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Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health (EQUAL)

Marketing Title
07/09/2026
Format
19/02/2027
Format
Level 3
Part-Time
BHSL3004 (2026/2027A)
Online Provision
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Course Information

Course Information
This online programme is designed to increase learners knowledge and understanding of mental health and mental well-being. Successful completion of the required units will allow the learner to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of mental health.

This flexible online course allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of mental health and mental wellbeing to support individuals with mental health problems.

Achievement of this qualification will help support progression into a variety of job roles and occupational areas within health and social care, or roles in other sectors which support people with mental health problems.

If you’re aged 19-23, or if you already have a level 3 qualification and are unemployed, or on low income, you could access a level 3 qualification for free. This is part of the support available from the government to help you gain the skills you need to get the job you want - whatever your stage of life.

A level 3 qualification is equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels.

The qualifications could help you:

Gain skills that employers value
Improve your job prospects
Earn a higher wage
To be awarded the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health, learners are required to successfully complete 5 mandatory units:

• Unit 01 Understanding the context of mental health and well being
• Unit 02 Promotion of mental health and well being
• Unit 03 Mental health problems: associated issues and consequences
• Unit 04 Understanding mental ill health
• Unit 05 Working in mental health

This course aims to increase your knowledge of mental health and mental wellbeing.

Completion of the qualification will help you to understand:
• mental health legislation, services and public attitudes and how these have evolved
• how to support mental wellbeing through various stages of life
• mental ill health, treatment options available and the potential consequences of mental ill health, the skills required to work in the mental health service.
The course content is designed to take around 200 hours (20-24 weeks) to work through both learning and assessments.

Learners will be given access to a comprehensive online learning platform (EQUAL) which will provide them with detailed knowledge and information to support their successful completion of each unit.

A tutor will be assigned to the learner once enrolled, they will support you in your induction and be the point of support throughout the length of the course.

Further self-directed research is encouraged to expand learner’s understanding of key topics.
In order to attend the course, learners should be able to follow instructions in English at Level 2 and above. Learners will also need a good level of IT skills to be able to access and navigate the learning platform and keep in contact with their personal tutor.

There are no specific recommended prior learning requirements for this qualification, however, learners may find it helpful if they’ve already achieved a Level 2 mental health qualification, or qualifications in healthcare or social care contexts.

Learners will need access to a computer, laptop or tablet device with access to the internet. 

The setup of this course enables learners to study independently and flexibly at times convenient to them.

All learners will need to initially apply online and complete an initial assessment prior to access to the course.
Clear deadlines will be provided for each unit to ensure the qualification is completed within the set time frame. Completion and progress on each unit is clearly identified on the learner’s online dashboard. Learners will receive regular feedback throughout the course including opportunities for further development. You will be completing work in relation to each unit, which a range of activities and questioning to allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding. You will complete this online using the online platform. The Additional Learning Support Team work across college supporting students with a variety of learning needs in different ways.  Support can be requested at enrolment or at any point throughout your course.
Following completion of this course the following progression option(s) are available:

Access to Higher Education Pathways
Level 3 Award in Awareness of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
Level 3 Certificate in Working in the Health Sector.
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