Mental Health Studies - Community Health Services
This is a one-year, full-time programme that provides an introduction to the field of Mental Health as it applies to the broad spectrum of professions. The course content covers subjects relevant to those seeking to progress to further studies in the aforementioned areas as well as the humanities field.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Under 23 years of age
If you are under the age of 23, the college may require the following as a condition of enrolment:
• Five ‘O6’ and / or ‘H7’ grades in the Leaving Certificate examination. Grades at Foundation level are acceptable in some circumstances.
• Applicants who have completed the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme should hold at least a minimum pass level.
• A pass grade in the LCVP link module is acceptable as equivalent to a pass in one of the five required Leaving Certificate subjects as defined above.
• Successful completion of a relevant Level 4 programme will be considered as an alternative to the Leaving Certificate.
• To access programmes leading to a Levels 3 or 4 award, the learner should have reached the standards of knowledge skill and competence associated with the preceding level of the NFQ. This may have been achieved through a formal qualification or through relevant life and work experience.
• Some courses may have unique requirements e.g. a pass grade in a specific subject or the presentation of work samples. Information relating to specific programme requirements will be contained on individual programme information pages.
Special Considerations
• Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to demonstrate that they have a proficiency in English language to permit them to participate in the course and may be required to complete an English language assessment.
• Garda vetting will be required for programmes with work experience in settings that involve working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. This includes the Early Learning and Care, Special Needs Assisting, Nursing, Community Care, Health Service and Youthwork programmes. Learners enrolling on other courses may require Garda Vetting if the placement is in specific settings that involves working with the groups identified above.
Careers / Further progression
Progression:
Opportunities to progress to a wide variety of courses at further and higher education in the healthcare, early years education, psychology and humanities fields. Employment may be obtained in a wide variety of settings, including residential care centres, community projects, youth centres, centres for young people and adults with special educational needs, nursing homes and day care centres for the elderly/aged.
Further information
Over 23 years of age
Mature learners are welcome to apply for all courses at College of Further Education and Training, Kilkenny.
These applications will be evaluated on previous experiences.
Student Maintenance Grant - Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)
Learners attending Further Education/Post Leaving Certificate programmes may apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). All applications for grants in respect of new enrolments will be made online for the 2025/2026 academic year.
It is not necessary to have received an offer of a college place or to be enrolled at the College of Further Education and Training, Kilkenny in order to apply. The closing date is the end of August each year, but you should apply as soon as possible once the 2025/2026 applications are open. Early application is advised.
These grants are means-tested and payable monthly. Payment of grants may be subject to attendance in accordance with the Department of Education and Skills regulations. The college is required to make monthly reports on your attendance to the grants authority.
Applications for maintenance grants can be made online through www.studentfinance.ie or www.susi.ie
Shortlisting Process: Interviews are held in March / May / August with places offered on a first come basis. Places are offered based on interview performance and suitability for the course.
Mental Health Studies
Award Title: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services
Award Code: 5M4468
Course Code: 459428
Programme Description:
This is a one-year, full-time programme that provides an introduction to the field of Mental Health as it applies to the broad spectrum of professions. The course content covers subjects relevant to those seeking to progress to further studies in the aforementioned areas as well as the humanities field. The course may also be of interest to those with existing qualifications and skills who are looking to gain insight and understanding of how mental health theory applies to their field. The course might be of interested to all different ages of learners and can be add on course to existing medical/ social care/ educational workers who have interest in mental health awareness.
Component Awards:
Understanding Mental Health (5N3772)
Psychology (5N0754)
Work Experience (5N1356)
Safety and Health at Work (5N1794)
Social Studies (5N1370)
Customer Service (5N0972)
Care Provision and Practice (5N2705)
Working With Young People (5N1384)
5M4468: Community Health Services
T: 056 776 3321
E: info@cfet.ie