LW4008 - Key concepts in mental health law

You will be provided with a module workbook and a case summary pack. These materials will provide you with an overview of the relevant provisions of the law, guidance and policy and include detailed guidance on the activities you should undertake as part of your independent studies, which will include self-evaluative tasks.

There are three online study sessions for this module. You are strongly encouraged to attend these sessions , at which your tutor will provide you with guidance on the law and its application and when you will also have the opportunity to discuss the current law and to consider how it applies in practice, with your tutor and fellow students.

In addition you will have access to a module elearning site, from which you will also be able to access the module materials and the module’s electronic reading list. You will also be expected to use the university’s library databases to access key legal source materials, including case law.

You will be exposed primarily to two forms of research-informed experiences during the module; research-led learning (when, in teaching you, your tutor draws on their knowledge and experience of mental health law) and research-tutored learning (when your tutor asks you to discuss current knowledge).

You will have a module tutor who is responsible for delivery of this module. Your module tutor will provide you with a detailed workbook and case book. You will meet with and be able to discuss any queries that you may have with your module tutor at the online study sessions.. You may also communicate with your Module Tutor by e-mail or telephone and are encouraged to contact your Module Tutor if you encounter any difficulties relating to any aspect of the module. You will also be provided with access to a module elearning site, from which you will be able to access key module materials including the module’s electronic reading list.

A designated administrator is responsible for the non-academic administration of the module. They will contact you throughout the duration of your module with details about enrolment, assignment process etc. Their contact details are provided in the programme handbook. If you have concerns about issues that may affect your ability to complete the module satisfactorily you should not hesitate to contact your Programme Leader, who will provide pastoral support throughout the module and the programme as a whole.

In addition as a distance learning student at Northumbria you will be able to access a range of on-line legal databases and resources which you will find useful for your studies, and through the SCONUL scheme may also utilise resources at other institutions.

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.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key underlying concepts and principles of mental health law

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will be able to communicate your knowledge and understanding of the law and its application accurately using structured, coherent arguments and accurate legal terminology
• You will be able to apply your knowledge of key mental health concepts and principles to provide advice in the context of practice-based scenarios

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• You will be able to demonstrate the initiative, personal responsibility, and self-direction necessary to manage your time and resources in order to complete your researched assignment

You are required to submit a piece of coursework (maximum 2500 words) in which you must provide advice in relation to a number of scenarios which are designed to test your knowledge and understanding of key Mental Health Act 1983 and Mental Capacity Act 2005 provisions, your ability to analyse and identify the legal issues arising from a range of practical situations involving persons suffering mental disorder and your ability to apply legal knowledge to those scenarios in order to produce a lawful outcome

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The ‘Key Concepts in Mental Health Law’ module will develop your understanding of key areas of mental health law, including: the common law and statutory frameworks for voluntary and compulsory treatment of those with mental disorder; the statutory provisions relating to leave of absence and absence without leave; community treatment orders; powers to transfer patients, basic statutory aftercare duties and the basics of the care programme approach.

On this distance learning module you will be provided with a detailed workbook and will have the opportunity to attend three online study sessions. . The module aims, through discussion, self-test questions and practical tasks to develop your understanding of mental health law, and your ability to apply key concepts and principles to real life problems. Your tutor will draw upon their knowledge and expertise in mental health law to teach you, and you will be encouraged to discuss and reflect upon the law and its application.