LLM/Diploma in mental health law
BMJ 2004; 329 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7478.s233 (Published 04 December 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;329:s233
Who is it for?
Practising lawyers, psychiatrists, social workers, hospital managers, and law graduates, as well as those with a general interest in mental health law. It provides a unique opportunity for psychiatrists to gain a postgraduate qualification while still pursuing their careers.
When did you do it?
1999-2001, during the first two years of specialist registrar training in forensic psychiatry. The course has become increasingly popular with forensic psychiatry trainees in particular, but can benefit any psychiatrist in the United Kingdom.
Why did you do it?
Mainly out of interest, but I would also consider it to be essential training to get a handle on understanding how the law thinks and operates in the different interfaces with psychiatry (for example, mental health review tribunals, courts, legal rulings, use of mental health legislation, or consent).⇓
William Norris in Bethlem Hospital, from an etching by Cruikshank around 1820
Credit: CAMERON COLLECTION
How much effort was it?
The diploma takes 18 months to complete. There are comprehensive distance learning materials provided with a requirement to complete a 4000 word assignment on each of six modules (four compulsory, two optional). You're advised to study for about six to eight hours each week, though this varies according to baseline knowledge. The initial legal module is hard going for medics, and some of the psychiatric aspects are straightforward. Much of the material is essential reading for psychiatrists in any case, so an additional qualification can be seen as a bonus. There are six optional weekend study days held at the law school in Newcastle, where you can network, meet tutors, and access the facilities. After 18 months, there is the option of completing a dissertation of 16 000-20 000 words on any aspect of the course. This leads to a master's degree. It does require a lot of work, particularly as you work alone to a deadline.
Is there an exam?
Thankfully not. But you do need to pass each assignment, pass mark usually 40%. There is random external marking to ensure high standards are maintained.
Did you go on a course?
Yes. The Diploma in Mental Health Law is only available through the School of Law at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. It is a very innovative distance learning course that allows participation, where normally geography or time constraints would be limiting factors. The fee for the diploma is around £1800. This course is good because it is wholly relevant to daily working life and adds a new dimension to practice in areas such as human rights and ethics. Working in a special hospital at the time I found the course brought paperwork and “legalese” to life. The learning materials provided are superb and I still refer to them. The course tutors are very friendly and approachable whether face to face, by phone, or email. The course organisation was very professional.
Top tip?
You don't have to pay all course fees up front. Instalments are accepted and I paid the final amount owing after completing the course. Although I paid for the course myself, it is now CPD validated and you could legitimately claim it on training or study leave budgets.
Was it worth it?
Definitely. But you have to be prepared to put the study in, which can be difficult when juggling work commitments. I would thoroughly recommend this course to any psychiatrist, but especially to forensic trainees.
Contact for further information
Charlotte Emmett, Course Leader, School of Law, Sutherland Building, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST. Tel 0191 227 4367/3431. charlotte.emmett{at}northumbria.ac.ukwww.northumbria.ac.uk