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.

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.

You will be expected to use a range of quantitative data to establish the prevalence of your chosen condition in the UK – here you would give statistics related to areas such as how many of your chosen social group have your chosen mental health problem in the UK.

You must also use qualitative data to describe the lives of those affected by your chosen illness or disorder and how they view treatment and support services. For the qualitative data, you should draw on primary research studies where service users and/or families/carers speak about their experiences i.e. you must use primary research studies that give ‘voice’ to your chosen social group. These are studies that look at what your social group have to say life is like for them living with the mental health problem and the impact the mental illness has on them and their life as well as what they say about the support/mental health services they receive in the UK.

Finally, you must critically evaluate the services/support received by your chosen group. You need to say whether or not, based on the evidence, these mental health services/support in the UK are working to assist/help your chosen and whether all with your chosen condition have equal access to services. Here you can also draw on studies where those with mental illnesses speak about the support they receive and whether it is enough/meets their needs.

The 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)

4.      Introduction

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

6.      Conclusion

7.      References

8.      Appendix/Appendices. Appendices should be given titles and these should be included in your Table of Contents. (Note you do not have to use appendices.)

You are reminded that plagiarism of any type will be penalised and result in a fail.

•        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.