Overview

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Course overview

  • Gain the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed to carry out assessments under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), a key legal framework introduced in 2009 under Schedule A1 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
  • Play a vital, independent role in protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals.
  • Help uphold human rights. Your role is central to safeguarding liberty and dignity.

This course is designed for experienced professionals in health and social care, including:
social workers, nurses, occupational therapists and psychologists.

Open days

For details of the next University Postgraduate open day, visit open days and visits

Contact details

School/Faculty
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Contact name
Admissions team
Telephone
0161 529 4563
Email
School/Faculty overview
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Professional entry qualification

Applicants must be one of the following:

  • An Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) in current practice.
  • A registered social worker (Social Work England or Social Care Wales).
  • A first-level nurse (on Sub-part 1 of the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 register).
  • A registered occupational therapist.
  • A chartered psychologist with a current practising certificate from the British Psychological Society.


Applicants must also:

  • Hold a recognised professional qualification.
  • Have a minimum of two years’ relevant post-qualification experience.
  • Be a current member of the relevant professional body
  • Hold an undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2 or equivalent, eg DipSW).

As required by Social Work England’s 2024 standards for BIA training providers, sponsoring organisations must confirm that:

  • The applicant is of suitable conduct, character, and health.
  • The applicant holds an enhanced DBS certificate.
  • The applicant has demonstrable experience of applying relevant legislation and policy, with strong legal literacy.
  • The applicant will have access to at least two observational shadowing opportunities with a qualified BIA (including one prior to enrolment).

Please note: For the 2025–26 academic year, we are unable to accept self-funding applicants. This policy will be reviewed for future intakes.

Fees and funding

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Application and selection

How to apply

To apply for a course you will need to complete and submit our online application form. For information and guidance, see: How to apply

Course details

Course description

This Best Interest Assessor (BIA) professional development course provides experienced practitioners with the specialist knowledge and practical skills required to carry out assessments under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)—a vital framework introduced in 2009 under Schedule A1 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

As a Best Interests Assessor, you will play a crucial, independent role in protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals. Acting on behalf of local authorities (or Local Health Boards in Wales), BIAs conduct statutory assessments that are central to upholding human rights. The importance of this role was highlighted in London Borough of Hillingdon v Neary [2011], where the BIA was described as "the cornerstone of protection.”

Upon successful completion of the course and formal approval by the Examination Board, you will be eligible for selection by a Supervisory Body to act as a Best Interests Assessor, in line with statutory requirements.

This course is regulated by Social Work England and designed for professionals working in health and social care, including social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, and psychologists.


Aims

Learning Outcomes


Knowledge and Understanding

  • KU1: Interpret and apply legislation, statutory guidance, case law, and policy.
  • KU2: Confidently carry out all six DoLS qualifying assessments
    Intellectual Skills.
  • IS1: Apply anti-oppressive and social model approaches in mental health and disability contexts.
  • IS2: Critically reflect on personal values, authority, and professional autonomy
    Practical Skills.
  • PS1: Communicate effectively with individuals with complex needs and key stakeholders.
  • PS2: Assess mental capacity and determine best interests using evidence-based reasoning.
  • PS3: Analyse risk and make proportionate decisions in complex circumstances

The curriculum is fully mapped against the six key capabilities required by Social Work England (2024):

Teaching and learning

This course is delivered through a blended learning model, comprising:

  • on-campus lectures;
  • live sessions via Microsoft Teams;
  • asynchronous online seminar.

Teaching is practice-informed and features case studies, group work, quizzes, and guest lectures from experts, including a barrister and individuals with lived experience of the Mental Capacity Act.

You are required to undertake two observational shadowing opportunities with a qualified Best Interests Assessor, one of which must take place prior to enrolment on the course.

Coursework and assessment

You will be assessed by the following:

  • 2,500-word reflective account based on a shadowed DoLS assessment (80% weighting).
  • Multiple-choice test on legal knowledge (20% weighting).

You will also receive detailed written feedback and can request one-to-one tutorials to support your academic development.

Students who do not pass the course will not receive a certificate, and will therefore not be eligible for selection as a Best Interests Assessor.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
SOWK60780 15 Mandatory

Facilities

The University of Manchester offers extensive library and online services to help you get the most out of your studies.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be eligible for selection by a Supervisory Body to act as a Best Interests Assessor.

Accrediting organisations

Social Work England

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.