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Level 3 Mental Health Course Online – Activate Learning at City of Oxford College

CostFREE
Duration24 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
Start1 Sep 2026
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Understanding Mental Health Course. Study online at your own pace over 24 weeks. It is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply, though an Advanced Learner Loan could help.

The course covers how mental health conditions develop, how they affect people's lives, and how support services work. You will explore recovery approaches, the role of medication, and how to communicate effectively with people experiencing mental health difficulties. You need English at GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2, or equivalent to enrol.

You will finish with an NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health.

Who this course is for

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). This 24-week course has a flexible start date and will run until 31 July 2024. 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. To study this 24-week course FREE, with no course fees applicants must meet one of the following criteria: Criteria 1 Are aged 19+ on 31 August prior to starting the course, Live in England, not within a non-funded postcode region , Have been in the EU for three years for purposes other than study (and able to provide documentation) , Are unemployed, Be actively looking for work, Receiving benefits in your own name, . Criteria 2 Are aged 19+ on 31 August prior to starting the course Live in England, not within a non-funded postcode region , Have been in the EU for three years for purposes other than study (and able to provide documentation) , Are working and earn under £20,319 per year in wages before tax (excluding benefits), . Criteria 3 Are aged 19+ on 31 August prior to starting the course, Live in England, not within a non-funded postcode region , Have been in the EU fo. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

Entry requirements

You must have English at either GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent. Applicants will need to have a successful assessment and be able to provide their Level 2 certificate. If you hold international qualifications, we can assess these to see if you meet the criteria.. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the main types of mental health conditions and how they are defined.
  • You'll understand how mental health problems affect individuals, families, and communities.
  • You'll learn about recovery models and approaches used in mental health support.
  • You'll develop knowledge of how medication is used in mental health treatment.
  • You'll study how to communicate sensitively with people experiencing mental health difficulties.
  • You'll examine the role of mental health services and how they are organised.
  • You'll consider legislation and rights relating to mental health care.

How you will learn

This is a fully online, self-directed course with assessor support available throughout. You study independently at your own pace, working through written materials and tasks. Assessment is through written assignments submitted online. You will need access to a laptop to complete the course.

What you will need to bring

You will need your own laptop to complete this course. Activate Learning at City of Oxford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Mental health support worker, assists people living with mental health conditions in community or residential settings.
  • Support worker, provides day-to-day care and support to adults with a range of needs.
  • Healthcare assistant, supports clinical staff in hospitals, GP surgeries, or community health teams.
  • Recovery worker, helps people manage their mental health and work toward independence.
  • Community outreach worker, connects people with mental health services and local support.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, a broader qualification that opens roles in adult care and community health.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health, deepens specialist knowledge for those moving into senior support or coordination roles.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health), recognised by UK universities as a route into nursing, social work, or psychology degrees.
Apply on adult.activatelearning.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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