Accredited Level 3 Mental Health + Social Care Diploma

Introduction

This Quality Assured, Level 3 Diploma in Mental Health & Social Care is aimed at those with some social care experience and/or introductory qualifications, in a care setting.

The course will teach the student the many and varied skills that underpin the good practice in mental health & social care settings and will enhance their professional approach as either a care worker; support worker or, in a supervisory role. This qualification will clearly support knowledge gained from the specialist NVQ in Promoting Independence/Heath & Social Care.

Learning Aims

The Learning programme for the student, offers choice and scope in regards to the wider study of mental health in social care settings. The core aims of the diploma are to:

• Specifically offers student a theoretical academic approach to the study of this area of health & social care; through a robust programme of learning that will enhance careers in the wider field of most health & social care settings, that the student currently engages within or seeks employment.
• The Diploma Mental Health & Social Care encourages students to: develop their interest in, and professional knowledge of this growing and demanding sector of care provision.
• Rigorous study of the subject/topics at this specialist level is explores; they include: the core theories and their application currently enshrined in legislation and associated regulations.

Learning Objectives

• Students will have an opportunity to study aspects of social care theory and practice that is current and informs good practice in the field of mental health.
• To undertake a broader study of the subject of mental health, through the selection of a variety of topics: legislation; care practice; assessment planning; health & safety; accountability; safeguarding and other important topics.
• Some prior knowledge of social care is recommended, or experience in working with a care setting. However, the opportunity is provided for candidates who have studied a social care subject at IGCSE Level/NVQ II or III (either as a Full or Short Course) to build on knowledge, understanding and skills gained at that level. Or simply starting from a point of wanting to enhance professional care skills.
• The course encourages students to develop the critical, analytical and evaluative skills which will enable them to either go on to Higher Education to study a wide range of health & social care courses, including: nursing; social work; counselling; psychology; care management and other similar subjects.

This course consists of Ten Units and is a qualification awarded by Oxford Learning College, in its own right; with the quality assurance of a leading awarding body (CIE Global) that hallmarks this professional qualification.

Assessment Objectives (AO)

AO: 1

Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the connections between different elements of their course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures.

AO: 2

Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should relate elements of their course of study to their broader context and to aspects of human experience.

Quality of Written Communication (QWC)

In addition, OLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)

To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.

Key Features

OLC offer the opportunity to study Mental Health & Social Care at a professional level 3 validated diploma course. The student will learn and/or review the many aspects of social care; be able to apply and use that gained knowledge in most mental health care sectors.

This course has several features:

• To develop an understanding of heath & social care theory.
• To treat the subject as a professional discipline, providing the academic knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate for specialist study.
• To teach students an enquiring, reflective and critical approach to the study of mental health in social care and, it’s many features.
• To encourage students to reflect on their own professional care practice, the norms, perceptions, values and opinions in the light of their study.