Why study Mental Health?

This qualification is designed to develop the applied knowledge and skills you need in mental health and wellbeing. By studying this course, you will be empowered to:

• Promote Wellbeing Learn the concepts of mental health and wellbeing and gain insight into what constitutes good mental health.
• Reduce Stigma Gain essential knowledge for promoting individual and societal wellbeing and helping to reduce stigma.
• Develop Transferable Skills Enhance valuable skills vital for progression to Higher Education (HE) and relevant to the health and social care sector, such as communication, critical thinking, research, and time management.
• Prepare for progression to undergraduate study in related fields.

What will I study?

The course is divided into units covering key concepts, models, and practical application.

F400 (Mandatory) – Fundamentals of mental health and the individual – External Exam

You will explore what influences mental health, how it changes across life stages, different models of mental health, common mental disorders, and effective strategies for managing wellbeing.

F401 (Mandatory – Extended Cert Only) – Mental health, wellbeing and society – External Exam

This unit covers broader societal influences on mental health.

F402 (Mandatory) – Supporting and promoting mental health and wellbeing in organisations – Non-Examined Assessment (NEA coursework)

You will learn how work can impact mental health and how to plan an effective mental health and wellbeing campaign for a workforce.

F403 (Mandatory) – Community-based support for mental health and wellbeing – NEA Coursework

You will explore social prescribing and support available outside formal clinical settings.

Optional Units (Extended Cert Only) – F404 (Physical Activity) or F405 (Outdoor/Creative Activities) – NEA Coursework

You choose one unit focusing on the therapeutic use of either physical activity or outdoor and creative activities to support mental health.

What makes a good Mental Health student?

A good student of this course will be someone who:

• Is keen to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically, and critically about mental health issues.
• Wants to develop independence and confidence in applying knowledge to real-life contexts and work situations.
• Is interested in identifying strategies that can be implemented to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
• Is prepared for both theoretical study (exams) and hands-on, applied assignments (NEA).

Where could Mental Health take me?

This qualification is recognised in the UCAS tariff tables, supporting progression to Higher Education. The knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for further study in related areas such as:

• BSc (Hons) Mental Health and Wellbeing
• BA (Hons) Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing
• BSc (Hons) Health and Wellbeing
• Public Health and Community Studies
• Creative Therapeutic Practice (Extended Cert)

How will I be assessed?

Your performance will be assessed over the two-year course through a balanced mix of external examinations and Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) coursework.

Grading

The units are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. The qualification uses a compensatory approach, meaning your overall qualification grade is based on the combined total marks achieved accross all units.

Entrance Requirements

• 5 or more grades 4 – 9; including equivalents across at least 4 subjects
• Maths and English Language Grade 4 or above
• Average GCSE GRADE of at least 3.5 (average of all courses taken)

If you have any questions about our Mental Health AAQ please email Mrs Vickers mvickers@oriel.w-sussex.sch.uk who would be very happy to answer any questions.