Accredited Level 3 Mental Health + Social Care Diploma

This Quality Assured, Level 3 Diploma in Mental Health & Social Care is aimed at those with some social care experience and/or introductory qualifications, in a care setting.

The course will teach the student the many and varied skills that underpin good practice in mental health & social care settings and will enhance their professional approach as either a care worker; support worker or, in a supervisory role. This qualification will clearly support knowledge gained from the specialist NVQ in Promoting Independence/Health & Social Care.

Learning Aims

The Learning programme for the student, offers choice and scope in regards to the wider study of mental health in social care settings. The core aims of the diploma are to:

• Provides students with a theoretical academic approach to studying health and social care, through a comprehensive learning program designed to enhance career prospects in various health and social care settings where students are currently involved or seek employment
• The Mental Health & Social Care Diploma encourages students to cultivate their interest in and deepen their professional knowledge of this expanding and challenging area of care provision.
• Exploration of the subject/topics at this specialised level involves rigorous study, encompassing core theories and their application as stipulated in current legislation and associated regulations.

Learning Objectives

• Students will have an opportunity to study aspects of social care theory and practice that are current and inform good practice in the field of mental health.
• To undertake a broader study of the subject of mental health, through the selection of a variety of topics: legislation; care practice; assessment planning; health & safety; accountability; safeguarding and other important topics.
• Prior knowledge or experience in social care is recommended, but candidates who have studied a social care subject at IGCSE Level/NVQ II or III can also benefit from this course. It offers an opportunity to build on existing knowledge and skills or start fresh for those seeking to enhance their professional care skills.
• The course fosters the development of critical, analytical, and evaluative skills, empowering students to pursue higher education in various health and social care fields. This includes disciplines such as nursing, social work, counselling, psychology, care management, and related subjects.

This course consists of Ten Units.

Assessment Objectives (AO)

AO: 1
Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study.

In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the connections between different elements of their course of study. This assessment involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and one following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures.

AO: 2
Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should relate elements of their course of study to their broader context and to aspects of human experience.

Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
In addition, we require students to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)

To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our student’s written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.

Key Features
We offer the opportunity to study Mental Health & Social Care at a professional level 3 validated diploma course. The student will learn and/or review the many aspects of social care; and be able to apply and use that gained knowledge in most mental health care sectors.

This course has several features:

• To develop an understanding of health & social care theory.
• To treat the subject as a professional discipline, providing the academic knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate for specialist study.
• To teach students an enquiring, reflective and critical approach to the study of mental health in social care and, its many features.
• To encourage students to reflect on their own professional care practice, the norms, perceptions, values and opinions in the light of their study.

Accredited Level 3 Mental Health + Social Care Diploma Entry Requirement
Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Mental Health + Social Care Diploma requires that potential students be aged 16 or over and have gained GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent qualifications and have, good English oral, reading and writing skills.

Advice on enrolment and guidance of prior learning (APL) can be obtained through our contact centre. The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education.

Assessment
The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.

Study Hours
Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of this is supported by a Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support throughout their course.

Accredited Level 3 Mental Health + Social Care Diploma Course Length
1 Year.

Awarding Body
AccordAI

Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Mental Health + Social Care Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4 Diploma or higher.

Course Content

Unit 1: The History, Definition of Mental Health & Social Care

In this unit, students will delve into the historical context and social perceptions surrounding mental health, examine current trends in community care, explore the concept of caregiving, assess legislative influences, and scrutinise attitudes and classifications related to individuals with mental health issues, formerly referred to as “patients.

Unit 2: Research and Statistics

The unit delves into the measurement and study of mental health, covering topics such as data collection methods, demographic trends, current research findings, statistical interpretation, patient profiling, and future service planning.

Unit 3: Diagnosis & Treatment of Mental Health Conditions

The unit examines various diagnostic tools employed in identifying conditions such as GAINS, K6, ASI, PDSQ, and ICD. It delves into the components of diagnosis, treatment planning, primary and secondary care, as well as the roles of professionals and associated care teams.

Unit 4: Mental Health Conditions

This unit guides students in examining fundamental conditions diagnosed in mental health, including their features, psychological and anatomical assessments, diagnosis, staging, and treatment plans. It explores the rationale behind the utilisation of various treatments.

Unit 5: Social Inclusion

This unit aims to deepen students’ comprehension of broader issues surrounding the stigma associated with mental health challenges, such as isolation and social exclusion. It delves into strategies for assisting individuals affected by mental health issues within society, including fostering social inclusion, promoting independence, developing coping mechanisms, and facilitating support networks.

Unit 6: Our Ageing Society

Research suggests that the UK is facing increasing strain on resources, particularly in healthcare, due to the growing elderly population. This unit examines the implications of ageing on care services, mental health diagnostics and treatments, and the evolving training models for care professionals to address this demand.

Unit 7: Care Services and Support

In this unit, we delve into the vital partnership between health and social care services in the modern era. Topics covered include legislation, eligibility for care, staff competency and training, and more.

Unit 8: The Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)

The unit provides students with an overview of professionals and their roles in supporting mental health patients in the community. Topics covered include collaborative partnering, engagement, crisis assessment, and care management.

Unit 9: Assessment of Risk

This unit delves into essential risk assessment for individuals, care teams, and communities. It covers effective risk strategies, management procedures, and responses to potential issues. Students will explore institutional and community risk assessment, as well as risks to individual patients.

Unit 10: The Future of Mental Health & Social Care

In this concluding unit, we consolidate the knowledge gained from previous modules. With supplementary study materials, students will examine the significant changes in the sector compared to a decade ago. Factors such as economics, demographics, and lifestyle are explored for their impact on a service that was once considered finite.