Mental Health FdSc

Mental Health FdSc University of Worcester and Herefordshire & Ludlow College

KEY FACTS

Level: 4 & 5 Attendance: Full-time (one day per week) Duration: Two years Location: HLC Hereford Campus Application: UCAS course code L515 campus code C

This course is primarily aimed at those working within the mental health sector and is suitable for students from a variety of organisations and settings, including the statutory and voluntary services. It is an exciting vocationally-focused higher education qualification, designed to integrate academic and work-based learning. The Foundation Degree in Mental Health totals 240 credits: 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5. Students who do not complete the programme, but obtain 120 credits at level 4 may be awarded a Certificate in Higher Education.

Course Content

Year 1: Mandatory • Effective Communication and Ethical Practice • Understanding Experiences of and Practices in

Mental Health • Mental Health: Legislation, Policy and Best Practice • Mental Health: Personal and Professional

Development in the Work Place

Year 2: Mandatory • Team Working and Empowerment • Conditions and Interventions: Mental Distress • Mental Health: Individual Project in the Work Place • Applied Research and Evidence Based Practice

Optional • Applied Human Biology and Managing Health

Conditions OR • Reviewing Academic Literature in Mental Health Assessment

Assessment is modular based with students being required to complete a variety of written tasks, case studies and presentations. At level 5 (year two), there is a greater emphasis on students being independent and completing module assignments relating to their own chosen study area, interests and career progression.

The course provides opportunities to test understanding and learning informally through the completion of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. Each module has one or more formal or ‘summative’ assessments which are graded and count towards the overall module grade. Assessment methods include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, case studies, reflective portfolios and presentations.

Entry Requirements

All applicants will attend an admissions interview and will be considered on the basis of experience and/or previously certified learning e.g. BTEC Level 3 Diploma, Level 3 NVQ, A Levels and other relevant awards with a minimum UCAS entry of 32 UCAS points Candidates with non-standard entry applications (less than 32 UCAS points) will be considered on the basis of significant experience in the health & social care and mental health sectors. Applicants may be required to complete a piece of written work in support of their application Given the wide experience of potential applicants, applications for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and Accreditation of Experiential Learning (APEL) are welcomed in accordance with the University of Worcester Admissions policy Candidates will also need to complete a health questionnaire

Progression

Successful candidates may top-up to a range of honours degrees at the University of Worcester or seek related employment.

Course Fees

£9,250 per year (at time of print) - University of Worcester fee policy applies. All fees are subject to change; please check with the relevant provider and see the Money Matters section on page 18.

A Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this course and will incur an additional cost (£44 plus a yearly update service of £13 per year, at time of print).

Any transport costs for work placements would need to be met by students.

Contact Enquiries Call: 0800 032 1986 Email: enquiries@hlcollege.ac.uk

Phoebe Lyttle

Mental Health FdSc

“I am currently working as a teaching assistant four days a week, so being in college one day is perfect for me as I can continue my job as well as studying. I have always had an interest in mental health and I believe this course will open doors for me to further my career.

After high school I went straight into my teaching assistant role and have been working in this role for six years. I wasn’t previously sure about the options available to me as I didn’t go to college before, however having done some research online I came across the Foundation Degree. Although I live in Birmingham I wanted to come to Hereford for the smaller class sizes and the one day per week commute is not bad at all. I love learning about mental health and have enjoyed working towards my end of year project, which is linked to my workplace.

My advice to anyone thinking about applying for this course would be to just go for it. Everyone is really supportive and friendly, and returning to education after a number of years is not as daunting as I thought it would be. The course is very easy to fit around your work and life.”