of other colleagues
This module will enable students to incorporate learning from modules 1 and 2 towards the completion of a practice portfolio which will be examined by the practice assessment panel. In the course of the module there will be inputs on the construction of the portfolio.
Learning Outcomes
Outcomes: On completion of this module candidates will be able to: 3.1 Demonstrate critical and reflective analysis and evaluation of practice and their awareness of the use of self in social work practice. 3.2 Demonstrate ability to articulate, integrate and sustain a value led approach to mental health social work practice, recognising diversity, difference and disadvantage. 3.3 Demonstrate that they have taken responsibility for their continuing professional development and made appropriate use of supervision. 3.4 Demonstrate that, through the support, mentoring, supervision, management, education or training of others, they have enabled themselves and others to identify and explore issues, improve and develop and share best practice. 3.5 Show the development of key skills and critical appraisal consistent with post graduate level study. 3.6 Construct a portfolio of assessed practice to demonstrate that they have met all the requirements of the PQ Specialist Area of Practice.
Skills
Skills acquired: 1.1 Critical analysis, reflection and problem-solving. 1.2 Communication with professional colleagues and other disciplines. 1.3 Enabling the professional development of other colleagues. 1.4 Reflective writing. 1.5 Study skills. 1.6 Managing change within organisations.
The curriculum will cover:\nMental health legislation, related Codes of Practice and National guidance including appropriate case law.\nOther legislation (including the Human Rights Act 1998) and policies relevant to the ASW including primary and community care, child care, race relations, criminal justice, incapacity, vulnerable adults and access to information.\nNational and Northern Ireland policies, guidance and procedures relating to statutory mental health functions.\nEthical dilemmas and practice in relation to approved social work.\nRole and responsibilities of the Approved Social Worker.\nRoles and responsibilities of other professionals involved in statutory mental health work.
Learning Outcomes
2.1 Apply knowledge and critical understanding of mental health legislation, related codes of practice, standards and national and NI guidance.\n2.2 Apply knowledge and critical understanding of other relevant legislation, codes of practice, standards and national and Northern Ireland policy and guidance. \n2.3 Demonstrate understanding of the powers, duties and responsibilities of the ASW in relation to the legislation and their employing authority within an ethical and non-discriminatory framework.\n2.4 Consider the ethical dilemmas inherent in the Approved Social Worker role and recognise and work with value conflicts in practice including in multi-disciplinary contexts.\n2.5 Balance the conflict between the inherent power in the ASW role and the objectives of empowering practice and advocacy.\n2.6 Recognise, assess and manage risk in the context of the ASW role and to effectively manage difficult situations of anxiety, risk and conflict.\n2.7 Compile and complete statutory documentation, including an application for admission and to present the issues to a legal learning.
Skills
Skills achieved:\n- Advocacy, negotiation, mediation as applied to legal interventions\n- Critical thinking, reflection, problem-solving and decision-making\n- Communication with service users, carers and other professionals\n- Evidence giving and representation\n- Report writing\n- Risk assessment, analysis and management
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Where this is not met, applicants must demonstrate that their experience and qualifications enable them to study at postgraduate level by showing either that they have the Pre-2007 Post-Qualifying Social Work Award or by producing a reflective assignment on their practice in this area (2,000 words).
Applicants must be nominated by their Health and Social Care Trust/employer who will undertake to provide support and appropriate learning opportunities. It will be the responsibility of employers to ensure that applicants have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate social work competence in their work with people who have a mental disorder and/or lack capacity, and their carers.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 31st July 2025 at 4pm
Late applications may be considered.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years.)
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
Continuing professional registration in social work is predicated on continuing professional development, which this programme and its pathways offer. The Dept. of Health has directed that social workers demonstrate their competence covered in the curricula of this programme and its pathways.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
