Although conventional psychology is often characterised as the science of the individual mind, it is also important to introduce students to the potential interdisciplinary and multi-dimensional nature of psychology. In this paper we outline the design, development, and delivery of an innovative course that employed an ecological framework to engage students in mental health issues and policy via the teaching of a course on the basic elements of qualitative inquiry. Students received two lectures on qualitative methodology and methods and then participated in a set of practical-based activities that involved examining mental health themes and undertaking semi-structured interviews. The information gleaned from the students' interviews was collated and formed the basis of a formal submission to Scotland's National Mental Health Strategy 2011-2015. In this way the present approach encouraged students to consider the multiple levels of analysis that can be employed when researching mental health issues, fostered active citizenship through their participation in a democratic process, and drew a clear connection between psychological research and mental health policy.