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Adult Mental Health: Schizophrenia & Psychoses - PSY00062H

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

The main aim of this module is to offer a balanced and nuanced overview of the different approaches used in the understanding and treatment of schizophrenia and related psychoses. These will incorporate a wide range of biological, cognitive, social and philosophical approaches without being dominated by a single framework or position. Students will learn about and be able to critically evaluate cutting-edge research evidence coming from various interdisciplinary conceptualisations about the nature of schizophrenia and its clinical management. This module will consist of both formal lectures and small group-based activities such as discussions focusing on anonymised case studies and first-person accounts, presentations, and debates based on current and emergent issues in schizophrenia research. Despite an emphasis on theoretical knowledge, students will engage with
materials derived from the latest research evidence from multiple sources and frameworks and be encouraged to adopt a pluralist stance. The use of first-personal accounts from individuals living with schizophrenia will enhance the realness and richness of the course content, as well as provide foundations for empathic understanding and dispel misconceptions and stigma frequently associated with schizophrenia.

Module learning outcomes

  • To demonstrate a developing knowledge of past and present approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia
  • To recognise models of psychotic symptoms (delusions and hallucinations) and their nature, aetiology and impact on individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia
  • To critically evaluate the latest evidence for and against different models and frameworks for describing symptoms of schizophrenia
  • To identify ways of accommodating for pluralistic approaches and demonstrate an ability to be tolerant and inquisitive towards differing views in mental health research and practice
  • To formulate and actively support scientific curiosity about the nature of self, reality, truth and knowledge

Module content

  • Schizophrenia and psychoses: Definitions, diagnosis and basic concepts
  • Models of delusions in the context of psychosis
  • Models of hallucinations in the context of psychosis
  • Neurobiological basis of schizophrenia
  • Cognitive basis of schizophrenia
  • Schizophrenia and (the) self
  • Treating schizophrenia: Pharmacological
  • Treating schizophrenia: Psychological therapies
  • Summary: The future of schizophrenia research

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

Marks will be released via e:vision.

Indicative reading

Essential reading:

  • Jauhar, S., Johnstone, M., & McKenna, P. J. (2022). Schizophrenia. The Lancet, 399(10323), 473–486.
  • Humpston, C.S., and Broome, M.R. (2020). Thinking, Believing, and Hallucinating Self in Schizophrenia. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7(7), 638-646.

Recommended reading:

  • J. C. Badcock and G. Paulik-White (Eds.), A Clinical Introduction to Psychosis: Foundations for Clinical and Neuropsychologists. Academic Press (Elsevier).
  • Toh, W. L., Moseley, P., & Fernyhough, C. (2022). Hearing voices as a feature of typical and psychopathological experience. Nature Reviews Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-021-00013-z
  • Sterzer, P., Adams, R. A., Fletcher, P., Frith, C., Lawrie, S. M., Muckli, L., Petrovic, P., Uhlhaas, P., Voss, M., & Corlett, P. R. (2018). The Predictive Coding Account of Psychosis. Biological Psychiatry, 84(9), 634–643.



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.