Mental Health and Resilience - Foundation Degree (Progression from Cert HE)
Summary
This is a progression course from the Mental Health and Resilience - Certificate of Higher Education to Foundation Degree level.
The Foundation Degree in Mental Health and Resilience is a unique qualification which is aimed specifically at individuals who wish to work in non-medical mental health settings.
This degree intends to support your development of key skills and attributes that will enhance your professional practice in non-medical mental health roles such as community mental health services, emotional wellbeing and pastoral roles in schools, and dual support services.
As well as transitioning directly into work, successful graduates can also progress onto our one-year top-up programme to gain an honours degree and further enhance their career prospects.
- Course code SM1HE0006
- UCAS code L514
- Duration 1 Year
- Day/s of week Monday
- Time 09:15 - 16:45
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
07 Sep 2026
|
University Centre
|
1 Year
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The key benefit of completing the Foundation Degree is the experience gained in the different mental health settings that are undertaken as part of the work placement within the second year of study.This varied experience is designed to increased the confidence of practitioners and is highly sought after by employers.
Next steps at B&FC
The BA (Hons) Top up in Mental Health and Resilience, which is validated by Lancaster University, is the next academic step students can take and is available only to those who have successfully completed this Foundation Degree programme.
Employment Opportunities
There are several employment options that students can transition into on achieving the Foundation Degree, which include:
- Education mental health practitioner trainee
- Team leader roles
- Senior mental health support worker roles
Key information
Entry Requirements
Successful completion of the Mental Health and Resilience - Certificate of Higher Education is a pre-requisite of entry onto the programme.
Applicants will be invited to take part in an informal discussion with the programme team, where you can learn more about the programme, prior to an offer being made. 4 hours paid or voluntary work in a relevant area is also required.
If you are a non-standard student, who has not followed the traditional routes to higher education, we can consider your application on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who can demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.
Qualification obtained
FdA Mental Health and ResilienceExtra costs and equipment
No special equipment is required as a full range of IT is available within the Learning Resource Centre for enrolled students. Students may wish to purchase a computer (desktop or laptop) as all assessments are submitted electronically and the relevant software can be provided by the College free of charge.
What will I learn?
Prior to enrolment and throughout the duration of the Foundation Degree programme, you must be actively in paid or voluntary employment in a mental health, wellbeing and/or resilience setting for a minimum of 4 hours per week. The paid or voluntary work element is intended to provide you with the opportunity to embed your learning into practice each week.
Modules at Level 5
Psychological Theories and Research
Co-Morbidity of Mental Health
Professional Portfolio Development
Developing Counselling Skills for Coaching and Mentoring
Leading and Managing Teams
Work Based Learning
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
All students are required to be in employment or volunteer within the field of mental health for approximately 4 hours a week.
How will I learn?
Scheduled Learning
Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.
Independent Study
Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.
Expert tutors
All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 0 | 240 | 0 |
| Independent | 0 | 832 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 128 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 1200 | 0 |
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a combination of course work and practical assessments. These include essays, reports, portfolio's, presentations and posters
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 0% | 63% | 0% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |