This course is suitable for students aged 19 and over.

Mental health presents one of the greatest challenges to our society. With an estimated 450 million people worldwide dealing with mental health issues, around a quarter of British adults will experience some form of mental health issue within their adult life. While many elements of mental health are still not understood, having a good knowledge of the information that is available is essential in the care sector.

This course is ideal for those currently working or hoping to start a career in a health care profession. This course is also suitable for anyone who has an interest or would like to gain a better understanding of the causes, effects, and management of various mental health conditions.

As the course is completed online, the use of a computer or laptop is recommended, however all student have access to our campus libraries including our quiet study spaces and computer suites!

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

This course has flexible start dates throughout the year.

The flexibility of the course allows you to learn at your own pace and is estimated to take up to 160 study hours to complete.

What will I study?

You will increase your knowledge of a range of mental health conditions and understand how these can affect people’s lives.

Units covered, include:

  • Understanding mental health
  • Understanding stress
  • Understanding anxiety
  • Understanding phobias
  • Understanding depression
  • Understanding post-natal depression
  • Understanding bipolar disorder
  • Understanding schizophrenia
  • Understanding dementia
  • Understanding eating disorders
  • Understanding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • Understanding obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder

How is it assessed?

This is an online distance learning course which is assessed through three online assessments.

Full tutor support will be provided by the College throughout the course and you will be able to contact your tutor via telephone, email and Microsoft Teams.

You will complete the course on an interactive, online learning platform and upon successful completion you will be awarded with a nationally recognised qualification and a certificate of achievement by CACHE NCFE.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

No previous qualifications are necessary, although some basic computer skills are required.

This course is suitable for anyone who is already working or looking to secure a role in this industry or those wishing to progress onto further education.

What are the course fees?

Course fees are dependent on your personal circumstances and you may be eligible for funding. Our distance learning courses may be free to those who meet certain eligibility criteria* including:

  • UK resident (those who live in devolved combined authorities outside Liverpool and Greater Manchester may not be eligible for course funding.)
  • Aged 19 or over
    (those aged 19-23 must have already achieved at least a full level 2 qualification or equivalent e.g. a full level 2 qualification or 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C or 4-9. Those who have not yet achieved a qualification at this level are not eligible to undertake one of these distance learning courses.)

*The College will carry out a simple funding assessment to check eligibility. Please note, any learner who has received funding for the course and does not successfully complete will be liable to pay for the course fees.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

This course provides fantastic progression on to further distance learning courses depending on your career aims, such as the level 2 Preparing to Work in Health and Social Care or level 2 Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace qualifications. Take a look at our full range of distance learning courses here.

Are you ready to apply?

Simply fill in our online form here.

However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.

Ref: Mark Carragher/Claire Walsh

Programmes funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Adult Education Budget are available to study here. Please visit Learner Services for further information about the financial support available to you.