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Mental Health
Original price was: £1,499.00.£1,249.00Current price is: £1,249.00.
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Begin your journey towards a career in Mental Health with our fully accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma. This qualification is designed to prepare you for entry into leading degree programmes in Mental Health, Psychology, or Health and Social Care across the UK. You’ll gain the academic foundation, study skills, and confidence needed to thrive at university and beyond.
Enrol on our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Mental Health
Have you been feeling called to support others through challenges with mental health, but don’t yet have the formal qualifications required for university? Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Mental Health is built for people just like you who are ready to begin a meaningful career in mental health services.
This diploma is designed for adult learners, career changers, or anyone wishing to gain the academic knowledge, practical understanding, and confidence needed to progress to degree-level study in mental health or related health and social care fields. You’ll get a flexible, supportive learning structure that adapts around your life commitments.
With expert tutors, materials grounded in real-world practice, and a curriculum aligned to what universities expect, this course opens the door to some of the UK’s respected Mental Health degree programmes. Enrol today and start on your journey toward a rewarding role helping people, shaping services, and making a difference in mental health care.
Mental Health Diploma Overview
Our Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Mental Health is a one-year course designed for people who don’t yet have the traditional qualifications for university, but who feel called to support others and work in mental health or related health and social care settings.
This Diploma gives you the academic foundation and subject-specific understanding you need to progress to degree-level study in Mental Health. You’ll study topics such as psychology, mental health theory and practice, human behaviour, development, wellbeing, mental health disorders, and how professionals work to support recovery and resilience. Alongside this, you’ll cultivate essential academic skills – essay writing, research, critical thinking, communication, and independent learning – skills you’ll need to succeed at university.
On successful completion, you will have earned 60 credits, with the majority at Level 3. You’ll be fully prepared to apply to Mental Health, Psychology, Health and Social Care, or other similar degree programmes, setting you firmly on the path toward a rewarding career helping individuals and communities with mental wellbeing.
Ascentis Access to Mental Health Diploma
This course is accredited by Ascentis, the Access Validating Agency (AVA) for the Diploma. All Access to Higher Education Diplomas are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), which ensures they meet the high academic standards required by universities and further education institutions. Completing this qualification will give you the preparation and recognition needed to progress onto a Mental Health or related Health and Social Care degree at university.
Flexible Enrolment
To keep our Access to Higher Education Diplomas as accessible and flexible as possible, you can enrol on the Mental Health course at any time of the year. Once enrolled, you’re free to complete assignments at your own pace and finish your studies as soon as all your work has been marked and approved. If you plan to apply for a university place with a September start, you should aim to complete your Diploma by the end of May to meet admissions deadlines.
Online Study
The Mental Health Access to Higher Education Diploma is delivered entirely online through our virtual learning campus. Within the platform, you’ll find all the lessons, study materials, and assignments you need to complete your course. Throughout your studies, our dedicated support staff will be on hand to provide guidance and help with any technical queries you may have along the way.
Full Tutor Support
With every Access to Higher Education Diploma, including Mental Health, you’ll be assigned a dedicated personal tutor to guide you throughout your studies. Your tutor will be the same person who answers your questions, marks your assignments, and provides constructive feedback to help you progress. Tutor support is completely unlimited, and we aim to respond to all queries within one working day, with assignments marked and returned within five working days.
Units on this diploma
This Access to Mental Health course covers 16 units, which build up the full Diploma.
Within this unit you will learn about the views and perspectives of mental health and wellbeing along with the factors that can influence mental problems.
There are arguments for and against the main physical interventions, here you will delve into these types of intervention and the reasons behind them with the advantages and disadvantages of each. There are also other modes of intervention which will be given within this unit.
You will also learn about rehabilitation and housing support services and the impact carers have, aswell as the difficulties.
This unit focuses on the foundations and basics of mental health, what is mental health and the key components of mental wellbeing.
Positive mental health is an important part of day-to-day life. Within this unit, you will research the need for positive mental health and the risk factors of developing mental health problems, and with the family and culture issues that can occur as a result of mental health problems. There are different frameworks that can help to understand mental distress and here you will learn about the frameworks and their content.
This unit is an introduction to inequality and will focus on the basics of inequalities in relation to mental health. You will learn about discrimination and mental ill health, the effects and the relationship between them and the issues that can arise.
This unit of the course will guide you through the types of substances that can be misused and both the physical and psychological effects that they have.
Substances can be consumed in many ways, here you will learn about the consumption of legal and illegal substances along with the long term impacts.
This unit begins by exploring mental health legislation in the UK and how they relate to mental health care before moving on to look at the national policy initiatives and having these in place will improve service.
There are specific legislation in place for carers and within this unit you will study each of these and the aims of each one. Not only are there legislation in place to ensure that people with mental health problems are treat fairly and equally but there are also agencies which also provide care and support, which you will research here.
It is important to be aware of the roles and responsibilities or mental health workers and you will research them here for various roles within the sector.
Research is a fundamental component of psychological and health-based disciplines, enabling the development of evidence-informed practice and contributing to the wider understanding of mental health and wellbeing. This unit provides learners with the opportunity to plan, conduct, and report on an independent research project focused on a topic within the field of mental health.
The Social and Community Welfare Provision unit explores the social issues that influence health and well-being and examines how welfare systems have evolved to meet the needs of individuals and communities. It develops learners’ understanding of the historical and contemporary factors that shape service provision and highlights the importance of values and ethics in professional practice.
The Equal Opportunity and Diversity unit introduces learners to the key concepts, theories, and practices related to promoting equality and valuing diversity in contemporary society. It equips learners with the knowledge and analytical skills required to understand and address different forms of prejudice, stereotyping, and oppression while fostering awareness of the principles underpinning inclusive and equitable practice. The unit supports learners in recognising how discrimination can manifest at individual, cultural, and institutional levels, and how to apply legislative and organisational frameworks that support equality and diversity.
The Ethical Issues in Professional Practice unit introduces learners to the fundamental ethical principles, legal frameworks, and professional responsibilities that underpin decision-making in various care and service contexts. It provides the tools to understand ethical theories, evaluate the relationship between law and ethics, and apply moral reasoning in realistic professional situations.
The Health Promotion unit equips learners with the knowledge and critical understanding needed to explore the purpose, delivery, and impact of health promotion in a range of individual and societal contexts. It introduces key concepts and models of health promotion and enables learners to assess how these influence public health strategies and personal well-being.
This unit explores the foundational role of communication in promoting high-quality care and building positive relationships with service users. It equips learners with the knowledge and understanding necessary to identify effective communication approaches, assess individual communication needs, and recognise and overcome barriers to communication.
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The Perspectives of Health unit enables learners to explore how health is understood, influenced, and experienced across different social, cultural, and personal contexts. It develops the ability to analyse how definitions and models of health shape both individual understanding and the delivery of care, and how wider social inequalities affect health outcomes.
The Academic Writing Skills unit equips learners with the tools required to analyse academic questions, produce well-structured written responses, and apply appropriate academic conventions. It focuses on developing the ability to interpret the meaning and implications of specific questions, identify key concepts and terminology, plan responses, and present them clearly and logically using appropriate academic formats and referencing practices.
The Improving Your Own Learning unit supports learners in developing the awareness, strategies, and personal management skills necessary to succeed in further or higher education. It encourages self-reflection, goal-setting, and the application of study skills across a range of academic tasks, promoting autonomy and lifelong learning habits.
The Researching and Understanding Opportunities for Higher Education unit equips learners with the knowledge, planning skills, and personal insight required to make informed decisions about progression into higher education. It supports learners in identifying suitable study options, evaluating the implications of HE pathways, and preparing high-quality applications for their chosen routes.
The Academic Research Skills unit introduces learners to the foundational principles, techniques, and ethical considerations that underpin effective academic research. It supports the development of essential skills for planning, conducting, and evaluating research within a range of subject areas, preparing learners for success in higher education and professional inquiry.
The support on my course was brilliant – I could contact my tutor at any time to get help which made it much faster to work through the units required.
– Elizabeth Ackroyd
The first step on your journey
Access to HE Diploma
Undertake an Access to Higher Education Diploma to qualify for university.
University Degree
Get on to your degree. Study at university towards an undergraduate of your choice.
Job of your dreams!
Become qualified! After completing your university degree you are qualified to work.
Who is this Access to Mental Health Diploma for?
If you’ve always wanted to work in mental health – supporting individuals, families, and communities – but don’t yet have the A Levels or qualifications needed for university, this diploma is the perfect starting point.
It is ideal for adult learners returning to education, as well as those seeking a career change into a field that makes a real difference. By completing this course, you will gain the academic skills and subject knowledge needed to progress onto a degree in Mental Health, Psychology, Health and Social Care, or a related discipline.
Entry to University Degrees
To become a qualified mental health professional in the UK, you will need a relevant degree. This Access to HE Diploma prepares you to apply for degree programmes at universities across the country, giving you the foundation to begin your journey towards a meaningful and rewarding career in mental health.
Entry requirements
In order to study for this course, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a UK resident and have been for the last 3 years
- Have access to the internet and Microsoft Word or similar
Studying with us
How it works
A comprehensive approach to online study for your Access to HE Diploma
Online Access
Study online using your very own login details.
Personal Tutor
Get access to a personal tutor, dedicated to helping you achieve.
Fast Marking
We offer some of the quickest marking turnaround in the UK.
In-depth lessons
All the lessons and materials are provided on your course.
First Class Support
Speak to our outstanding support staff over the phone or online.
Flexible Study
Login and study any time you like – perfect around other commitments.
University Approved
All Access to Higher Education Diplomas are designed to provide a recognised pathway into university, giving you the qualifications needed to progress in your chosen field. This Diploma develops your skills in independent study, academic research, and critical thinking, alongside subject-specific units focused on mental health and related care.
After completing this Mental Health Diploma, you will be eligible to apply for Mental Health, Psychology, Health and Social Care, or similar degree programmes at universities across the UK. If you have a particular university in mind, it is always advisable to check their entry requirements to ensure they accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas for undergraduate study.
UK universities that accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas for degree-level study in Mental Health and related disciplines include some of the country’s leading institutions such as:
University of Liverpool
University of Brighton
University of York
University of Birmingham
University of Manchester
University of West London
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start this Access Diploma?
You can enrol and start this course at any time – enrolments are fully flexible and you have the option to enrol whenever it suits you.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no specific entry requirements for this Diploma. The program is designed to prepare you for university and includes numerous sections which prepare you for higher education but students do not require any specific qualifications on entry to the Diploma.
You will need to be a UK residency to study with us but can reside outside of the UK while studying.
Do I get UCAS points?
Yes you do!
Access to Higher Education Diplomas give students up to 144 UCAS points – the exact points achieved would depend on the grade obtained on each of the 60 credits. The full 144 UCAS points is equivalent to achieving 3 A’s at A Level. You can find out more about the UCAS tariff points using the Tariff Calculator.
How long does it take to pass?
On average, an Access to Higher Education Diploma takes 600 hours of study in total. This equates to around 1 day of learning per week to complete the Diploma in 1 year. All students on our courses have a 2 year enrolment length which gives plenty of time to work through the assignments and complete your Diploma.
Can I pass faster?
Yes you can. Our Access to HE Diplomas allow you to work at your own pace once enrolled and you can submit your assignments as quickly as you like once you are enrolled.
How do you get assessed?
All assessments on this Diploma are done through Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and there are no exams. Assignments can be completed as soon as you are ready and submitted to your tutor. Once each of these has been signed off, the Diploma is complete.
Assignments on the course include written coursework, research tasks as well as a project which requires planning and completion. Each assignment has a limited number of attempts when you are completing work and full feedback is given by your tutor.
All about Mental Health career roles
What does working in Mental Health entail?
Nurses are central to healthcare, offering compassionate care, clinical support, and vital health education to people of all ages. Their exact duties depend on their area of practice and setting, but common responsibilities include:
- Assessing and monitoring patients – Recording observations, checking vital signs, administering medication, and identifying changes in health.
- Delivering treatments and procedures – Supporting with medical interventions, wound management, and the ongoing care of acute or long-term conditions.
- Supporting patients and families – Providing guidance, reassurance, and emotional support during times of need.
- Working within a multidisciplinary team – Collaborating with doctors, therapists, and other professionals to provide the best possible care.
- Promoting health and wellbeing – Educating individuals and communities about prevention, healthy living, and managing medical conditions.
Nursing is a varied and fulfilling career, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as adult nursing, children’s nursing, mental health, or critical care. Above all, nurses make a lasting impact by delivering essential care and support at moments when it matters most.
Why work in Mental Health?
Working in mental health is an incredibly meaningful and rewarding career choice. It allows you to make a real difference by supporting individuals, families, and communities through some of life’s most difficult challenges. Here are a few key reasons to consider a career in this field:
- Make a positive impact – Help people improve their mental wellbeing, build resilience, and move forward with their lives.
- High demand & job security – Mental health professionals are needed across the NHS, private healthcare, and community organisations, offering strong job stability.
- Varied & rewarding roles – Work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or community services, with every day bringing new experiences and opportunities to learn.
- Opportunities to specialise – Focus on areas such as counselling, psychiatry support, addiction services, or child and adolescent mental health.
- Ongoing learning & development – Mental health is a constantly evolving field, with opportunities to continue training, gain advanced qualifications, and grow professionally.
If you’re passionate about helping others and want a career that is both challenging and deeply rewarding, mental health could be the perfect path for you.
Speak to our advisors
Unsure on how to get started and need some advice? Our helpful course advisors are here to help!
Talk to an expert on the right Access course for you, how it all works and what you need to do to get enrolled and on your way to your dream career.
Contact an advisor