Whether you’re interested in working directly in the care or treatment of those experiencing mental health issues, or contributing to the development and management of services which support them, there are opportunities to work in a range of sectors including:
- health and nursing
- social care
- education
- criminal justice
- charity sector.
The skillsets required vary, and there are different pathways, so take the time to do thorough research into roles that interest you to support a course choice that is best suited to your ambitions.
You’ll find valuable information about how to plan your career and secure your next steps on our Careers site.
How the OU can help
Our courses offer the opportunity to qualify in a specific profession such as the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) and the Foundation degree in Counselling. We also have courses which provide foundation knowledge and skills relevant to a range of mental health careers, offering access to job opportunities or the opportunity to take further study or vocational training to qualify for some professional roles.
Undergraduate qualifications
This unique, practice-based degree allows healthcare support workers or healthcare assistants to work part-time while studying towards becoming a registered Nurse with a specialism in mental health.
Developed in partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body, this qualification is suitable for anyone wishing to qualify as a professional counsellor. It explores different counselling approaches and includes modules focused on mental health, considers medical and health psychology approaches, and how the external environment influences understandings and experiences of mental health. We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling.
Please check the entry requirements for these courses, as you will need to have undertaken relevant professional training before applying.
If you’re looking to take your first step towards qualifying as a counselling or practising psychologist, this degree provides a theoretical basis in counselling and a broad understanding of psychology. It looks at how we understand mental health conditions, diagnosis and treatment options, and how psychology is critical to understanding mental health, relationships, education and employment. This course is also accredited by the British Psychological Society.
*Significant further study and experience will be needed beyond the degree to qualify.
Our psychology degree provides a strong foundation for a career in the health and social care sector and is the ideal first step towards preparation for further study, training and the experience required for a career as a practising or professional psychologist*. It allows you to focus your studies on mental health or counselling, amongst others. It is also accredited by the British Psychological Society.
*Significant further study and experience will be needed beyond the degree to qualify.
I had always been interested in psychology. My father had schizophrenia and I wanted to understand what was going on in his brain. The flexibility of the OU course appealed to me but in the end it was the quality of the degree. Doing an OU degree was a life changer for me. I am now a senior lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Griffith College.
Ian Cox, BSc (Hons) Psychology
Providing a solid understanding of health and social care policy, theory and practice, this degree is suitable for anyone with an interest in health and social care, including mental health. It applies new ideas to real life situations and explores new ways of working across agency and professional boundaries. You’ll have the opportunity to choose modules focused on mental health covering a range of topics including mental health practice, the nature of mental health treatment and the impact of competing perspectives that characterise the world of mental health.
Our most flexible programme, the Open degree allows you to build a unique qualification with any subjects you like, including a range of modules focused on mental health, psychology and counselling.
Postgraduate qualifications
This postgraduate qualification, relevant for existing professionals and those wanting to pursue a career in the health services, provides an advanced understanding of a range of fields in psychology including counselling, cognitive, social and forensic psychology. This qualification is not accredited by the British Psychological Society.
This postgraduate qualification covers key topics such as stress, anxiety, depression, psychosis and dementia. It’s for anyone with an academic or professional interest in mental health science and its biological and psychological underpinnings. It also explores current issues and research at the forefront of mental health science.
Short courses
Through this microcredential, you’ll learn how to embed mental wellbeing in your teaching. You’ll discover how to apply inclusive teaching strategies and how to design appropriate learning activities that are conducive to students’ mental health.
Our continuing professional development (CPD) counselling courses are for counsellors, therapists, and those in training who wish to develop skills and knowledge in online therapy, trauma-informed counselling, and advanced therapeutic relationships. Created by leading academics and aligned with the Scope of Practice and Education (SCoPEd) B competencies, these offer flexibility to start anytime and learn at your own pace.
*Now available as the BA (Honours) Criminology and Psychology