Psychopathology: An Introduction



Overview

Although mental health difficulties appear to be rising amongst Westernised populations, there are conflicting explanatory models regarding why this should be the case. This 10-week in-person course in Oxford will consider whether the field of contemporary psychiatry has advanced sufficiently to adequately explain why individuals develop psychological disorders and, moreover, why advances in understanding mental health do not necessarily correlate with an increase in treatment efficacy.

We will explore the impact of socio-cultural, economic and environmental factors on the development of psychopathology and evaluate evidence which suggests that aspects of modern life may be contributing to the rise in mental ill health. We will consider the evidence base for the categorisation and diagnosis of psychological disorders, comparing and contrasting this perspective with alternative explanatory paradigms, including an understanding of the importance of psychological diversity and the link between creativity, intelligence and madness.

We will evaluate the range of ways in which mental health and wellbeing can be improved, through changes in self-management and the ways in which we interact with each other and our environment.

Finally, we will explore how we might support those who experience mental health difficulties more effectively. 

Programme details

Course starts Wednesday 22 April 2026

This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Wednesdays, 7-9pm.

Week 1: What is 'mental health'? A broad overview of what constitutes mental health.

Week 2: A history of diagnosis: a look back at the ways in which psychopathology has been understood in the past and how this compares to contemporary understanding.

Week 3: Diagnosis versus formulation: an exploration of the merits of the categorisation of disorder, compared with formulation as a framework for conceptualising distress.

Week 4: A history of treatment: a consideration of the various historical and contemporary approaches to treating individuals who experience psychological distress.

Week 5: Models of distress: the impact of relationships, particularly in early life, on the development of psychopathology.

Week 6: Models of distress: how relatively recent changes in society and in the environment may adversely impact upon mental health.

Week 7: It's all in the genes: we will consider some of the biological explanations for individual susceptibility, including epigenetics and the impact of the environment, including diet and lifestyle, on the expression of genes.

Week 8: Overcoming adversity: we will look at some of the positive aspects of mental health, including examples of individuals who have excelled in their field despite experiencing serious mental health difficulties.

Week 9: Holistic mental health: how understanding and addressing the multitude of factors which affect mental health may lead to improved outcomes.  

Week 10: Supporting the supporter: for those working in the field of mental health and for those supporting family and friends, the importance of self-care and applying the principles of holistic mental health.

Certification

Academic credit

Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS Points)

Please note, students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun. If you wish to gain credit from completing this course you must register to do so before the course starts.

Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail.

Learn more about the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme.

If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education at the Department you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee for assessment and accreditation.

Digital certificate of completion 

Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee (with no assessment) £300.00
Assessment and Accreditation fee £60.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. See details of our concessionary fees for short courses.

Tutor

Ms Sarah Ashworth

Sarah Ashworth is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has worked in the field of mental health for over 25 years, as a mental health clinician and leader in higher education and as a teacher and supervisor. She has a particular interest in holistic mental health and nutrigenomics and hold a post-graduate qualification in this area. 

Course aims

To understand the multifactorial determinants which influence the development of psychopathology and how an holistic understanding of mental health may improve outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.

Course objectives

  • To introduce participants to key explanatory concepts underpinning the development of psychopathology.

  • To understand the historical, political, economic, environmental and social factors which determine current treatments for psychological disorders.
  • To gain a understanding of holistic mental health from a practitioner and personal perspective.

Teaching methods

Teraching methods will include lectures, seminars, use of audiovisual equipment, dyad, triad and small group exercises.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will have been given the opportunity to:

  • understand the current and historical sociocultural context of psychopathology;
  • understand the many factors which influence the development of psychopathology; and
  • understand what helps and how to support someone who is experiencing mental health difficulties.

Assessment methods

Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation, in advance of the course start date, can submit coursework/assignments for assessment.

Assessment

One 1,500 word essay with a choice of topics related to the course material.

Students will also have the opportunity to submit a formative assignment of 500 words during the course.

Application

How to enrol

Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form.

How to register for accreditation and assessment

To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for this course, if you wish to do so, you will need to register and pay an additional £60 fee. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. 

Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.

If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education at the Department you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, ie first year undergraduate level, and you will be expected to engage in a significant amount of private study in preparation for the classes. This may take the form, for instance, of reading and analysing set texts, responding to questions or tasks, or preparing work to present in class.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support