MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing

Actively engage in addressing the priorities for promoting and protecting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, developing the skills to become an evidence-based leader and research-focused change agent.

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    Overview

    Course Length: 1 Year Full-Time, 2 Years Part-Time
    Start Dates: September 2020, September 2021
    Subjects: Health and Social Care
    Mental Health and Counselling
    Location: Edge Hill University
    • Actively engage in addressing the priorities for promoting and protecting child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing;
    • Gain in-depth knowledge of the changing nature of local and national policy, the scope for innovation and the practice of integrated working;
    • Develop the skills and creativity to become an evidence-based, research-focused leader and change agent in child and adolescent mental health practice.

    This distinctive Masters degree is ideal if you work, or aspire to work, in the children and young people’s sector and/or in mental health. Challenging current thinking and reflecting on how to deliver best practice will provide you with the skills and confidence to become a highly effective leader and change agent in child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing. The course offers a strong focus on the role of early intervention as a preventative measure, along with protecting and promoting lifelong mental health and wellbeing through the critical exploration of evidence-based literature and research. The programme is underpinned by key contemporary Government policy, guidelines and practice. It will equip you with research skills relevant to applied research in a range of contemporary clinical and social care practice contexts.

    In Depth

    What will I study?

    The programme begins by introducing the concepts of leadership and change management, while also examining the individual differences in mental health across the child and adolescent age span and exploring the value and efficacy of early interventions.

    You will then focus on innovation in mental health with a particular focus on your own area of interest, while the importance of an integrated approach to mental health services will be emphasised and investigated.

    A module focused on research methods will equip you with the skills required to complete a dissertation of a publishable standard in your chosen discipline.

    How will I study?

    The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, student-led seminars, tutorials and practical activities.

    How will I be assessed?

    Typical assessments will involve the writing of essays and reports. You will also be assessed through individual presentations.

    There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this programme.

    Who will be teaching me?

    The research-active programme team has direct experience of working with children, young people, families and communities, including experience of working in the mental health sector and in child and adolescent mental health services.

    Additional expertise will be provided by guest lecturers who will be invited to share their knowledge and experience of subjects such as eating disorders and therapeutic interventions.

    The research interests of the programme team include the use of early interventions and parenting on the resilience of children, the use of sports in the development and enhancement of resilience in childhood, service quality provision and multiagency service provision.

    A Great Study Environment

    MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health and WellbeingThe Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine is one of the leading providers of education and training for health and social care professionals in the North West of England.

    Offering some of the best facilities for health, social care and medicine students in the country, the outstanding teaching and learning resources include leading edge clinical skills facilities, an 860-seat lecture theatre, and a variety of teaching rooms and social learning spaces.

    The faculty is home to a thriving research culture which includes a series of staff and student conference programmes, guest lectures and seminars, as well as active research groups.

    Modules

    Expand All

    HEA4444Research Methods (20 credits)

    Research Methods introduces you to the research process including the philosophical fundamentals of both quantitative and qualitative traditions and a range of research methodologies. The module will enable you to demonstrate the ability to critically appraise a range of research methodologies and plan a small-scale empirical project in your chosen discipline, as well as gaining awareness of the theoretical and practical implications of undertaking such a study.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG4007Dissertation (60 credits)

    Dissertation enables you to focus upon a significant piece of investigative enquiry in an area of interest, from conceptualisation through to completion. The module will develop your skills as an independent learner who is able to manage a project over an extended period of time. Critically evaluating existing research and theoretical perspectives to identify a gap in research knowledge, you will be expected to justify the choice of methodology and underpinning theory, analyse the impact of the research project and appraise the ethical considerations encountered during your research.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG4015Individual Differences and Early Interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing (30 credits)

    Individual Differences and Early Interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing enables you to critically evaluate current research and practice associated with the individual nature of how mental health may present and impact upon child and adolescent mental health. You will be supported in critically evaluating research on the role that intelligence and personality traits may play in determining mental health, engaging in a critical exploration of the multiple forces that shape children and young people’s mental health and behaviour. The critical study of individual differences will focus on the role of personal attributes in determining how people behave and what motivates them. In addition, the module will explore the influential role of early intervention on mental health and critically evaluate a range of early interventions in relation to the prevention, promotion and protection of child and adolescent mental health.


    Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Practical(s): 40%.

    HUG4016Leadership and Change Management in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (30 credits)

    Leadership and Change Management in Child and Adolescent Mental Health provides a critical and evaluative perspective on the leadership styles and change management tools and theories required in order to implement effective change in the context of child and adolescent mental health. You will apply concepts of leadership and change management to practice through the formulation of a proposal for change. This approach will allow you to critically reflect upon, and learn from, both your own actions and the actions of others in planning for effective change. You will be encouraged to respond to change in a positive manner through a facilitative framework of change management.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG4017Theory to Practice in Integrated Mental Health (20 credits)

    Theory to Practice in Integrated Mental Health interlinks the concepts of theory, practice development and integrated working. The module emphasises the importance of working as a team and using best practice in order to achieve maximum benefit for the children, young people and families with whom you may work. You will critically reflect upon and evaluate the complexities of integrated working in the child and adolescent mental health sector, from the perspectives of both statutory and non-statutory organisations, and from the disciplines of health, education, social care and the wider care sector. You will also be encouraged to draw upon current Government documents, statistics and guidelines to gain a clear understanding of the complexities, challenges and importance of integrated working within contemporary society.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG4022Innovation in Mental Health (20 credits)

    Innovation in Mental Health examines contemporary innovative practices in child and adolescent mental health and explores the process required to ensure the successful implementation of innovation in mental health. The aim of the module is to support you in challenging your own practice and that of others and to consider methods of developing alternative approaches, stratifying risks to staff and service users, and estimating the benefits to the wider sector. The module provides you with the tools and techniques required to critically evaluate innovation and entrepreneurial activities in the field of mental health, equipping you with an in-depth understanding of the process of taking a well-researched and well-developed concept from creation to implementation.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    Timetables

    You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

    Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

    Entry Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    To join this MSc you should have a degree equivalent to UK second class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject such as child and adolescent mental health, child health and wellbeing, health and social care, psychology, sociology or education. An interview forms part of the selection process.

    English Language Requirements

    International students require IELTS 7.0, with a score no lower than 6.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

    If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’).

    Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

    Career Prospects

    What are my career prospects?

    On successful completion of this programme, potential employment routes include pastoral support workers, special educational needs coordinators, children’s centre workers, youth workers, social care workers, teaching assistants, learning mentors, family support officers or parent liaison roles. Alternatively, you may wish to pursue research-based career opportunities.

    The course also provides ideal preparation for further study which might ultimately lead to a career in child psychology, nursing or teaching (further training required).

    Finance

    Tuition Fees

    Tuition fees for full-time study on this MSc are £6,120 for UK and EU students and £13,250 for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21.

    Tuition fees for part-time study on this MSc are £34 per credit for UK and EU students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21, i.e. £680 per 20 credit module.

    180 credits are required to complete a Masters degree.

    The University may administer a small inflationary rise in part-time postgraduate tuition fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

    Financial Support

    For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2020/21 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradfinance2020.

    Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

    Apply

    How to Apply

    There is an online application process for this programme.

    Please choose the application form for your preferred intake date and mode of study.

    Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applydirect for more information about the application process.

    Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

    Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

    Visit Us

    If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

    Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about all of our events for prospective students, including monthly campus tours, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

    Request a Prospectus

    If you would like to explore our full range of taught Masters degrees, MBA awards and our Masters by Research (MRes) degree before you apply, you can order a postgraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradprospectus.

    Get in Touch

    If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

    If you would like to talk to the programme leader about the course in more detail, please contact:

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

    Course Changes

    Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

    11th January 2019 - Change of Modules

    HEA4444 Research Methods (20 credits) replaces HUG4004 Research Methods (20 credits) as a compulsory module.

    5th March 2018 - Change to Entry Requirements

    There is no longer a requirement to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure in order to join this programme.