Mental Health Care Skills

Module Description

The module begins by introducing students to the mental health continuum, from mental well-being to serious mental illness, and the various factors that can affect an individual’s mental health. Students will explore common mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders, with a focus on how these conditions manifest in different individuals and age groups. 

Students will also learn about the assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions, exploring the role of care providers in identifying signs of mental health issues and facilitating access to appropriate services. Students will develop practical skills in mental health care interventions, including crisis intervention and the use of coping strategies to support individuals in managing their symptoms. 

The module places a strong emphasis on the person-centred approach to mental health care. Students will learn how to collaborate with individuals and their families to develop care plans that are tailored to the person’s needs and preferences. 

By the end of the module, students will have the knowledge and skills to provide effective mental health care, supporting individuals to manage their conditions and improve their quality of life. 

Entry Requirements

• A qualification at MQF Level 4 (one ‘A’ Level or equivalent) in Care or a related field and English Language at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent). 

• In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted on the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning. 

*Students whose first language is not English and do not possess an ‘O’ level pass in English Language will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.

Target Audience

The programme targets the following groups:  

• Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in the field of care. 

• Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the care profession. 

• Individuals seeking to enhance their ability to interpret, assess, and communicate care-related information. 

• Individuals already working in care who wish to progress to more advanced positions.  

• Individuals aiming to continue their studies in health and social care at higher levels. 

Career Paths

This qualification prepares students for advanced roles in direct care provision, including:  

• Senior Care Assistant 

• Community Support Worker 

• Mental Health Support Worker 

• Pediatric Care Assistant 

• Personal Care Assistant 

• Disability Support Worker 

• Palliative / End-of-Life Care Worker 

• Rehabilitation Support Worker 

• Residential Care Worker

How you’ll be assessed

The course comprises:

• Evening classes for part-time courses.
• Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
• Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:

• Formative Assessment
• Summative Assessment

The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.