The overall aim of this module is to equip students with the knowledge required for them to respond and intervene appropriately in their work with individuals who are experiencing mental distress and their families. It will enable students to function effectively in contemporary service settings including mental health services.
The module curriculum comprises a basic introduction to the key definitions, the professional roles and tasks, the medical model of mental health and the broad diagnostic categories in psychiatry, as well as a detailed account of social models of mental distress. The module provides students with a critical introduction to key concepts including stigma and labelling theory, and problematic concepts such as 'care' and 'risk'. Using case study material, the module emphasises the importance of understanding diversity in experiences of mental distress, particularly in terms of the social location of individuals (including 'race', social class, gender and age) and the impact of disadvantage and discrimination. The module introduces students to different models of care in mental health services and also provides specialist input on mental health law.
Private Study: 100 hours
Contact Hours: 50
Total: 150
BA (Hons) Social Work (Degree Apprenticeship) - compulsory module
Main assessment methods
Coursework - essay (2,000 words) - 70%*
Coursework - legal problem question (1000 words) –30%*
*These components are 'Pass compulsory' – students must pass BOTH the individual assessments in order to pass the module overall.
Reassessment methods- Like for like
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of how 'mental health', ‘mental distress’, and ‘mental illness’ can be defined, drawing on perspectives from sociology, psychology and other disciplines.
2 Demonstrate knowledge of medical and social models of mental health/distress, how mental illness/disorder is diagnosed and treated in primary care, mental health and older people’s services, including the major diagnostic categories utilised in psychiatry.
3 Understand the roles of members of the multidisciplinary team in mental health including the social work role and knowledge of models of care including self-directed care and personalised budgets.
4 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the effects of stigma, injustice, social inequalities and oppressive social relations throughout the life course including: a) their role in contributing to the development of mental health problems and, b) their impact on the lives of people who already have mental health needs and their families.
5 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the problematic nature of key concepts such as ‘community’, ‘care’ and ‘risk’ in services for people with mental health needs, including recognising the ethical and professional dilemmas associated with decision-making and ‘risk work’.
6 Demonstrate knowledge of the legal framework that shapes statutory service provision and the role of the Approved Mental Health Practitioner in mental health services.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.