FdA Health & Social Care (Mental Health)

Year 1 Modules

Mental Health Across the Lifespan (20 credits) 
The module will focus on the key components of mental health and will aim to develop student’s knowledge of developmental, psychological and social issues that may influence an individual’s mental health. In particular, this module recognises the diversity of the mental health workforce and the culture of involving service users and carers in influencing and improving mental health services. 

Mental Health issues in Children and Adolescents (20 credits) 
This module focuses on developing student knower base in relation to common mental health issues facing children and adolescents. Considering the structure of child and adolescent mental health service bring in the role parenting and society may have in the development and the treatment of common mental health issues. 

Study and lifelong learning Skills (20 credits) 

You will be given the opportunity to reflect and learn from your experiences within your studies You will learn about how to present information effectively, demonstrate independent and group working skills, and how to discuss your experiences in the context of health and social care. 

Communication and Collaboration (20 credits) 

You will explore the importance of interpersonal skills and collaborative working in health and social care settings. The module provides opportunities to enhance your communication skills and prepare you for effective teamwork in this field. 

Foundation for Practice (40 credits) 

This module develops your skills and knowledge in a health and social care setting through teamwork and problem-solving with service users, carers, and professionals. It also encourages reflection on your experiences to identify areas for improvement. 

Year 2 Modules 

Innovation and Leadership in Health and Social Care (20 credits)  

this module is to support you to develop managerial and leadership roles within the health or social care sector. 

Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)  

This module will allow you to develop your skills of using research of a topic from your professional discipline and use it as a basis for future action. 

Interventions in Mental Health Practice (40 credits) 
The aim of this module is to equip students with a clear range of knowledge, values and skills, all of which have been clearly demonstrated to be effective in meeting the needs of service users who experience serious mental health problems. The module will also enable students to understand policy and legislation relating to mental disorder, and the role of the law for service users with mental disorder or mental incapacity in relation to care and treatment. 

Supporting Professional Practice (40 credits) 

This module develops your skills and knowledge in relation to health and social care provision in your work setting or work placement. You will develop and apply evidence-based skills in professional practice and reflect on your experience to enhance your practice and support your academic development. 

There are placement opportunities allowing you to apply your skills and knowledge in an area of practice that interests you, providing a firm basis for your future career. In year 1 you must complete a minimum 50 hours and in year 2 you are required to complete a minimum 100 hours.  

 Students are required to carry out placement working with services users who have a diagnosis of mental health or are awaiting diagnosis. 

Graduates often progress into roles such as

• Mental Health Care Support Worker
• Mental Health Practitioner
• Mental Health Advocate
• Care Coordinator
• Youth and family worker within mental health services
• Care home management
• Homeless support worker
• Support Worker
• Youth Justice Worker
• Healthcare Assistant
• Mental health Community Outreach Worker
• Working in NHS and private hospital as HCA on mental health wards 
  

 Many also choose to continue to Top-up Study in the areas of Health and Social Care by completing the BSc (Hons) Top-Up in Health & Social Care.

Admissions decisions will be based on the following standard criteria:  

UCAS Tariff Points: 72 - 80  
BTEC: Merit, Pass, Pass  
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 72 - 80 points 
GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or FS2 or KS3 

Accreditation of prior learning is considered on an individual basis for those candidates that have undertaken relevant study in a health and social care related field.  

Accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) is considered on an individual basis for those candidates that have relevant work experience in a health and social care related field. 

Applicants will be invited to an interview as part of the application process.

All students must be prepared to undergo and prove they have an enhanced DBS suitable to work with vulnerable adults and children.