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TQUK · Level 3✓ On the Ofqual register · 603/3202/5From £39.99 a month
Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health Online TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health (RQF), QAN 603/3202/5
What is a Level 3 mental health course?
It is a Level 3 mental health course you study online, leading to the TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health (RQF), qualification number 603/3202/5 on the Ofqual register, awarded by TQUK. You study mental health conditions in context and the law, living with a condition, treatment, self-destructive behaviour and the role of the mental health care worker. It is 21 credits and 153 guided learning hours across five units, assessed by a portfolio of written work marked by your tutor, with no exams, and most learners finish in 4 to 6 months.
4 to 6 monthstypical study time, at your own pace
RQF Level 321 credits, 153 guided learning hours
No examsportfolio marked by your tutor, pass or fail
TQUK certificateregistration and certificate included
7-day free trial. Nothing to pay today, then £49.99 a month from day 8. Cancel before day 8 and pay nothing.
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This Level 3 mental health qualification suits support workers, healthcare assistants, care staff and anyone aged 16 or over who works in, or wants to move into, mental health support. Alongside conditions and treatment, you look at what living with a condition is like, the law that protects people, and your own role, including a written reflection on your practice. It is a knowledge qualification, so you do not need to be working in mental health, and there are no exams or observations.
Course facts
TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health (RQF) (603/3202/5) online with Lift College. Pay today: £39.99 a month or £359.99 in full. Or start with a 7-day free trial, then £49.99 a month or £499.99 in full. 14-day money back.
| Qualification | TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health (RQF) |
|---|---|
| Qualification number (QAN) | 603/3202/5 |
| Awarding body | TQUK, Training Qualifications UK |
| Level | RQF Level 3 |
| Credits | 21 credits |
| Guided learning hours | 153 hours |
| Total qualification time | 210 hours |
| Typical study time | 4 to 6 months, at your own pace |
| Units | 5 units |
| Assessment | The certificate is assessed by a portfolio of evidence. |
| Minimum age | 16 or over |
| Price | Pay today: £39.99 a month or £359.99 in full. Or start with a 7-day free trial, then £49.99 a month or £499.99 in full. 14-day money back. |
Why Lift College
Why study this course with Lift College
A named UK tutor and AI Study Support
A named UK tutor marks your work in 5 to 7 working days and gives you written feedback on every submission. AI Study Support is there between submissions to explain a term, check your understanding or help you plan an answer.
Level 3 depth for real roles
The units go beyond awareness into the legislation, diagnosis and care planning, treatments, self-destructive behaviour and the responsibilities of mental health care workers, with reflective practice built in.
One price, no risk to try
Your TQUK registration and certificate are included. Pay monthly or in full, start with a 7-day free trial and, if it is not right for you, the 14-day money back guarantee covers you.
Prices compared
How the cost compares
Full course fees online for this qualification or the nearest match, as each provider listed them on its own page when we checked on 29 October 2026.
| Provider | Course fee | How you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lift CollegeLowest cost to start | £359.99paid in full today, or £39.99 a month. TQUK registration and certificate included | Monthly or in full, no contract. Or a 7-day free trial, then £49.99 a month. 14-day money back |
| NCC Home Learning | £439A different TQUK qualification: the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health Care. 12 months of tutor support. | Pay in full, or a deposit then 12 monthly payments |
| Learning Curve Group | £460The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health. | Pay in full, or Klarna or Splitit at checkout |
| The Learning College | £499The same TQUK qualification. Full price shown; it was on sale when we checked. | Pay in full, or a deposit then monthly payments |
| Open Study College | £679The NCFE CACHE Level 3 certificate. Five tutor-marked assessments; printed materials cost extra. Full price shown; it was on sale when we checked. | Pay in full, monthly, or 3 payments with Klarna or PayPal |
Checked on . Prices change, so check each provider's own page before you enrol.
What you'll study
The 5 units you study
1Understand mental health conditions in contextL/617/3856 · Level 3 · 5 credits · 38 guided hours
The principles of mental health and well-being, the legislation that applies to mental health conditions, how campaigns promote well-being, and attitudes to mental health in society.
- Understand mental health principles
- Understand legislation in the context of mental health conditions
- Understand how campaigns and strategies can be used to promote mental well-being
- Understand attitudes towards mental health in society
2Living with a mental health conditionR/617/3857 · Level 3 · 4 credits · 27 guided hours
How living with a mental health condition affects a person's daily life, relationships and opportunities, and how it affects their family.
- Understand how living with a mental health condition impacts on individuals
- Understand how families of individuals with mental health conditions are affected
3Understanding treatment of mental health conditionsY/617/3858 · Level 3 · 4 credits · 26 guided hours
The role of diagnosis and care planning in recovery, and the range of treatments available for mental health conditions.
- Understand the role of diagnosis and planning in the recovery process for individuals with a mental health condition
- Know a range of treatments available for individuals with mental health conditions
4Mental health conditions and destructive behaviourD/617/3859 · Level 3 · 4 credits · 37 guided hours
The types of self-destructive behaviour, such as self-harm, that a person with a mental health condition may show, the possible consequences, and how to support them.
- Understand the types of self-destructive behaviour that might be displayed by an individual with a mental health condition
- Understand the potential consequences for individuals who engage in self-destructive behaviour
- Know how to support someone with a mental health condition who displays self-destructive behaviour
5Understand the role of the mental health care workerR/617/3860 · Level 3 · 4 credits · 25 guided hours
The roles and responsibilities of the people who provide mental health care, how to develop your own skills and knowledge, and the role of reflective practice.
- Understand the different roles and responsibilities relevant to those involved in providing mental health care
- Understand how to evaluate and develop own skills and knowledge as part of continual professional development
- Understand the role of reflective practice
Total: 21 credits · 153 guided learning hours · 210 hours total qualification time
Assessment
How you're assessed
The certificate is assessed by a portfolio of evidence. For each of the five units you complete written assignments and workbook questions online. All units are knowledge units, so there are no exams and no workplace observations.
01Study the unit
Work through the lessons, case studies and knowledge checks online, with your named UK tutor and AI Study Support on hand.
02Write your answers
Complete the written assignment and workbook questions for the unit. In the final unit you also complete a written self-assessment that shows your reflective practice.
03Get marked and feedback
Your tutor marks your work against every assessment criterion in 5 to 7 working days. If anything is not yet met, you get feedback and resubmit.
04Receive your certificate
Once all five units are passed, your work is quality assured and TQUK issues your certificate.
Your work is internally assessed by Lift College tutors and externally quality assured by TQUK. The result is pass or fail. This is a knowledge qualification: it is not a clinical qualification and does not qualify you to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Who it's for
This course is for you if
- You work as a support worker, care worker or healthcare assistant and support people with mental health conditions
- You want to move into a mental health support worker or peer support role and need a regulated Level 3 certificate
- You already hold a Level 2 mental health qualification and want to go further
- You work in housing, education, the police, a charity or a helpline and meet people in mental distress
- You want to study online at your own pace, with written work rather than exams
Careers
Where this can take you
Mental health support worker
Community, inpatient and supported housing services look for this knowledge.
Healthcare assistant
Useful in mental health wards and community teams.
Peer support worker
Supports people who draw on their own lived experience in their work.
Support worker in supported housing
Many tenants in supported housing live with a mental health condition.
Care worker
Helps you understand and support residents and clients with mental health needs.
TQUK and Ofqual
Your certificate comes from TQUK
The TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health (RQF) is regulated by Ofqual and listed on the Ofqual register as 603/3202/5. Training Qualifications UK (TQUK) awards it, and Lift College is a TQUK recognised centre.
Step 1Lift College is a TQUK recognised centre
TQUK approves the centre, the tutors who assess you and the way the course is delivered before a single learner is registered.
Step 2TQUK checks the marking
An external quality assurer from TQUK samples assessed work from Lift College learners. Your result stands because TQUK has agreed it, not just your tutor.
Step 3TQUK issues and verifies your certificate
Your certificate is printed by TQUK with a unique number. Any employer or university can confirm it is real on TQUK's certificate verification service.
Sources: TQUK qualification specification, 603/3202/5, Version 5 · Ofqual register: TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health (RQF), 603/3202/5 · Mental Health Act 1983 · Mental Capacity Act 2005
Next steps
What you can do next
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
TQUK lists this as a same-level option. It is assessed in your workplace and suits senior care and support roles.
View course →Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
TQUK names this as the next level up for experienced care and support workers.
Level 3 Award in Awareness of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
Mental Capacity Act CPD courseA regulated award on the Mental Capacity Act 2005, capacity and consent.
A shorter, non-regulated course on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 for day-to-day practice.
View course →What learners say
What our learners say
The flexibility was a game changer for me. I studied around my shifts and my tutor was incredibly supportive throughout.
I was nervous about going back to study after 15 years, but the platform is so easy to use and the feedback I got on assignments was genuinely useful.
Got into my first-choice university with a place on a Nursing BSc. The Access to HE Diploma gave me exactly what I needed.
Good value and well structured. I appreciated that I could resubmit work without extra cost, really helped me improve.
Customer service was excellent. Any time I had a question it was answered within hours. Highly recommend.
I needed a qualification that actually meant something to employers. Ofqual regulation was the deciding factor, and it delivered.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this a regulated mental health qualification?
Yes. It is a regulated Level 3 mental health qualification on the Ofqual register: the TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health (RQF), qualification number 603/3202/5. It is 21 credits, 153 guided learning hours and 210 hours total qualification time. It is a knowledge certificate assessed by written work, not a work-based diploma assessed in your workplace. Training Qualifications UK issues the certificate, and Lift College is a TQUK recognised centre.
How long does it take?
Many people take 4 to 6 months, studying a few hours a week. The qualification is 153 guided learning hours and 210 hours total qualification time across five units. There is no timetable, so you move on as soon as each unit is marked.
How is it assessed?
By a portfolio of written assignments and workbook questions for each of the five units, including a written self-assessment of your reflective practice. Your named UK tutor marks your work, and TQUK externally quality assures it. The result is pass or fail.
Are there any exams?
No. There are no exams, no timed tests and no workplace observations. Everything is written work you complete online.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no formal entry requirements. You need to be 16 or over, and the course is taught and assessed in English. You do not need any previous qualification or experience to start.
What does it cost?
One price covers the whole course: your named UK tutor, marking, AI Study Support, your TQUK registration and your TQUK certificate. You can pay monthly or in full, and the prices are shown on this page. Every plan starts with a 7-day free trial and is covered by our 14-day money back guarantee. Paying today, it is £39.99 a month or £359.99 in full. After the 7-day free trial, it is £49.99 a month or £499.99 in full.
Can my employer pay?
Yes. Your employer can open an organisation account with Lift College, add you and any colleagues, and pay by card or by invoice with their own PO number. Organisation accounts get 10% off every qualification against the price one person pays, and managers can see each learner's progress. An organisation place is £323.99, 10% off the £359.99 one person pays today, paid by card or invoice.
What can I do after this qualification?
You could use the certificate to move into a mental health support worker, healthcare assistant or peer support role, or go on to the TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care and then a Level 4 diploma. This is a knowledge qualification: it shows you understand mental health, and it does not on its own qualify you as a nurse, counsellor or therapist. Employers decide what each role needs.
What is the difference between a Level 2 and a Level 3 mental health course?
A Level 2 course introduces mental health and common conditions. This Level 3 certificate goes further: the legislation, the role of diagnosis and care planning in recovery, treatments, self-destructive behaviour and the responsibilities of mental health care workers, with reflective practice. It is 21 credits, so it takes a little longer.
Is this Level 3 mental health awareness?
Yes, and it goes further than awareness. At Level 3 you study mental health conditions, the law, treatment and recovery, self-destructive behaviour and the role of the mental health care worker, over 153 guided learning hours. If you want a short workplace course instead, Lift College also offers mental health awareness as a CPD course, which is not a regulated qualification.
Is this a mental health first aid course?
No. Mental health first aid courses are short training sessions on how to respond to someone in crisis. This is a regulated Level 3 qualification on the Ofqual register that builds a deeper understanding of mental health conditions, treatment and care.
Does the course cover the Mental Health Act?
Yes. The first unit covers legislation in the context of mental health conditions, so you study the main laws that apply, such as the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in England and Wales, and how they protect people and shape their care.
Do I need to work in mental health to take this course?
No. All five units are knowledge units assessed by written work, so you can take the course before moving into a mental health role, or alongside a job in another sector.
The course covers self-destructive behaviour. What support is there if I find it difficult?
One unit covers self-destructive behaviour, such as self-harm, and some learners find it brings up their own experiences. You can pause at any time and talk to your tutor. If you are struggling yourself, please speak to your GP or call NHS 111.
Start the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health today
£359.99 in full or £39.99 a month when you pay today. TQUK registration and certificate included. 14-day money back on every payment.
Choose how to payTry it free for 7 daysNothing to pay today, then £49.99 a month from day 8
Training a team? Organisation accounts pay by card or invoice, £323.99 a learner: 10% off the £359.99 one person pays today.
Organisation accounts →