NCFE Understanding Mental Health Level 3: Online
Course overview
Study this course FREE, with no course fees!
This is a fully online, self-directed, independent study course with assessor support and guidance. Students must have use of a laptop to complete this course and must be aged 19+ at the beginning of the academic year (31 August).
This course operates flexible start dates, with the opportunity to start every few weeks. New dates are available until July 2026. Your actual start date will be confirmed at induction.
If you choose to complete this Level 3 course in Understanding Mental Health, you can become familiarised with the skills needed to work in mental health services.
You will build a knowledge base that can be used in a variety of occupational roles, gaining an understanding of the skills needed to work in mental health services, the importance of addressing mental health problems, and how legislation and publicity are changing attitudes towards those seeking treatment.
To study this 24-week course FREE, with no course fees applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
Criteria 1
- Are aged 19+ on 31 August prior to starting the course
- Live in England, not within a non-funded postcode region
- Have been in the EU for three years for purposes other than study (and able to provide documentation)
- Are unemployed
- Be actively looking for work
- Receiving benefits in your own name
Criteria 2
- Are aged 19+ on 31 August prior to starting the course
- Live in England, not within a non-funded postcode region
- Have been in the EU for three years for purposes other than study (and able to provide documentation)
- Are working and earn under £25,000 per year in wages before tax (excluding benefits)
Criteria 3
- Are aged 19-23 on 31 August prior to starting the course
- Live in England, not within a non-funded postcode region
- Have been in the EU for three years for purposes other than study (and able to provide documentation)
- Do not hold a Level 3 qualification in any subject (equivalent to 2 full A levels, an advanced technical certificate or diploma)
Please note: This course is funded via the ‘Free Courses for Jobs’ scheme, subject to meeting the criteria. If you are not eligible for a free course through government funding, you can still gain a qualification to further your career. The course fees are £811, with an Advanced Learner Loan available if required.
The mental health crisis is becoming increasingly prevalent in the UK, with 1 in 4 adults experiencing a mental health problem every year. The Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health is designed to provide a greater awareness of mental health issues and the importance of mental wellbeing.
This course will cover the following:
- Understanding the context of mental health and wellbeing
- Promotion of mental health and well-being
- Mental health problems, associated issues and consequences
- Understanding mental ill health
- Working in mental health
In taking this course you will:
- achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
- evidence your competency to employers
- further your personal and professional development
- learn at a time that suits you without the need to attend college
You must have English at either GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent. Applicants will need to have a successful assessment.
If you hold international qualifications, we can assess these to see if you meet the criteria.
This qualification could help you to progress to the follow careers:
- Mental Health Nurse
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
- Clinical Psychologist
Fund your qualification with an Advanced Learner Loan with nothing to pay until you earn over £27k a year.
If you are not eligible for a free course through government funding, you can still gain a qualification to further your career with the help of an advanced learner loan. Find out more about financial support for students aged 19+ and the Advanced Learner Loan.
Meet the tutors
We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.