University of Leicester

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced clinical practice in mental health with modules on leadership, service improvement and research methods. Core taught topics typically include advanced mental health assessment and formulation, psychopharmacology and medication management, therapeutic interventions (psychosocial approaches and crisis intervention), mental health law and ethics, safeguarding and risk management, and leadership and management in health and social care.

Study is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, skills workshops and simulated practice, alongside supervised workplace-based learning. Students also complete a substantial research project or service improvement dissertation that applies research evidence to a problem in clinical practice.

• Advanced Mental Health Assessment and Formulation
• Therapeutic Interventions and Psychosocial Approaches
• Psychopharmacology in Mental Health
• Leadership, Management and Service Improvement in Mental Health
• Mental Health Law, Ethics and Safeguarding
• Research Methods and Applied Research Project / Dissertation
• Work-based Learning / Practice Assessment and Reflective Portfolio

Assessment methods commonly include case-based assignments, reflective practice portfolios, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) or skills assessments, presentations and a research or service-development dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK honours degree in nursing, health or a related discipline, or equivalent professional qualification, and to be registered nurses or experienced health professionals working in mental health services. Relevant clinical experience in mental health practice strengthens an application. Where applicants do not meet the academic requirement, substantial practice experience and professional qualifications may be considered on an individual basis.

All applicants must demonstrate fitness to practise and ability to undertake practice placements; typical requirements include an enhanced criminal records check (DBS or equivalent), occupational health clearance and employer support when practice-based learning is required. International applicants should meet the programme's English language requirement (for example, an accepted English language test at an appropriate level) and provide evidence of equivalent academic and professional standing.

Career prospects

Graduates typically progress into senior clinical roles and leadership positions within mental health services. Common career paths include clinical nurse specialist, community mental health practitioner, advanced practitioner, ward or team manager, practice educator, or roles in service development and quality improvement. The combination of clinical and leadership training also prepares graduates for roles in policy, commissioning, education and mental health research.

Employers include NHS Trusts, community and voluntary sector mental health providers, primary care services, forensic and specialist units, and private healthcare organisations. The programme’s applied project element is frequently used to develop workplace improvements that can support career progression.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers multidisciplinary teaching and research-informed modules delivered by staff with clinical and academic expertise in mental health. The university maintains partnerships with local and regional NHS trusts and mental health service providers, which supports high-quality practice learning and employer-focused projects.

Students benefit from access to simulation and skills-training resources, structured academic and clinical supervision, and opportunities for interprofessional learning across health and social care disciplines. The programme emphasises applied learning, leadership development and research skills to support career advancement in a range of mental health settings.