Mental Health and Wellbeing

What is special about this course?

There is currently a major gap in knowledge surrounding mental health and wellbeing which requires to be addressed. Most people learn what they know about mental illness from the media. Many radio, television and newspaper accounts present people with mental illness as violent, criminal, dangerous, comical, incompetent and fundamentally different from other people. These inaccurate images perpetuate unfavourable stereotypes, which can lead to the rejection, marginalisation and neglect of people with mental illnesses.  
This qualification seeks to address the inaccuracies surrounding perceptions of mental health and, instead, provide accurate information, promote understanding and equip learners with positive coping strategies to improve and maintain mental health and wellbeing. The award aims to:

  • Reduce stigma surrounding mental health
  •  Arm people with healthy coping strategies.
  • Promote knowledge of the impact of mental health on behaviour
  • Dispel myths surrounding mental health.
  • Promote understanding of positive and negative impacts on mental health.
  • Help individuals to make the right choices.
  • Promote understanding of the potential uses and impact of social media and the internet.
  • Create resilience

The award in Mental Health and Wellbeing at SCQF level 5 may be suitable for a wide range of learners, however, the main target groups are:

  • Young people
  • Adults
  • People working with voluntary and charitable organisations supporting individuals

Entry requirements

Communications Level 5 

 This award is comprised of 3 units:
•    Understanding Mental Health Issues
•    Influences on Mental Health & Wellbeing
•    Coping Strategies and Building Resilience


Understanding Mental Health Issues 
• explaining what is meant by the terms ‘mental health’ and ‘wellbeing’ for individuals and wider society 
• explaining a range of mental health issues 
• describing the role of the brain in relation to mental health and wellbeing 


Influences on Mental Health and Wellbeing 
• describing factors that may influence mental health and wellbeing 
• describing the influence of technology and social media on mental health and wellbeing 


Coping Strategies and Building Resilience 
• exploring helpful and unhelpful coping strategies 
• explaining how to promote good mental health and wellbeing in self and others 
• explaining different types of support and ways to address barriers to support mental health and wellbeing 


Assessment may include practical work, written work and discussion. By completing this award you will gain awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing.

How will I study my course?

  • Day release

Blended learning – face to face weekly classes with online/virtual learning elements
You will gain knowledge and understanding as well as practical skills. 
3 units – each will have a written assessment
 

How long will my course last?

1 Year

How will I be assessed?

    You will do a mixture of work based assignments, reports, and written assignments.

Where can I study my course?

    • Lerwick Campus

Start date

September

Fees

For the latest information on fees please see our fees policy.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Successfully completing the award in Mental Health and Wellbeing may help you to progress towards employment, training or further qualifications or a variety of health and care related jobs.

Is there more information available online?

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“This course aims to help promote knowledge about the impact of mental health on our behaviour and it will hopefully help to promote a wider understanding of mental health and healthy coping strategies” Susan Menary, Senior Lecturer

Apply for Mental Health and Wellbeing

I want to start in 2024/25

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Shetland. UHI Shetland operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.