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Mental health and community

What causes mental distress and what can be done about it? How is health and social care support, which is increasingly delivered at local level, affected by lay and professional perceptions of mental health and illness? This module examines how aspects of the external environment – in particular social, environmental, economic and political factors – shape and constrain our understandings and experiences of mental health and distress. It explores the theories and concepts that underpin and challenge mental health practice and service provision and looks at the impact of the frequently competing perspectives that characterise the world of mental health.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Module

Module code

K240

Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
60

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
2 9 5

Study method

Distance Learning

Module cost

See Module registration

Entry requirements

See Entry requirements

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Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

This module comprises four study blocks:

Block 1 introduces the notion that there are very different views about what constitutes mental health distress and considers the role of the external environment – in particular social, environmental, economic and political factors – in shaping these views. It examines different ways of understanding mental distress, stressing the point that in order to understand current policies and practice it is necessary to look back at the social and historical context that informed them. You will also explore the similarities and differences between physical and learning disability and mental health, and the relationship between the mind, the body and the brain.

Block 2 looks at the way in which families, in their many forms, may experience and/or contribute to mental health and distress. The impact of ‘place’ and community, including social networks, on mental wellbeing, and the different types of ‘everyday’ support (for example that provided by friends, relatives and neighbours), are explored. This block concludes by evaluating our understandings of mental health in relation to the needs of children and young people.

Block 3 considers the influence of a range of societal factors that impact on mental health and distress. The impact of labelling and stigma on those who have been diagnosed as mentally ill, the role of advocacy in the context of mental health, the ways in which cultural factors interact with mental health and distress, and different ways of thinking about gender and sexuality are discussed. This block ends by looking at the complex relationship between mental distress, criminal behaviour and imprisonment.

Block 4 explores a range of economic and political factors that affect mental wellbeing. It raises challenging questions about the relationship between work and mental health, the role of mental health legislation, and the different approaches to mental health promotion. The evidence for and against the use of drugs to treat mental distress is explored, alongside the controversial role of the pharmaceutical industry. This block concludes with an opportunity to consolidate and revise what you’ve learnt throughout the module.

You will learn

This module provides you with insight into the contemporary context in which mental health care takes place and will help you to understand the issues faced by service users and service providers within this context. Specifically, the module encourages you to:
  • develop knowledge and understanding of how the experience of mental health problems affects and is affected by living within a community
  • recognise the value and limitations of accounts of personal experience of mental distress and of different responses to it
  • explore the impact of service users’ experiences on mental health policy and practice.

Outside the UK

Although the primary focus of this module is mental health policy and service provision in the UK, internationally focused case studies and other material are included to encourage you to think about mental health beyond UK boundaries. This does not preclude students outside the UK studying the module.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your module studies, you'll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They'll help you by:

  • Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
  • Guiding you to additional learning resources.
  • Providing individual guidance, whether that's for general study skills or specific module content.
  • Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.

You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and your End-of-Module Assessment (EMA) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.

Future availability

Mental health and community starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that starts in October 2023, the last time we expect it to start.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

    Course work includes:

    4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
    End-of-module assessment
    No residential school


    Entry requirements

    This is an OU level 2 module and you need to have the study skills required for both higher education and distance learning, obtained either through OU level 1 study or from equivalent study elsewhere. Our OU level 1 modules Introducing health and social care (K102) and/or Perspectives in health and social care (K118) would be ideal preparation. However, you don’t need any prior knowledge as the study material for this module is designed to be accessible if you are new to this subject.

    If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.

    Preparatory work

    You will receive guidance on how to get started online in your first mailing. This will include information on using your computer for OU study and working with the Computing Guide. For example, the guidance explains how to access and use your module website and online discussion forums. If you have time before the start of the module you can work through this and explore all the online services available to you.

    Register

    Start End England fee Register
    07 Oct 2023 Jun 2024 £3462.00

    Registration closes 07/09/23 (places subject to availability)

    Register
    October 2023 is the final start date for this course. For more information, see Future availability.

    Additional Costs

    Study costs

    There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

    If your income is not more than £25,000 or you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.

    Ways to pay for this module

    Open University Student Budget Account

    The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.

    You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:

    • Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA.
    • Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.

    Joint loan applications

    If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.

    As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.

    Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).  

    Employer sponsorship

    Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.

    More than one in ten OU students are sponsored by their employer, and over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. 

    • Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
    • You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.  

    Credit/debit card

    You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module. 

    We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron. 

    Mixed payments

    We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).


    Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and therefore the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2024. Fees normally increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules

    This information was provided on 10/06/2023.

    Can you study an Access module for free?

    In order to qualify, you must:

    1. be resident in England
    2. have a personal income of less than £25,000 (or receive qualifying benefits)
    3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above, or completed 30 credits or more of OU study

    How to apply to study an Access module for free

    Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible.

    If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069 or you can request a call back.

    Not eligible to study for free?

    Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

    • monthly payments through OUSBA
    • part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

    To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

    What's included

    You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

    • a week-by-week study planner
    • course-specific module materials
    • audio and video content
    • assignment details and submission section
    • online tutorial access.

    You’ll also be provided with four printed study books, a reader Mental Health Still Matters, and other printed materials.

    Computing requirements

    You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11), or macOS (11 'Big Sur' or higher).

    Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

    To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

    Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

    Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

    It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop as described above.

    If you have a disability

    The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying K240 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

    To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.