Access to Higher Education - Psychology and Mental Health
If you are intrigued by people and what makes them tick, an Access to Higher Education Studying for Psychology is the perfect course. You’ll explore the human mind, trying to make sense of the ways people think, feel and behave. You’ll explore human behaviour from childhood to adulthood. Not only will you gain an understanding of the psychological theories, you’ll also see how they are applied in current practices, from treatment, therapies to support services.
Course Introduction
If you find the human brain and how people think interesting, then psychology is the course for you. You will learn why someone is who they are based on their past experiences. The way someone behaves and their actions could be given reason. By looking into the human brain, you can understand everything about a person, for example:
- Why someone would want to go into a life of crime
- What types of relationships they make
- Why they take specific actions
Take away the hassle of choosing multiple A-level courses by consolidating all your requirements under one umbrella course. Also, depending on the final grade achieved, learners can earn up to 144 UCAS points upon completion of this course.
Every Access to Higher Education Diploma also includes units covering key skills that learners will find most useful when they continue into higher education. These units are designed to prepare students and equip them with the knowledge needed for studying at a degree level. What’s more, we’re here to help you every step of the way!
You can enrol any time but this course begins on 1st September 2024.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Credits
- UCAS Points
- Units
-
9 or 18 months
-
600
-
Level 3
-
up to 60
-
up to 144
-
10 units (view units)
Awarding Body: Open Awards
Open Awards is a UK-based Awarding Body. Open Awards provide Ofqual regulated qualifications and units across multiple subject areas, such as Access to HE courses.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1 - Communication: Academic Essay Writing
As part of this unit, you will gain an understanding of academic essay writing. Including essay planning, structure and sourcing information. You’ll also look at the importance of academic referencing.
Unit 2 - Developing Research Skills and Using Information
Research is a fundamental skill in higher education and in this unit we explore the different approaches to academic research and how you can use it in your work to add depth and evidence to points you make. We also look at how to properly credit original authors and use Harvard referencing to show where important information has come from.
Unit 3 - Communication: Presentation Skills
Presentations form a key life skill and important academic tool. In this unit we’ll develop and understanding of the importance of planning, organisation, preparation and delivery of presentations. Learning useful strategies along the way.
Unit 4 - Using ICT
In this unit you’ll gain all the knowledge you need to know, to be able to use a computer for your studying needs. This includes producing documents, sharing information, using the world wide web and using applications.
Unit 5 - Health Promotion
For this unit you will gain an understanding of the theories underpinning health promotion and health education. Exploring their importance and the features that make for a successful promotional campaign.
Unit 6 - Ethical Issues in Health
In this intriguing unit you will explore the theories of moral philosophy and understand the importance of a moral framework. Which is used for decision making in medical practice. Lastly you will look at the ways ethical considerations impinge on patient/client rights and responsibilities.
Unit 7 - Psychological Trauma
In this unit you will gain an understanding of the different approaches to explaining psychological trauma. Taking an in-depth look in to the factors around Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Lastly looking at diagnosis and treatment interventions for trauma.
Unit 8 - Child & Adolescent Mental Health & Well being
Here you will explore the reasons why children and adolescents mental ill-health and poor wellbeing. You will understand the range of therapeutic interventions available and their effectiveness. Lastly you will develop and understanding of historical and current mental health services.
Unit 9 - Dementia Care & Treatment
During this unit you will gain an understanding of the effects of Dementia on individual carers and their families. Looking at the impact social services have for individuals with Dementia. Lastly you will develop your knowledge of ethical issues surrounding the care of individuals with Dementia.
Unit 10 - Life Style Choices & Health
As part of this unit you will explore the impact and individuals diet can have on their health. You will also develop your understanding of the benefits and possible hazards of exercise. Towards the end of the unit you will be able to recoginise the perceived benefits and hazards associated with the use of drugs.
Course Outcome
The Access to Higher Psychology and Mental Health Diploma is a widely accepted qualification at level 3 that provides an alternative pathway into higher education.
At the same level as A-levels, Access to Higher Education courses carry UCAS points which can be used to gain entry to your chosen university. The number of UCAS points awarded is dependent on the learner’s outcome of the course i.e. pass, merit or distinction. Calculate your points based on your grade with this UCAS Tariff Calculator.
In the future, this could help you get the job that you hope for, such as:
- Forensic Psychologist
- Education Mental Health Practitioner
- Clinical Psychologist
Important:
If you wish to follow your completion of this course with a University degree, we advise that you first check the entry requirements of that specific degree course with the University that you wish to attend as each institution can be different.
For example, many degree-level courses ask that students have completed specific GCSEs with specific grades. This is typically a minimum grade of C or 4 in English and Maths. If you don’t hold these qualifications yet, they are required for your University applications, we can work with you to achieve those alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma. Please mention this important information to a learning adviser when enrolling.
Examinations and Assessments
During your studies and at the end of each unit, you will be asked to complete a variety of different styles of assignments. Assessed and graded by your assessor, these assignments test your knowledge of each module, whilst allowing you to develop a wide range of skills that are vital to higher education.
Entry Requirements
There is a minimum study age of 19 years old. Access to Higher Education Diplomas are open to anyone aged 19 or over, to be used as an entry into higher education. These courses are widely recognised by universities in the UK as an alternative to ‘traditional’ qualifications for entry into undergraduate courses.
We also advise students to check the entry requirements of the next course they wish to take to ensure they meet the criteria. If there are some qualifications you do not have yet, we may be able to help you achieve them at the same time as your course.