ObjectivesThe programme extends knowledge of child development and psychiatry including recent research initiatives. Students will gain advanced knowledge about research relating to the psychological and physical treatments for emotional, behavioural and developmental disorders in children and young people. They will acquire the ability to understand research methodology and statistics, and carry out a project, developing increased skills in diagnosis, formulation and in planning therapeutic interventions.
Entry requirementsDesigned for psychiatrists, paediatricians, psychologists (with relevant experience) from countries where training in academic child psychiatry, particularly research methodology is limited.
Academic titleMSc Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Course descriptionProgramme description
- Opportunity to be taught by leading academics in the field.
- Chance to engage in innovative research.
- Work with a variety of specialist clinicians.
Students enrolled on the programme will have the option of either undertaking a research question/project through the statistical analysis of data using quantitative methodology or using qualitative or quantitative analysis to answer a clinical question. Students may opt for one or other approach. The particular approach will be clarified with students during the first term. Criteria will include student preference/prior experience/suitability.
The programme emphasises research and the teaching of relevant skills, clinical techniques of assessment and therapy and service planning issues relevant to child mental health. We teach skills in communication and in training other health workers. Programme graduates will be able to contribute to culturally sensitive and clinically effective services through relevant research, including health service development research. Clinicians therefore develop research skills and acquire an updated knowledge of current research in the field whilst further developing clinical skills.
Programme format and assessment
The evaluation components are: Research review submitted at end of first term; continuous assessment of performance in seminars; two clinical essays, including a management plan;
15,000 word dissertation (either a clinical or a research approach) to be submitted at end of third term; two examinations (three hours each) at end of third term.
Programme modules for MSc Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Clinical Strategies / Presentation & Analytic Skills (45 credits) (Core Module)
Aims to: acquire detailed knowledge of therapeutic interventions & knowledge of child and adolescent mental health issues; to develop specialist skills and competency in diagnosis, formulation & planning of appropriate therapeutic interventions. By the end of this module the student will be able to: Understand & critique different methodology relevant to child and adolescent psychiatry; Critically evaluate analytic methodologies in the field; Understand and evaluate principles of clinical assessment and treatment for child and adolescent cases. This module is assessed by 2 clinical essays; by continuous assessment in seminars; and by a supervised clinical placement.
Dissertation - Child & Adolescent Mental Health (60 credits) (Core Module)
Aims to: acquire a sound understanding of research methodology & data collection procedures; acquire knowledge & critical awareness of quantitative and qualitative research methodology in child and adolescent mental health appropriate to a specific research project. At the end of this module students will gain: an ability to formulate a research question; ability to understand & formulate hypothesis driven research questions; knowledge & understanding of research questions as may be appropriate for child mental health; analytic/research methods - both qualitative and quantitative pertinent of specific research question; Demonstrate ability to analyse a data set. This module is assessed by a 15,000 word dissertation.
Evidence Base for Child & Adolescent Mental Health (45 credits) (Core Module)
Aims to: develop advanced level knowledge of child development and child psychiatry including the recent research initiatives in these areas; acquire in-depth knowledge about outcome research relating to the range and effects of psychological and physical treatments for emotional, behavioural and developmental disorders of children and young people. By the end of this module students will have gained: specialised knowledge of child and adolescent development; Specialised knowledge of behavioural problems sufficient to appreciate direction of future research; Advanced service planning skills, with particular reference to monitoring and evaluation. This module is assessed by two 3-hour examination papers.
Knowledge of Methodology & Statistics (30 Credits) (Core Module)
Aims to: acquire a sound understanding of research methodology & research statistics; acquire knowledge & critical awareness of quantitative and qualitative research methodology in child and adolescent mental health; To understand the research ethics process. At the end of this module students will gain knowledge & understanding of: Advanced research methodologies as may be appropriate for child mental health; Quantitative & qualitative research methods; Means to evaluate current relevant evidence when formulating a research question; Ability to understand a formulate hypothesis driven research questions; Competency in the use of statistical methods; Statistical methods of analysis including use of computer software (SPSS); Research design and epidemiology. Assessment of this module is through the Research Review; submission of an outline research protocol; and the gaining of ethical approval for project.