Understanding Mental Health - Level 3

Summary

This qualification is a knowledge-based course and is designed for learners who want to increase their knowledge and awareness of mental health.

This qualification is designed to increase learner's knowledge and understanding of mental health and mental well-being. Successful completion of the required units will allow the learner to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of mental health.

It will also support progression into relevant employment within the health and social care sector. This qualification will:

  • Focus on the study of mental health and mental well-being to support different occupational areas
  • Offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge and understanding

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
24 Feb 2026
Community Based
15 Weeks

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health will not confirm competence in a job role but will provide an opportunity for learners to develop knowledge and build CPD. It can also be used to enhance the CV and provide background knowledge for those looking to gain employment in the health and social care sector.

Progression could lead onto Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care. Higher Education Level 3 qualifications enable learners to:

  • Apply factual, procedural and theoretical subject knowledge
  • Use relevant knowledge and methods to address complex, non-routine problems
  • Interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas
  • Understand the nature of the area of study or work
  • Demonstrate an awareness of different perspectives and approaches
  • Identify, select and use appropriate cognitive and practical skills
  • Use appropriate research to inform actions
  • Review and evaluate the effectiveness of their own methods

Key information

Entry Requirements

No previous training or experience is required for this programme, but you must be over 19 on the 31 August before the course start date.

Qualification obtained

Certificate in Understanding Mental Health

Extra costs and equipment

There are no other costs or equipment requirements for this course.

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

No work placement is required.

How will I learn?

The course is delivered 1 day a week over 15 weeks, from the course start date. This will be 5-hour classroom-based sessions with a specialist course tutor. The tutor will also be available for support and will guide you from the beginning to the completion of your qualification.

Within these sessions there will be tutor delivery, question and answer, discussion, group work tasks and individual tasks. The assessment tasks take the form of Task briefs. You will also have access to a Virtual Learning Platform CANVAS which will provide you with additional resources to support completion of the qualification.

You will study the following topics:

  • Mental health legislation, services and public attitudes and how these have evolved
  • How to support mental well-being through various stages of life
  • Mental ill-health, treatment options available and the potential consequences of mental ill-health
  • The skills required to work in a mental health service

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

This course is assessed in written assignments, Powerpoint presentations and case studies.

The following modules are covered:

  • Unit 01 - Understanding the context of mental health and wellbeing
  • Unit 02 - Promotion of mental health and wellbeing
  • Unit 03 - Mental health problems: associated issues and consequences
  • Unit 04 - Understanding mental ill health
  • Unit 05 - Working in mental health