UEA to Close Key NHS Mental Health Training Courses Amid Backlash

Norwich, UK — The University of East Anglia (UEA) is set to shut down three major NHS mental health training courses, prompting strong criticism from education unions and raising concerns about regional mental health care shortages.

The programs being axed are the High Intensity Therapy programme, the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner programme, and the Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAPs) Masters Apprenticeship. UEA cited financial pressures as the primary reason behind the closures, stating the courses have become unsustainable due to reduced funding and shifts in NHS commissioning.

A university spokesperson explained that recent restructuring within NHS England, along with declining enrolment and fewer job opportunities in NHS mental health pathways, had significantly affected demand. As a result, UEA is also proposing to cut 10.9 full-time equivalent staff roles associated with the programs.

“These courses are not open to the general public,” the university clarified. “They are restricted to professionals already employed within the NHS.” However, with no other nearby universities offering similar programs—the closest being in Essex—many worry this move will worsen workforce shortages in the East of England.

UEA emphasized that current students will be supported until completion of their studies and said any redundancies would only be considered after union consultations, describing them as a “last resort.” The decision follows wider cuts at the university, which announced last year that it would eliminate 170 full-time equivalent roles in an effort to save £11 million. A 3% budget reduction has already been enforced across departments.

Union and NHS Reactions

The University and College Union (UCU) has condemned the move, accusing the university of undermining NHS objectives. UCU representatives argue that the East of England will require at least 300 new mental health practitioners—including 150 CBT therapists—in the coming year, according to NHS estimates.

“This is a critical blow to mental health provision in the region,” a UCU spokesperson said. “Instead of addressing budget issues with long-term planning, UEA is cutting lifeline programs that the NHS desperately needs.”

The union also accused UEA of financial mismanagement, claiming the vice-chancellor is masking wider institutional failings by dismantling valuable services.

In contrast, an NHS spokesperson reassured the public that the health service remains committed to expanding its mental health workforce. “We are working with multiple partners to ensure that access to essential specialist training continues,” they said.

Broader Impact

The national phase-out of the CAPs apprenticeship funding, due to end in January 2026, has added further urgency to the situation. Experts warn that reducing training access will make it harder to attract and retain qualified staff, particularly in underserved regions.

Mental health advocates argue that the closure of these training pathways comes at a time when mental health needs are rising sharply across the UK. Without a robust training pipeline, patients may face longer wait times and limited access to services.

While UEA has reiterated its intent to support staff and minimize the impact on students, critics believe the long-term damage—both to the university’s reputation and the region’s mental health infrastructure—may already be set in motion.

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