BSc (Hons) Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing

Explore why children and young people experience mental ill health from pre-conception to adulthood and how this can develop as they grow, critically exploring the influences on wellbeing and the barriers to treatment.

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    • Sandwich Year Option Available
    • International Students Can Apply
    • Work Placement Opportunity

    Overview

    UCAS Code: BB76
    Course Length: 3 Years Full-Time, 5 Years Part-Time
    Start Dates: September 2020, September 2021
    Subjects: Health and Social Care
    Mental Health and Counselling
    Location: Edge Hill University
    Example Offers: BCC-BBC (A Level) or DMM (BTEC)
    View full entry criteria
    • Explore why children and young people experience mental ill health from pre-conception to adulthood and how this can develop as they grow;
    • Critically explore the influences on mental health and wellbeing and the barriers to treatment faced by children, adolescents and their families;
    • Undertake work-based practice in order to enhance your employability, core skills and confidence.

    Three in ten children are now diagnosed with a mental illness, while many more experience feelings of inadequacy. Professionals working in this sector are finding increasing numbers of children are accessing services because of their mental health needs, often a response to what is happening in their lives. This degree asks why, examines how we should address this pressing issue, and explores how we remove barriers to treatment. If you want to work in children’s services and support children, young people and their families experiencing mental health problems, then this innovative degree is for you. You will examine key Government policies and explore interventions to understand what works while considering the strengths and weaknesses of cross-discipline approaches to treatment and support. Practical work experience and an evidence-based programme of study will support your future employability or progression onto further study.

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    In Depth

    What will I study?

    In Year 1 you will be introduced to the biological, psychological and sociological causes of mental health from pre-conception through to adulthood, including the impacts on child development and attachment. Basic listening skills, academic writing and referencing skills will also be covered.

    Year 2 examines approaches to promoting early intervention in child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing. You will focus specifically on integrated practices in the promotion and management of child and adolescent mental health and explore child and adolescent vulnerability. Research methodology and statistics will be introduced, while you will also explore contemporary approaches in the fields of complementary therapies and mindfulness.

    In Year 3 you will critically explore and evaluate therapeutic interventions within both statutory and non-statutory child and adolescent mental health services, while also investigating the implications of risk, legal and ethical influences on professionals and non-professionals working with this vulnerable group. A primary research or literature-based dissertation will be undertaken in which you will be encouraged to choose an area of personal interest and undertake an in-depth exploration of the evidence base in this area.

    Reflection on practice experiences, the completion of a personal development portfolio and a dedicated employability module are designed to support your progression into the workplace or further study.

    How will I study?

    The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and online resources.

    Approximately 100 hours per year will also be spent undertaking work-based placements in Year 2 and Year 3 of the degree.

    There may also be opportunities to take part in additional activities while on this degree. These could include participating in Mental Health First Aid training, as well as training in parenting, in order to further enhance your employability.

    How will I be assessed?

    You will be assessed through a combination of essays, report-writing, individual and group presentations, and the submission of simulated counselling skills videos.

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

    Who will be teaching me?

    The programme team have first-hand experience of working with children, young people, families and communities, as well as direct experience of employment in the mental health sector and in child and adolescent mental health services.

    Research interests within the programme team include the use of early interventions and parenting on the resilience of children and the use of sports in the development and enhancement of resilience in childhood. There is also expertise in areas such as service quality provision and multi-agency service provision.

    Guest lecturers will be invited to contribute to specialist lectures on subjects in which they have particular expertise, covering issues including eating disorders and therapeutic interventions.

    A Great Study Environment

    Students sat around three tables engaged in group discussions in the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine.The 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

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    Level 4 (Year 1 of Full-Time Programme)

    HUG1125Foundations in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing (30 credits)

    Foundations in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing equips you with a critical awareness and understanding of the prevalence, aetiology, diagnostic criteria and clinical pathways that are nationally recognised in relation to the spectrum of child and adolescent mental health conditions. You will explore the potential influences on mental health and contemporary approaches to treatment. The common factor of co-morbidity will also be considered. The exploration of early interventions in preventing poor mental health and promoting wellbeing will be central to the module, in addition to exploring the trajectories of mental health from childhood to adolescence and beyond into adulthood.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    HUG1126Child Development, Attachment and Family Functioning (30 credits)

    Child Development, Attachment and Family Functioning develops your knowledge and understanding of all aspects of holistic development in children and young people, but with a specific focus on the developmental processes of mental health. You will consider the factors that can influence development and specifically focus on the impact between attachment and children and young people’s mental health development.  Furthermore, this module will explore the influential role of family functioning on mental health and consider the role of interventions.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG1127Introduction to Empathic and Emotional Responsiveness in a Helping Relationship (20 credits)

    Introduction to Empathic and Emotional Responsiveness in a Helping Relationship equips you with basic counselling skills and provides you a grounding in empathically-orientated active listening. The focus of the module is in the development of a collaborative helping relationship. This is achieved by providing introductory counselling skills training, drawn from a theoretical framework of person-centred, experiential counselling. The module will explore the characteristics and attitudinal qualities of an effective therapeutic relationship (empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence) and support you in developing your self-awareness.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG1128Developing Empathic Listening Skills in a Helping Relationship (20 credits)

    Developing Empathic Listening Skills in a Helping Relationship enhances your use of basic counselling skills and empathically-orientated active listening. The module guides you in the development of a non-expert helping relationship. This will be achieved through practice, video recording, feedback and personal reflection. Experienced tutors will facilitate your learning, demonstrating counselling skills and providing immediate feedback to increase your range of empathic responses. You will have an opportunity to demonstrate your empathic listening skills in the video assessment that accompanies this module.


    Assessment: Practical(s): 100%.

    HUG1137Introduction to Professional and Academic Skills (20 credits)

    Introduction to Professional and Academic Skills enables you to acquire key academic and professional skills in your journey to becoming an independent learner. Your academic skills will be enhanced to include note-taking, presentation skills, IT skills, reading of academic articles and the development of a personal portfolio. You will also have the opportunity to explore effective and ineffective communication strategies, self-awareness, resilience and transferable life skills such as time management, assertiveness, negotiation, active listening and problem solving.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    Level 5 (Year 2 of Full-Time Programme)

    HUG2213Understanding Research (30 credits)

    Understanding Research familiarises you with the nature and variety of research methods and data collection techniques, together with the need for an evidence base to guide the decision making process. You will evaluate qualitative and quantitative methods, examining the positive and negative aspects of both approaches in a comparative analysis. A key aspect of this module is the literature review. You will be shown how to develop a literature search strategy, how to find relevant literature using electronic databases and how to appraise the literature you find to identify key themes. Ethical considerations in relation to the development and undertaking of research will also be considered.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG2228The Vulnerable Child (20 credits)

    The Vulnerable Child recognises the importance of accurate and relevant assessment in identifying the strengths and needs in all children. The module will also analyse the use of the assessment process in order to identify vulnerability and utilise the knowledge and skills of the multi-professional team to ensure the safeguarding and protection of all children.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG2317Mental Health, Wellbeing and Early Interventions (20 credits)

    Mental Health, Wellbeing and Early Interventions will develop your knowledge surrounding a potential role in the promotion and protection of good mental health and wellbeing and the prevention of poor mental health outcomes. A central theme running throughout the module will be the importance of early intervention in mental health and the potential effects of non-intervention. In addition to this, the module will provide opportunities to explore the public health agenda and reflect on current legislation, policy and the socio-political and cultural influences that may impact on children and young people’s health and well-being on a local, national and global scale. You will also develop an understanding of safeguarding children and young people from abuse and maltreatment.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    HUG2318Integrated Working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (30 credits)

    Integrated Working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health entails undertaking a minimum of 120 hours of practice based experience in a setting involving children and/or young people. The module encourages you to reflect upon the complexities of integrated working in the child and adolescent mental health sector, from the perspective of both statutory and non-statutory organisations, and from the disciplines of health, education, social care and the wider care sector.  You will 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. Safeguarding and empowering children, young people and families who may be receiving support for mental health problems, or who may be at increased risk of needing support, will also be covered.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%, Practical(s): Pass/Fail Element.

    HUG2321Contemporary Approaches and Mindfulness for Mental Health (20 credits)

    Contemporary Approaches and Mindfulness for Mental Health enables you to develop the academic and practical skills within the field of complementary therapies and mindfulness. Exploring your own natural therapeutic potential, you will be guided to incorporate this into your interactions. Self-enquiry and reflective practice is actively encouraged throughout to enable you to identify your own core values and discover insights into your personal philosophy and how this may impact upon your practice.


    Assessment: Coursework: 70%, Practical(s): 30%.

    Level 6 (Year 3 of Full-Time Programme)

    HUG3140Law and Ethics in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (20 credits)

    Law and Ethics in Child and Adolescent Mental Health raises awareness of the legislative framework surrounding the care and treatment of children and young people at risk of, or experiencing, mental illness. You will gain a critical understanding of the many complex areas relating to mental health care provision and the lawful responsibilities of those involved in its application and delivery. The module explains your own accountability and the need for integrity and accountable practice within legal, professional and ethical frameworks pertinent to specific experiences and an individual client base. You will be encouraged to reflect on your personal responsibilities and boundaries and those of the multidisciplinary team. The module also enables you to examine the relationship between law and ethics, exploring where and how legal principles can be applied within an ethical framework.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG3141Employability, Transitions and Professionalism (30 credits)

    Employability, Transitions and Professionalism involves undertaking a minimum of 120 hours of practice based experience. Your placement experience will equip you with a better understanding of the child and adolescent mental health sector as well as introducing you to specific strategies aimed at gaining employment upon graduation. You will be encouraged to reflect on the complexities of professionalism and transitions 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 introduced to critical perspectives on themes such as the changing context of work and the labour market, theoretical perspectives of work-based learning and alternative approaches to graduate employability.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%, Practical(s): Pass/Fail Element.

    HUG3142Therapeutic Interventions for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)

    Therapeutic Interventions for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing will enhance your knowledge of a range of common mental health problems which may be experienced by children and adolescents. Approaches to assessment, the causes and potential manifestations of common child and adolescent mental health will also be critically examined. Thereafter, the module will move on to critically introduce you to a range of evidence based therapeutic interventions used in providing effective care to children and young people with mental health needs. The role of brief therapeutic models in treating certain mental health conditions will be considered through the study of their principles, concepts and practice. The module will ultimately widen your knowledge and understanding surrounding the appropriate use of the therapeutic interventions within child and adolescent mental health services and the existing evidence base.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    You will select one of the following modules:

    HUG3100Dissertation (30 credits)

    Dissertation focuses on the identification of an area of vocational interest or concern to be identified by yourself and agreed with your supervisor. You will engage in a structured review of the literature related to the specific area of study, apply critical analysis to the literature and make recommendations that could improve service provision.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG3240Primary Research Dissertation (30 credits)

    Primary Research Dissertation focuses on the identification of an area of vocational interest or concern to be identified by yourself and agreed with your supervisor. You will engage in a structured review of existing literature and design and carry out a research project related to your specific area of study. You will apply critical analysis to the established literature as well as the findings from your proposed research and make recommendations that could improve service provision.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    You will select one of the following modules:

    HUG3139Risk, Resilience and Wellbeing in Childhood and Adolescence (20 credits)

    Risk, Resilience and Wellbeing in Childhood and Adolescence examines the current trends, influences and theoretical underpinnings of risk taking in childhood and adolescence. The module considers the influence that risk taking can have on mental health and wellbeing, as well as the impact that mental health can have on risk taking. The role of resilience building in children and young people, as a preventative and protective factor in minimising risk and promoting wellbeing, will also be considered. These concepts will be complemented by a review of the current strategies for managing risk taking behaviours alongside an exploration of resilience building strategies used in the children and young people’s sector. You will gain a comprehensive overview of contemporary risk taking behaviours, examining in depth why children and young people take risks and how these can be positively managed. A variety of risk behaviours will be examined using psychological, sociological and cognitive perspectives.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG3143Trauma In Childhood (20 credits)

    Trauma In Childhood introduces you to the concept of trauma and trauma related stress in childhood and adolescence. The module will critically explore the aetiology, symptomology and influencing factors, both biological and psychosocial, that may result in childhood or adolescent trauma. You will critically explore the mediating influences that may serve as protective factors for child mental wellbeing and critically evaluate the interventions currently recommended for the treatment of trauma in childhood. The module will also encourage you to consider about the role and responsibility of the non-professional in protecting and preventing trauma in childhood and adolescence.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG3144Eating Disorders (20 credits)

    Eating Disorders will examine the nature of eating disorders and how this mental health issue impacts on the child, family and society, exploring current trends, influences and theoretical underpinnings of eating behaviours and pathological issues across the lifespan. The module will provide a comprehensive overview of the psychological, biological, sociological and cultural impacts of eating disorders on the individual, family and society. There will be in depth critical appraisals of contemporary strategies for the management and treatment of eating disorders in children and young people. A variety of eating disorders will be explored and the identification of those children and young people most vulnerable to eating disorders will be considered. You will also investigate the contributory factors to eating disorders from a socioeconomic, biological, environmental and psychological perspective.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.

    Timetables

    Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. 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 of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

    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

    Typical offer 104-112 UCAS Tariff points. No specific subjects are required.

    An interview forms part of the selection process.

    If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of ‘Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults’. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

    Example Offers

    Some examples of how you can achieve 104-112 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

    • A Level: BCC-BBC;
    • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

    Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

    As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

    For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

    EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.

    English Language Requirements

    International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 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.

    Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

    If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.

    Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

    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 degree you may want to forge a career in areas such as health, education, social care or the wider society.

    You will be well placed to pursue a range of career options, including working as a pastoral support worker, special educational needs coordinator, children’s centre worker, social care worker, teaching assistant, learning mentor, family support worker or parental liaison officer. Alternatively, third sector based employment may appeal, such as working for charitable organisations.

    The programme will also provide graduates with the underpinning knowledge and experience appropriate for entry into postgraduate study, which could lead into careers in research, nursing, child psychology, social work or teaching.

    How can I enhance my employability?

    It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.

    Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:

    • Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
    • Learning a Language – you may be able to participate in Language Steps classes, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as additional study.

    Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.

    Finance

    Tuition Fees

    If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a full-time basis in academic year 2020/21, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21 are £12,250 per annum.

    If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a part-time basis in academic year 2020/21, the tuition fee will be £77 per credit, i.e. £1,540 per 20 credit module. 360 credits are required to complete an undergraduate degree.

    The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

    Financial Support

    Subject to eligibility, UK and EU students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK and EU students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

    For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining this programme, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters guide for your intended mode of study.

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

    Scholarships

    Ten scholarship winners sitting together in a lecture theatre at the Scholarship Awards Evening.Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students. These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

    Additional scholarships, which you may qualify to receive, reward outstanding grades and are available to eligible full-time UK and EU students.

    To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

    Apply

    How to Apply

    If you wish to study full-time, apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com. Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.

    If you wish to study part-time, apply directly to Edge Hill University at www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply-part-time.

    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 degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

    Get in Touch

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

    27th August 2019 - Sandwich Year Option Added

    The programme now includes the option of a sandwich year.

    23rd January 2019 - Change to Entry Requirements

    104-112 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2020 entry.

    17th September 2018 - Change of Module

    From September 2019 entry, HUG1137 Introduction to Professional and Academic Skills (20 credits) replaces FDH1100 Essential Study Skills for Undergraduates (20 credits) as a compulsory module in Year 1.