Health and Social Care (Mental Health Pathway)

Do you want to work in mental health services, the community and/or social care? Then our two-year work-based programme is for you!

Our Foundation Degree in Arts in Health and Social Care (FdA) offers a comprehensive pathway for those passionate about making a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities. This two-year programme is designed to develop your practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing you for a rewarding career in a variety of health and social care settings.

A key focus of the course is mental health, equipping you with the understanding and tools to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. You’ll learn how to apply compassionate, person-centered approaches that promote well-being, recovery, and independence. The programme also covers essential topics such as safeguarding, communication, and the importance of cultural awareness in delivering effective care.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore relevant legislation and policies that shape practice and apply different theoretical perspectives to real-world situations. This prepares you to work confidently with diverse client groups, including those with mental health needs, learning disabilities, or physical impairments.

Whether you’re aiming to work in youth justice, NHS trusts, social services, or community care, the FdA Health and Social Care provides the skills, knowledge, and experience to launch or advance your career in this vital sector. Join us to become a compassionate, skilled professional ready to make a positive impact.

Year 1 Modules

Mental Health Across the Lifespan (20 credits)
The module will focus on the key components of mental health and will aim to develop student’s knowledge of developmental, psychological and social issues that may influence an individual’s mental health. In particular, this module recognises the diversity of the mental health workforce and the culture of involving service users and carers in influencing and improving mental health services.

Mental Health issues in Children and Adolescents (20 credits)
This module focuses on developing student knower base in relation to common mental health issues facing children and adolescents. Considering the structure of child and adolescent mental health service bring in the role parenting and society may have in the development and the treatment of common mental health issues.

Study and lifelong learning Skills (20 credits)

You will be given the opportunity to reflect and learn from your experiences within your studies You will learn about how to present information effectively, demonstrate independent and group working skills, and how to discuss your experiences in the context of health and social care.

Communication and Collaboration (20 credits)

You will explore the importance of interpersonal skills and collaborative working in health and social care settings. The module provides opportunities to enhance your communication skills and prepare you for effective teamwork in this field.

Foundation for Practice (40 credits)

This module develops your skills and knowledge in a health and social care setting through teamwork and problem-solving with service users, carers, and professionals. It also encourages reflection on your experiences to identify areas for improvement.

Year 2 Modules

Innovation and Leadership in Health and Social Care (20 credits)

this module is to support you to develop managerial and leadership roles within the health or social care sector.

Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)

This module will allow you to develop your skills of using research of a topic from your professional discipline and use it as a basis for future action.

Interventions in Mental Health Practice (40 credits)
The aim of this module is to equip students with a clear range of knowledge, values and skills, all of which have been clearly demonstrated to be effective in meeting the needs of service users who experience serious mental health problems. The module will also enable students to understand policy and legislation relating to mental disorder, and the role of the law for service users with mental disorder or mental incapacity in relation to care and treatment.

Supporting Professional Practice (40 credits)

This module develops your skills and knowledge in relation to health and social care provision in your work setting or work placement. You will develop and apply evidence-based skills in professional practice and reflect on your experience to enhance your practice and support your academic development.

Assessed through individual and group discussions, essays, case studies, presentations, reflective accounts and production of a portfolio, Viva questions.