This course includes the following core modules that all students complete:
Level 4 Year 1
Trimester 1 (From Sept to Nov)
- Introduction to Mental Health
- Higher Learning Skills
Trimester 2 (From Dec to Feb)
- Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Communication in Mental Health Practice
Trimester 3 (From March to May)
- Social Policy
- Psychosocial Perspectives and Care Practice
Level 5 Year 2
Trimester 1 (From Sept to Nov)
- Voices and Choices
- Decision Making, Ethics and the Law
Trimester 2 (From Dec to Feb)
- Assessment of Risk in Mental Health Practice
- Foundations in Physical Health
Trimester 3 (From March to May)
- Working in Healthcare Settings
- Research Skills for Mental Health Practice
Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.
The FdSc Mental Health and Wellbeing is a 2-year programme when studied on a full-time basis, which requires 6 hours of engagement in the classroom, one day per week.
Students will also be required to complete at least 100, paid or voluntary work-place hours over the duration of the programme within the arena of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Vocational hours provide real world relevance to student learning and are imperative to success on this programme.
The primary way of delivering this programme is on campus:
Teaching includes a combination of lectures, small group seminars, workshops, debates, case studies, guest lectures and one to one discussion with your tutor.
Assessment methods vary to equip you with the invaluable transferrable skills required for employability within the sector. They include academic essays, reflective reports, individual and group presentations, vodcasts, academic posters, role play with analytical commentary, compilation of eBooks and assessed debate.
To achieve this Foundation degree, full time students will complete 12 modules over 2 years and be expected to attend UCNL for 6 hours teaching, one day per week in addition to independent study. Students studying part-time will be expected to attend UCNL for 3 hours teaching per week in addition to independent study. Additional one-to-one academic advocacy meetings with tutors will provide further support and guidance.
Teaching reflects the approach that students have progressed from a level 3 qualification, from ‘A’ levels or have a desire to engage in formal learning to supplement their current roles and therefore need to develop appropriate academic skills. Ideally, students will be in possession of both GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above as these are essential when progressing to Nursing Programmes. Students should also have recent and relevant experience of working in this specialist arena.
We are committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds and situations. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you do not have the qualifications stated, we might still be able to consider your application and offer you a range of support. We are here to help. Please get in touch to find out more.
As part of this programme of study you will be required to have a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You will be required to pay the cost of this. A DBS must be in place before you start your placement. You may be able to supply an existing DBS but this must be within 3 years of issue.
This course is particularly relevant to people already working in or looking to develop a career within mental health and wellbeing. It is designed in a way that progressively prepares students for a career in a range of mental health settings and is underpinned by strong relations with a wide variety of community partners in fields such as addiction, suicide prevention, domestic abuse, mental health issues and mental illness in community settings, residential care homes and the local NHS trust.
The programme provides a range of skills relevant across a variety of different professions. Students who successfully complete this course may progress to Mental Health Nurse training or work in areas including health and social care services across a variety of settings, including specialist dementia units and assisted living facilities. Other roles may include work with Public Health, suicide prevention, addiction or pastoral care roles in schools and colleges.
If you wish to continue studying beyond this programme, it will provide you with a strong academic springboard from which to progress. Course progression routes could include progression to a BSc in Mental Health and Wellbeing (Top Up),BSc in Mental Health Nursing, BSc in Health and Social Care (Top up)