ObjectivesThe course is designed to provide advanced training in child, adolescent and family mental health and to provide an opportunity for you to acquire an understanding of the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of research in this area. It is expected that you will also develop practitioner skills useful in identifying and managing a wide range of mental health problems in children. The course is also suitable for practitioners working in child, adolescent and family mental health clinics who wish to gain a broader understanding of recent developments, to support career progression, and/or change and enhance their capabilities and competencies in this area. The course aims to provide an overview of the psychological and developmental processes that contribute to children's mental health and to encourage a holistic service appropriate to the needs of the child, taking into consideration various environmental, cultural and biological influences. The core modules aim to provide you with an opportunity to critically examine local and national policies and service planning for children's mental health; understanding relevant social, biological, cultural and economic contexts and reflect on the advantages of a multidisciplinary service to meet the range of needs in children and families. You will also develop competencies in conducting research and analysis in relation to child, adolescent and family mental health. In addition you will be encouraged to explore ways in which you can contribute to relevant policy planning and development.
Entry requirementsSuccessful applicants will normally have a good degree (minimum 2:2) containing 50% psychology. Applicants with degrees in social work, nursing, counselling or those with an equivalent relevant professional qualification are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on an individual basis. Proficiency in the English language is essential. If English is not your first language, you will require an IELTS 6.5 minimum with a minimum score of 6 in all components, TOEFL (old examination) 630, TOEFL (new examination) 267 or equivalent.
Academic titleMSc Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health
Course descriptionCourse structure
The course consists of six compulsory modules plus a 15,000-word research project.
The modules are:
-Children's Development: Mental Health and Disorders
-Adolescent Development: Mental Health and Disorders
-Research Methods
-ChildrenMental Health and Parenting
-Evidence-based Interventions and Treatment Approaches
-Children's Rights, Law, Protection and Ethics
-Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Research Dissertation
Assessment
Assessment methods include coursework, essays, report case studies, unseen examinations and an individual research project.
Career opportunities
It is expected that applicants for this course would come from multidisciplinary practitioners in relevant areas. Career destinations include employment in the areas of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services within the NHS and also local Educational Authorities, Social Services, counselling and youth education and justice and other support services including the non-statutory sector. The recent publication of the Children's National Service Framework (NSF 2004) requires that all staff working directly with children should have sufficient knowledge, training and support to promote psychological well-being. Hence, this course is designed to provide the professional competencies and knowledge of the range of evidence-based interventions to meet the standards promoted by the NSF, thereby enhancing future employability in these areas.