If you choose to complete this Level 3 course in Understanding Mental Health, you can become familiarised with the skills needed to work in mental health services.
You will build a knowledge base that can be used in a variety of occupational roles, gaining an understanding of the skills needed to work in mental health services, the importance of addressing mental health problems, and how legislation and publicity are changing attitudes towards those seeking treatment.
You may be able to study this course FREE, with no course fees!
This is a fully online, self-directed, independent study course with assessor support and guidance. Students must have use of a laptop to complete this course and must be aged 19+ at the beginning of the academic year (31 August).
See the ‘Additional Information’ section for the eligibility criteria.
This course operates flexible start dates, with the opportunity to start every few weeks. New dates are available until July 2026. Your actual start date will be confirmed at induction.
What you'll learn
The mental health crisis is becoming increasingly prevalent in the UK, with 1 in 4 adults experiencing a mental health problem every year. The Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health is designed to provide a greater awareness of mental health issues and the importance of mental wellbeing.
This course will cover the following:
- Understanding the context of mental health and wellbeing
- Promotion of mental health and well-being
- Mental health problems, associated issues and consequences
- Understanding mental ill health
- Working in mental health
How you'll learn and be assessed
In taking this course you will:
- achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
- evidence your competency to employers
- further your personal and professional development
- learn at a time that suits you without the need to attend college
Progression
This qualification could help you to progress to the follow careers:
- Mental Health Nurse
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
- Clinical Psychologist
Entry requirements
You must have English at either GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent. Applicants will need to have a successful assessment.
If you hold international qualifications, we can assess these to see if you meet the criteria.
Additional information
To study this 24-week course FREE, with no course fees applicants must meet the following criteria:
- are aged 16 to 18 or aged 19 to 24 with a current Education Health Care plan
- have been in the UK for three years for purposes other than study (and able to provide documentation) or you meet one of the exception criteria
- are not currently enrolled on an apprenticeship or at another institution
or
- aged 19+ and live in England, not within a non-funded postcode region
Do not have one of the following visa types:
- Student visa
- Holiday/visitor visa
- Skilled worker, health care worker, temporary worker, Global mobility or scale up visa
- A visa that imposes restrictions on study
- are not currently enrolled on an apprenticeship
- unemployed* or have gross annual earnings below £25,750 (must be evidenced)
*Unemployed students are those who are not working and are in receipt of a benefit or who are using the course to help them find employment.
Please note that the eligibility criteria is different for those living in the Greater London Authority. For further information please refer to: Information for Adult Skills Fund providers | London City Hall
Please note: This course is funded via the ‘Free Courses for Jobs’ scheme, subject to meeting the criteria. If you are not eligible for a free course through government funding, you can still gain a qualification to further your career. The course fees are £811, with an Advanced Learner Loan available if required.
Fund your qualification with an Advanced Learner Loan with nothing to pay until you earn over £27k a year.
