Level 3 Diploma Access to HE - Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Are you interested in pursuing a rewarding career in Mental Health? Even if you have not studied for some time, this diploma course in Mental Health and Wellbeing will help to develop your academic skills and confidence, setting you on a path to study a related degree in psychology, sociology, counselling, nursing or public health and wellbeing at university or other higher education courses at college.

Access to HE Diplomas are well established national qualifications which allow students without traditional Level 3 qualifications to apply for degree courses and enter university level study. It is recommended that you research university courses carefully before starting your Level 3 studies.

The Level 3 Access to HE: Mental Health and Wellbeing course will provide you with the necessary qualification to progress on to university or further study in your chosen subject area. This course is designed for learners wanting to progress into careers such as clinical psychology, social work, occupational therapists, counselling, mental health nursing and independent advocates.

You will study a variety of modules such as:

• Psychology
• Counselling
• Sociology
• Social Issues in Healthcare
• Health Studies
• Professional healthcare Practice
• You will also study units to support your learning that include Academic writing and study skills (which will take you through your university application and interviews and show you how to research and how to give a presentation).

You will be assessed through a variety of methods such as essays, presentations, research projects, and exams. The course is delivered on a blended model, with most sessions being face to face and a small part delivered online.

Upon achieving this qualification learners go on to university to study degrees in psychology, sociology, counselling, nursing or public health and wellbeing or a combined honours degree.

Universities expect adults who apply for some vocational degrees to have previous relevant paid or voluntary experience.

If you do not already have this experience, you will be required to organise relevant experience before you begin the course. For example, if you are aiming for a nursing or social work degree, voluntary experience working within healthcare would be an advantage.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

The Access to HE: Mental Health and Welling course benefits from excellent occupational links along with tutors who have a wide range of in-depth experience. You will have access to our brand-new Health and Social Care Academy, which houses state-of-the-art facilities such as a simulation flat and hospital ward for practical activities.

Direct Entry Requirement

• GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above in maths/English or equivalent.

• Please note that if you have either Maths or English, and not both at entry, you will be required to complete the outstanding Maths or English course alongside your Access to HE qualification.

Although not a requirement for this course, GCSE English Language, Science and maths at grade A*-C/9-4 may be a requirement for progression to some careers and Higher Education Programmes.

If you do not meet the entry requirements

Don’t worry – you can apply for our Level 2 Pre-access course which will prepare you for the Level 3 Access to Higher Education in your chosen career pathway . You will also work towards achieving your Level 2 (GCSE) Maths and/or English at the same time.

19+ students studying on a level 3 qualification may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. For financial support and enquiries please visit Financial Support | Warrington & Vale Royal College (wvr.ac.uk)

Apart from the course and examination fees, you will need the usual student stationery such as pens, paper, and files. The purchase of textbooks is not compulsory - there is a wide selection of books available in our dedicated Learning Resource Centre. Should you wish to purchase textbooks, your subject tutors will recommend suitable books.