Understanding Mental Illness: Impact and Interventions

As you are given a word count range, the 10% over or under the word count rule DOES NOT apply. Note that reference lists, appendices, contents page and title page do not count in the word limit.

1. Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding of the main theoretical approaches to understanding the nature, prevalence and impact of mental illness.

2.  Demonstrate the following skills and abilities  Critically analyse the evidence for how the experience of, and interventions for, a specific mental illness impact on those who are affected by it.

What am I required to do in this assignment?

The assignment will take the form of a 2000-2500 word report, which identifies a specific mental health issue, or condition, and presents a comprehensive account of how this affects a chosen social group in the UK. The report contents must also include a critical account of services and support mechanisms involved in the process of supporting the recovery of individuals by meeting their diverse needs.The reference list must contain a range of sources you aim to use including both qualitative and quantitative research papers related to your chosen topic that you will use in the final report. There will be no grade associated with this element but it is a compulsorily element of the task and the report will not be graded if this element is not completed

he final report must include a full reference list of texts and sources cited in the main body. All referencing in the text and reference list must follow the Harvard style, as specified in the Faculty's Harvard referencing guidelines, which you will find on the Unit's BREO site under the 'Assessment' section.   Please remember you only ever list primary sources in your reference list - Please look up secondary referencing in the Faculty's Harvard referencing guidelines.

To pass the assignment, there is an expectation that you will draw on a range of both academic sources including peer-reviewed primary research papers, academic books and academic journal articles and other appropriate sources.

Proofread and edit your work before handing it in.

The report format should be as follows:  

1.Title page (you must provide your own title)

2.Abstract or Executive Summary (on a separate page)

3.Table of contents (which includes page numbers for the different sections/subsections and should be on a new page)

Discussion of findings (should consist of different headed sections/subsections; subheading titles should also appear in your table of contents)

What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)

In order to pass the assessment, you will need to:

•Provide evidence of understanding of the diversity of mental health service users, and demonstrate the ability to interpret evidence, and to recognise the occasional ambiguity of evidence.

•Identify and critically evaluate policies, treatments and services that diagnose, treat and support people living with mental illness.

•Explore the validity of prevailing approaches and the ways in which patients and service users respond to them.

•Utilise a range of mixed methods to establish patterns and to understand experiences of those affected by your chosen illness or disorder.

How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?

Carry out wider reading of peer-reviewed journals drawing on appropriate UK based qualitative and quantitative studies and adopt an appropriate critical approach to your analysis and evaluation of mental health services, treatment and support in the UK, considering the diverse needs of different groups/individuals. Reference accurately and systematically throughout your work using the correct Harvard format. Write in clear, accurate and succinct academic English.

How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?

It links to the issues discussed in the weekly lectures and helps you develop an in-depth understanding of how the needs of mental health service users are met in the UK from the service users’ perspective.

How will my assignment be marked?

Your assignment will be marked according to the threshold expectations and the criteria on the following page.

You can use them to evaluate your own work and consider your grade before you submit.