The Foundation degree in Mental Health and Wellbeing is primarily aimed at those working or wishing to work in the mental health and wellbeing arena, or for those who wish to enhance their skills in the health and social care sector. The programme is suitable for individuals from a variety of organisations and settings, including both statutory and voluntary services. It is ideal for anyone interested in supporting the psychological wellbeing of individuals, families, and their support networks.
Although this is an academic programme of study, the programme aims to –
- Provide students with the opportunity to develop specific knowledge, skills, and values relevant to the context of mental health and social care of individuals with mental health issues.
- Provide opportunities for students to develop key skills in preparation for professional progression and lifelong learning within the sector and / or further study.
- Critically engage students in the social, cultural, moral, legal, and political context of mental health work.
- Promote reflection and reflective practice and enable students to assess, plan, implement and make sound judgements in care delivery in accordance with the core values of mental health.
- Develop interpersonal and communication skills and enable students to identify, use and communicate relevant information effectively.
Further develop skills and strategies necessary for partnership working with a range of service users, services, professionals, and groups across the care sector through the application of core values which underpin practice.
Course Structure
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.
Assessment Methods
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.
Progression
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)
Course Fees
UK
£4095.00 per year
Additional Costs
Your Tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition, and assessment).
There may be some extra costs that you might need to make, or choose to pay, for example:
- Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may wish to buy your own copies)
- Printing and photocopying
- Trips and enhancement opportunities
A DBS check will be required, which you must pay for.
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 5
Duration
4 Years PT
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
University of Hull
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Applications are open. Apply online in minutes.
Questions? Call 0800 358 74 74 or email ucdonenquiries@don.ac.uk