Course Overview
Unfortunately, you are only eligible for a free course with UCS College Group if you live in Somerset, Dorset or Wiltshire. Your postcode will be checked after you make an application, so if you live outside of these counties, please find an alternative provider.
The Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health is designed for learners who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of mental health and mental wellbeing. The qualification will also support progression into relevant employment within the health and social care sector.
As part of this course you will study five mandatory units:
Unit 1 – Understanding the context of mental health and wellbeing
- The range of current legislation that applies to mental health and how it has changed over time
- The range of attitudes and perceptions of mental ill health
- The current pattern and range of services for mental health problems and how these have evolved.
Unit 2 – Promotion of mental health and wellbeing
- Mental health and wellbeing in the different stages of life
- How to support mental health and wellbeing.
Unit 3 – Mental health problems: associated issued and consequences
- How mental health problems have social consequences for the individual, their family and society as a whole
- The use/misuse of substances and alcohol in the context of mental health problems (dual diagnosis)
- Mental health problems in the context of offending and the criminal justice system
- Suicide and the prevention of suicide
- Self harm.
Unit 4 – Understanding mental ill health
- Understanding a range of mental health conditions
- The treatments and interventions available for a range of mental health problems
- Care planning in mental health services.
Unit 5 – Working in mental health
- Know how to develop the skills, knowledge, and attributes necessary for working in mental health services
- The roles and responsibilities of a care or support worker working in mental health
- The roles of other professionals providing mental health services
- How to use reflection in the development of skills, knowledge, and practice.
Assessment Methods
Assessments are due at the end of each unit. Your tutor will assess your work and build up your portfolio of evidence of learning. A certificate will be awarded on satisfactory submission of evidence of learning for the units studied.
Progression Options
UCS College Group provides a range of professional Online Learning qualifications which can be achieved at different stages throughout your career, and at varying levels, providing clear progression routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
