Understanding Mental Health - Level 3 Certificate (NCFE)
Course aims
This qualification will focus on the study of mental health and mental wellbeing to support different occupational areas. It will offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge and understanding.
Learners will spend the first 4 weeks completing a free separate short course (12 hours) Building Resilience. This will allow learners to gain essential skills and to provide an overview of what to expect when working in schools. Successful learners then progress to. the main course.
Course length
108 hours – 36 weekly sessions of 3 hours.
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will gain an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health.
Do I need any knowledge, skills or qualifications?
You would normally be expected to hold a relevant level 2 qualification, and have level 2 qualifications in English and maths. You will need to have a good command and understanding of written and spoken English.
What could this course lead to?
This qualification aims to provide learners with a number of progression options, including higher level studies at university or FE colleges. It will also support progression into relevant employment within the health and social care sector.
Course content
To be awarded the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health, learners are required to successfully complete 5 mandatory units:
- 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.
How will I learn?
You will have information delivered by tutors as well as developing self-directed learning so that you can carry out your own research and enter into a productive group and paired discussions. You will demonstrate your learning and skills by producing work and evidence for your portfolio, which will be carried out as homework. A substantial amount of independent study and research is required.
What materials or equipment will I need to provide?
The most important resource you will have is your willingness to learn. You should also have a supply of pens and paper.
Your commitments as a learner
To achieve success on the course you will need to:
- Attend regularly. If you need to miss a class, please let us know in advance.
- Have sufficient time for self-study and completion of homework.
- Complete the course.
- Complete all the assessments.
Other information
This is a knowledge-only qualification; therefore, no real work environment placement is required. However, we encourage all learners to obtain some voluntary placement, in which case, a DBS will be required.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS):
DBS checks are carried out on everyone who works with, or trains to work with, children, young people and vulnerable adults. BAES will carry out these checks before you start a work placement that is part of a social care course, along with a right to work check.
For enrolment on social care courses and for your DBS check you must provide original, approved documents which give evidence of your identity and address.
To get a full DBS check you must have been resident in this country for at least five years. If you have not been resident for at least 5 years, you must also produce a Statement of Good Conduct (written in English) from your previous country BEFORE you can be enrolled onto a social care course.
If you have a criminal record which may bar you from working with children, young people and vulnerable adults, please discuss this with a member of staff before enrolling, as all previous convictions and cautions will be disclosed and this could prevent you from qualifying.
A Right to Work check will also be carried out.
Interview and Initial Assessment
You will need to complete a written assessment and undertake a one to one discussion prior to enrolling onto a course. This is mandatory for all learners. Call our Information Line on 0121 303 4318 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make an appointment.
