PY0662 - Mental Health Difficulties and Therapeutic Approaches

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will develop a critical understanding of the theoretical underpinning, research base and effectiveness of a range of mental health and psychological difficulties along with associated treatment and therapeutic approaches. In addition you will learn about, discuss and evaluate the diagnostic factors, aetiology, prognosis and factors influencing the outcome of several mental health difficulties, including anxiety, personality, mood and thought disorders. You will explore the conceptual and historical issues surrounding the topic of mental health and how the field has changed over time, and learn how to discuss and evaluate studies that have had a particular impact on the direction of theory, research and therapeutic applications.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures and independent learning. The series of lectures will cover general key concepts relating to mental health such as diagnostic factors, models of aetiology and treatment and then each psychological disorder will be looked at in depth. The lectures will incorporate case studies, video material, role play and other activities to support your learning. Recorded lectures will be provided to give you the background knowledge needed for the taught classes.
You will be expected to engage in tutor guided independent learning by reading research articles to support lecture material. You will be also encouraged to source your own evidence to add to your understanding of theory and therapeutic applications.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module tutors will support you academically by providing a well-resourced module site on the eLearning Portal (Blackboard) which will include lecture materials, reading lists, lecture activities and an academic discussion board where you can pose content and assessment questions to fellow students and module tutors for discussion. Use of the discussion board ensures that the whole group can benefit from the discussions that take place.
You can also book a one-to-one or small group tutorial with a module tutor for extra support and clarification on module content. Module tutors will also offer support via email. The module e-learning site will display office hours for contacting module tutors.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MK1: You will be expected to demonstrate your critical understanding of the various theories, aetiologies, therapies, treatments and prognosis of a range of psychological conditions through the evaluation of theory, empirical research and key debates.
MK2: You will be expected to demonstrate critical understanding of a variety of therapeutic applications and how these can be applied in the real world.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MIP1: You will develop your employability skills and graduate attributes through the sourcing of a variety of information, analysing and evaluating those information sources, evaluating different theoretical perspectives and working independently.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MPV1: You will enhance your written communication skills as you consider the information that is needed for diverse audiences

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment:
Case studies will be examined to provide an understanding of therapeutic applications to the real world(MK2; MIP1; MPV1).
Mock examination questions will be provided (MK1; MIP1)
Verbal and written peer and tutor feedback will be provided
Summative assessment:
The final assessment will be a 3 hour exam.
The essay-based exam will assess your understanding of the aetiologies, treatments and prognosis of psychological disorders, and applications and interventions in real-world scenarios (MK1, MIP1 MPV1)

Feedback
Written feedback will be given on exam scripts. All feedback will provide a justification of the mark and an indication of how the current work and future assessments in general could be improved. General feedback will also be provided via the eLearning Portal.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

On this module you will develop a critical understanding of the theoretical underpinning, research base and effectiveness of a range of mental health and psychological difficulties along with associated treatment and therapeutic approaches. In addition you will learn about, discuss and evaluate the diagnostic factors, aetiology , prognosis and factors influencing the outcome of several mental health difficulties, including anxiety, personality, mood and thought disorders. You will learn through lectures and independent learning. The assessment will be an essay-based exam which will assess your understanding of the aetiologies, treatments and prognosis of psychological disorders, and applications and interventions in real-world scenarios.

Course info

UCAS Code C800

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with optional study abroad year

Department Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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