PY0665 - Mental Health Problems and Crime

This module will be taught through a combination of lectures, interactive in-class activities, and tutorials. Moreover, students will be directed towards materials for independent study.

Each week you will attend an interactive two-hour lecture. During these sessions, you will learn about key topics in the area of mental health problems and crime. Videos will be incorporated into the teaching sessions to provide an interactive learning experience. Moreover, there will be the opportunity for group-discussions. These will develop effective oral communication skills.

These sessions will provide you with a framework that can be developed further through independent study and wider reading. You will be directed towards reading lists. These reading lists will aid independent study. Independent study will also be promoted through providing students with study questions. By engaging in these tasks and reflecting on the skills learn, students will develop important career development skills, such as self-reflection.

The module will provide numerous resources to help develop your knowledge. Lecture material will be made available on the e-learning portal. Additional materials will also be provided to encourage further exploration into this area. A discussion board will be available on the e-learning portal to allow students to both ask and respond to questions provided by their peers. The module tutor will also support students through the discussion board. The module will also use technology to support students. This involves the use of Panopto recording software and online submission of assessments.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MK1: You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the influence of mental health problems on criminal behaviour and the efficacy of interventions that aim to prevent people with mental health problems from engaging in crime.
• MK2: You will be able to apply psychological theories to address issues within this area

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIP1: You will demonstrate problem-solving skills through the application of empirical-research to address an issue within this area
• MIP2: You will enhance your ability to engage in critical self-reflection, thereby allowing you to manage your career development

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPV1: By applying problem-based learning and collaborative group work, you will be demonstrating the skills of a Northumbria University psychology graduate

Formative assessment
During the interactive sessions and workshops, you will be asked to engage in group discussions relating to debates and issues within this field. Such activities will be evaluated by the module tutor and peers within the session. (MIP1; MPV1)

Summative Assessment
For the main assessment, you will be required to submit an individual piece of work (3,500 words), accounting for 90% of your grade. You will be required to use knowledge of theories and research to address an issue within the topic of mental health problems and crime. (MK1; MK2; MIP1; MPV1)

The second assessment is a critical self-reflection on how this module relates to your pathway and how it has enhanced your employability. This counts for 10% of your grade. (MIP2)

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The influence of mental health problems on crime is a highly debated topic. In this module, you will explore this research area from a clinical and forensic psychological perspective. Through lectures and interactive activities, you will explore key topics within this area. This will involve discussing the role of mental health problems on criminal behaviour and the efficacy of interventions that aim to prevent people with mental health problems from engaging in crime. There are two assessments for this module. The first assessment is an essay where you will be asked to apply your knowledge of theories and research to address an issue within the topic of mental health problems and crime. The second assignment is a short reflective account where you will be asked to consider the skills you acquired through this module and discuss how these can be applied to your pathway and future career.