Postgraduate Diploma in International Mental Health, Law, Policy & Rights-based Services

The Diploma is ideal for professionals from the fields of law, human rights, mental health policy, and service-delivery.

Entry requirements

• Minimum graduate qualification from a recognised university in any of the following subjects: law, medicine or psychiatry, nursing, psychology, social work, social science, natural science.
• We encourage individuals with psychosocial disabilities and their caregivers / families to enrol as they are critical players in reform and can be effective advocates for change. The minimum qualification for such applications is a graduate qualification in any discipline from a recognised university.
• The selection of students is based on their experience, and statement of purpose.
• Priority is given to students who are likely to have an impact on the field of human rights for people with psychosocial disabilities and law / policy in their respective countries.

The Diploma programme addresses human rights, mental health law, policy, services, social determinants of mental health and its interplay with human rights.
Over the duration of one year, participants will
Develop an understanding of:

1. The international human rights framework as it relates to people with psychosocial disabilities, including the UNCRPD.
2. The issues around the right to exercise legal capacity, the right to liberty and security of a person, and the right to informed consent.
3. Mental health policy, service organisations and their relationship with the mental health legislation.
4. How the mental health legislation can promote the right to health, the right to live independently and be included in the community and improve access to affordable and quality mental health care.
5. Specific topics like children’s mental health, humanitarian crisis, homelessness, gender, criminal law from the perspective of human rights.

Develop the ability to:

1. Draft, adopt, and enact mental health legislation, policy, and services.
2. Monitor the implementation of mental health legislation, policy, and services.
3. Advocate for protecting and promoting human rights for people with psychosocial disabilities.

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Mental Health, Law, Policy & Rights-based Services is a one-year programme that entails one on-site residential session, self-study and a final project submission.

Upon confirmation of admission, in November 2025, students are expected to go through Modules 1 and 2 of the course content. These cover the basics of mental health and law.

Online lectures: From December 2025 to January 2026, students will participate in online synchronous sessions covering key themes such as access to care, the burden of mental health conditions, and the organization of mental health policies and services. Course materials will be shared via Moodle, our open-source learning platform. Students will receive access through email and are expected to review the coursework and complete quizzes and assignments based on the content. From March to September 2026, a series of online sessions will be conducted on special topics such as child and adolescent mental health, substance use disorders, and mental health in humanitarian emergencies. An advocacy workshop will be held in November 2026, providing students with the opportunity to translate their learning into actionable strategies to advance the rights of persons with mental health conditions.

Residential Session: The residential session will begin in the first half of February 2026 (exact dates will be shared upon admission confirmation). During this period, students will participate in on-campus lectures and workshops at the Centre for Mental Health Policy, Indian Law Society, Pune. Topics covered will include the UNCRPD, criminal justice and mental health, and other key themes relevant to rights-based mental health services.

Self-study: Following the residential session, students will engage in a self-study phase, during which they are expected to complete approximately one module per month, along with its associated assignments. Participants will have continued access to the open-source Moodle platform, where all course materials and online assignments are hosted. Students are encouraged to dedicate 6–8 hours per month to self-study. They can seek academic support from faculty members, who will be available to provide guidance, clarify doubts related to their modules, and assess assignments.

Project Proposal / Critical Essay: Students are required to complete one project proposal or critical essay based on a topic related to mental health, law and human rights, policy and rights-based services. After the residential session, students will work on the proposal / essay. They are expected to invest two to three working days per month for seven months (March-September) to successfully complete the proposal / essay. Each student will be assigned an Advisor to help with the selection of a topic and writing the proposal / essay.

The online application form needs to be filled and submitted along with the following:

• A written statement of purpose (250 words)
• A letter from sponsoring organisation (if applicable)

Once your application is reviewed, you may further be notified to send:

• A scanned and certified copy of your graduate/post graduate degree
• A letter of recommendation

Tuition for Indian students: INR 1,25,000 + 18% GST

Tuition fee for students from LMICs: USD 1500 + 18% GST

Tuition fee for students from MICs: USD 3000 + 18% GST

Tuition fee for students from HICs: USD 5000 + 18% GST

Tuition fee includes access to online sessions, online learning platform, course material, and proposal / essay supervision. The fee also includes accommodation costs during the residential session in Pune.

Please note: We strongly encourage participants from low- and middle-income countries to apply for the Diploma programme.

Teaching Methods

The Postgraduate Diploma employs a diverse range of teaching methods to ensure an engaging and impactful learning experience. During the residential sessions, students will participate in in-person lectures, workshops, small group discussions, and learning through documentaries and presentations.

The interactive online sessions will be conducted via Zoom, scheduled for Friday or Saturday evenings (IST) to accommodate participants across various time zones. Each online session will last approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, encouraging real-time engagement with faculty and peers.

During the self-study period, participants will have access to the open-source learning platform, Moodle. This space allows students to easily access all course modules and complete the online assignments. They may also reach out to the course faculty for queries regarding the course content or proposal / essay discussion.

Assessment
Weightage

1. Assignments – 60% (cumulative) Out of a total of 8 assignments (1 per module), students must complete at least 6 assignments to qualify for the Diploma
2. Project proposal / critical essay – 40%

Diploma with a Passing Grade: Students who obtain more than 50% marks but less than 75% of total marks will be awarded the Diploma in a passing grade.

Diploma with a Distinction Grade: Students obtaining 75% or more of total marks will be awarded the Diploma in a Distinction grade.

Course Director

Dr Soumitra Pathare, MD DPM MRCPsych PhD

Course Coordinator

Dr Kaustubh Joag, Psychiatrist

Coordinator (Admissions)

Nimisha Ajaikumar, M Sc Clinical Psychology

Communications Team

Vinitha Prabhu, Communication Lead

Prajakta Dhapte, Communication Associate

Sufwan Hasan, Visual Communications Designer

Admin.

Manjusha Chaudhari

The extent of human rights violations of persons with a mental disability in the criminal justice system in South Africa

Objectives

1. Critically analyse and review the existing legislation on mental health law and the criminal justice legislation pertaining to people with mental disabilities in South Africa.
2. To highlight the extent of human rights violations with regards to Article 5,12,13 and 14 of the CRPD, in the criminal justice system, as set out in the Criminal Procedure Act of South Africa 51 of 1977 and the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002.
3. To review and analyse legislation and policies which exist in other countries, e.g. Sweden, in which the insanity defence has been abolished, and persons with disability have ‘equal recognition before the law’
4. To make recommendations based on analysis and review for reform in mental health legislation and judicial legislation for persons with mental disabilities in South Africa.

Methodology

1. Systematic review of the legislation: Criminal procedures Act 51 of 1977, Mental health Care Act 17 of 2002, and the Convention of the rights of person with disabilities and the articles 5,12,13 and 14, relevant to persons with disabilities and the criminal justice system.
2. Scientific article reviews regarding international human rights, mental health law and the criminal justice system in South Africa and Sweden.
3. Keyword Search relating to mental health disorder ,disability or impairment, mental health law, human rights, human rights law, international human rights, criminal justice, criminal capacity, insanity defence, criminal procedure, legal capacity, mentally ill offender, Criminal procedures act of SA, Mental Health Care act of South Africa, Brottsbalken-Swedish Penal Code, Convention of the rights of persons with disability- Article 5,12,13,14,unfitness to stand trial.

Discussion

There are multiple human rights violations present in South African legislation when the people with mental disabilities interact with the criminal justice system. These violations are specifically related to Article 5,12,13 and 14 of the CRPD. South Africa is a signed and ratified member of the convention. Despite this, our legislation to a large extent remains non-compliant. The CPA and MHCA promote human rights violations, and the state has made little or no provision for the fulfilment of their obligations as stipulated by the CRPD. The state has obligations to the mentally disabled in the criminal justice system and reform in some cases requires immediate action to be taken to safeguard the rights of this marginalised and vulnerable population. Reform in legislation will require that some laws be abolished, and others require review, to achieve compliance with the CRPD. The CRPD is one of the most progressive conventions regarding the rights of people with disability, however there is a serious lack of awareness of this convention in mental health and criminal justice areas in South Africa, and change or reform requires that education, training and awareness of these issues is given priority. Mental health policy should address the inefficiencies in the system and create a co-ordinated effort in order to address and overcome the challenges of the current system.

“Is the UK’s use of Immigration Removal Centre’s (IRC) with respect of people with mental health issues compatible with its commitments under international human rights law?”

Objectives

The question this project seeks to answer is, “Is the UK’s use of Immigration Removal Centres (IRC) with respect to people with mental health issues compatible with its commitments under international human rights law?” The project will examine the relevant international human rights standards, analyze the process for identifying individuals with mental health problems prior to being sent to IRCs, on arrival, and during their stay, as well as the mental health treatment offered/provided.

Methodology

Compliance with international human rights law was examined by focusing on specific articles within the CRPD, as well as other key legislation. I have drawn on findings from governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as international monitoring body reports.

Discussion

The use of detention itself and the provision of involuntary treatment under the MHA (1983) raises human rights issues in themselves but is beyond the scope of this project. The project highlights areas where the UK is not compliant with its obligations. There is a lack of awareness amongst staff on mental health, which impacts on their ability to identify those that should not be detained as per home office policy. Once in IRC’s, detainees do not receive equal recognition before the law, and their integrity and right to privacy are not respected. Examples of detainees experiencing torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, as well as exploitation, violence, and abuse within IRC’s, have been highlighted, including the use of segregation. There is a lack of screening for and monitoring of mental health disorders despite high rates of distress, including self-harm and suicidal ideation. Available treatment is woefully inadequate, and detainees do not have access to the full range of treatments according to the NHS stepped care model, resulting in an over-reliance on psychotropic medication. Treatment for severe mental health disorders does not meet the criteria for the least restrictive option; hence, detainees are not able to obtain the highest attainable standard of health. The government’s failure to collect appropriate information and use this to implement and evaluate services means that many of the concerns are either not documented or are not used in a way to ensure that the state meets its obligations. In response to the areas of non-compliance identified, a number of recommendations have been made, which it is proposed would address these.

Situation analysis on human rights approaches towards children with mental disabilities in Tajikistan.

Objectives

To determine the general situation regarding the existing discrimination and violation of the rights of children (from birth to 18) with mental disabilities in Tajikistan, and to review and analyze the existing local policy for health and social care of children with mental disabilities. This aims to describe violations of their rights according to CRC and CRPD due to estimated gaps in health and social care of children in Tajikistan.

Methodology

Review and analysis of the national legislation for compliance with international standards, including a desk review and comparative analysis of international and national documents, reports, and available statistical data.

Discussion

The fact is that state policy is aimed at improving the quality of life for all children, including children with disabilities. The conducted analysis reveals a discriminatory approach in local legislation towards children with mental disabilities and a lack of Human Rights approaches, resulting in limited access to necessary community health and social care, as well as access to education and other essential well-being services for children with mental disabilities in Tajikistan. Although some activities have been undertaken for the development of programs for children from birth to 18 years old, there is still no specific information and care outlined in normative documents for children with mental disabilities.

In Tajikistan, the development of programs for children with mental disabilities is at an early stage. However, the advantage of our country is the opportunity to learn from many excellent international practices that have improved and advanced over the years. Taking into account the experiences of others, our country has the opportunity to develop the most effective system of care for children with mental disabilities. Additionally, it is recommended that the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities and the Law on Child Protection be reviewed and amended based on CRC and CRPD, transforming them into a comprehensive law on the rights of children. This law should cover all relevant sectors, including health, rehabilitation, social protection, and education, specifying mechanisms for coordination, decision-making, regular monitoring and reporting, and control of resources.

Assessment of compliance of South African legal frameworks related to employment practices, for people with psychosocial disabilities, to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

Objectives

The objective of the study is to analyze legal frameworks related to employment practices in South Africa in order to identify the legislative shortfalls in supporting employees vulnerable to mental health concerns, specifically psycho-social conditions. The analysis will provide a baseline to create and address potential solutions to ensure employment accessibility and a continuum of employment for all employees, equally.

Methodology

I conducted a systematic desktop review and analysis of South African employment laws, policies, and regulations and how they comply with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol (UNCRPD). My research was predominantly guided by the provisions stated in Articles 1 and 27 of the UNCRPD. Article 27 addresses access to employment; continuance of employment; support in the workplace; discrimination and unfair practices during employment. I also reviewed definitions of ‘disability’ and ‘persons with disabilities’ within the scope of the UNCRPD and how it translates to South African laws, policies, and regulations.

Results

1. There is no attempt in defining ‘disability,’ but instead, definitions exist in ‘persons with disabilities.’ Findings also highlighted considerable variability in the definitions related to disability. The application of disabilities to psychosocial conditions is ambiguous, which lends itself to discrimination against employees suffering from psychosocial conditions, as the ‘power of interpretation’ often lies with the discretion of the employer.
2. Stigma is still a major cause and barrier to entering employment, and policies do not emphasize training and literacy enough for companies to willingly employ people with psychosocial disabilities.
3. Placing services and vocational training for people with disabilities, especially those with psychosocial conditions, are limited, reducing opportunities for accessing employment.
4. Limited assistance from the public and private sectors to people with psychosocial conditions in finding, obtaining, maintaining, or returning to employment impacts their access to equitable economic inclusion.
5. Limited to non-existent support is provided for people with psychosocial conditions to start or sustain their own businesses, impacting their access to equitable economic inclusion.
6. The lack of promotion for acquisition in the open labor market of persons with psychosocial conditions. Promotion by incentivized employment of people with disabilities has been implemented by the government; however, ‘people with disabilities’ in the workplace are mostly seen and adhered to with respect to physical disabilities, with little to no incentive for companies to employ people with psychosocial disabilities.
7. Non-existent professional rehabilitation or return-to-work programs for any persons with disabilities.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that South African employment laws and policies fall short in complying with Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

How long does it take to complete the Diploma?

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Mental Health, Law, Policy & Rights-based Services is a one-year programme offered by the Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy, Indian Law Society, Pune.

I am not a lawyer: can I apply?

Yes, you may apply.

The Diploma is ideal for professionals from the fields of law, human rights, mental health policy, and service-delivery.

Entry requirements

• Minimum graduate qualification from a recognised university in any of the following subjects: law, medicine or psychiatry, nursing, psychology, social work, social science, natural science.
• We encourage individuals with lived experiences and their caregivers / families to enrol as they are critical players in reform, and can be effective advocates for change. The minimum qualification for such applications is a graduate qualification in any discipline from a recognised university.
• The selection of students is based on their experience, and statement of purpose.
• Priority is given to students who are likely to have an impact on the field of human rights for people with psychosocial disabilities and law / policy in their respective countries.

How will the Diploma help my career?

The Diploma is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in rights-based advocacy and actively support countries in drafting or amending mental health laws aligned with the UNCRPD and other international standards. It fosters both professional and academic growth. Many students have gone on to pursue doctoral studies and expanded their expertise across various thematic areas covered in the programme. The Diploma also strengthens capacities in policy development and service reform from a human rights perspective, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to social justice and systemic change in the field of mental health. To see how past students have applied these learnings in their work, visit our Testimonials page

Where do the costs go?

The Diploma Programme is run by the Indian Law Society on a no-profit basis. It is self-funded, which means we do not get any grants / subsidies from any national or international funding bodies. Our faculty are drawn from diverse fields from different parts of the world. Their travel, accommodation, subsistence and fee are met from the programme fee. In addition, there are costs for providing teaching material to students and for the use of facilities, infrastructure and administration of the programme.

Who awards the Diploma?

The Diploma is awarded by the Indian Law Society, which is an autonomous institution established in 1923 for furthering legal education. The Indian Law Society is not-for-profit charity registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 in the Indian jurisdiction.