Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care (Child and Adolescent Mental Health)

The Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) programme at City University offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of mental health issues affecting children and young people, equipping health and social care professionals with the advanced knowledge, skills, and competencies required to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care in diverse settings. This MSc programme is designed for practitioners seeking to enhance their expertise in child and adolescent mental health, including nurses, social workers, psychologists, and allied health professionals, who are committed to advancing their careers and making a positive impact on the wellbeing of young people and their families.

Throughout this course, students will engage with a wide range of topics, including developmental psychology, mental health assessment and diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, safeguarding practices, and effective multidisciplinary collaboration. The programme combines theoretical learning with practical application, providing opportunities for clinical placements, case studies, and reflective practice to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to address complex mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents. Emphasis is placed on current policy frameworks, ethical considerations, and innovative approaches to mental health promotion and intervention.

The curriculum is delivered by experienced faculty members who are experts in child and adolescent mental health, ensuring that students receive up-to-date and relevant education shaped by the latest research and professional standards. Through a blend of lectures, workshops, e-learning, and supervised practice, participants develop critical thinking skills and clinical decision-making capabilities essential for advanced practice roles. The programme also encourages interprofessional learning, fostering collaboration among different health and social care disciplines to improve service delivery and outcomes.

Graduates of the MSc Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) will be equipped to work autonomously within their scope of practice, lead mental health initiatives, contribute to service development, and influence policy. The course aims to prepare practitioners who are competent in delivering holistic, person-centred care tailored to the unique needs of children and young people, promoting resilience and mental health equity. With a focus on evidence-based practice, ethical considerations, and innovative intervention strategies, this programme prepares graduates to become leaders and advocates within the field of child and adolescent mental health.

Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) at City University offers a comprehensive and specialised curriculum designed to equip experienced practitioners with the advanced knowledge, skills, and competences necessary to deliver high-quality mental health support to children and adolescents. The programme focuses on developing a deep understanding of child and adolescent mental health issues, including developmental, psychological, social, and biological aspects. Students will learn evidence-based assessment, intervention, and management strategies to effectively support young people experiencing mental health difficulties. The course covers a broad range of topics such as the impact of family, environment, and social factors on mental health, alongside current policies, ethical considerations, and interprofessional collaboration. Delivered through a combination of lectures, practical workshops, case studies, and supervised practice, the programme encourages critical thinking, reflective practice, and research engagement. Emphasising the importance of person-centred and holistic approaches, it prepares practitioners for roles that involve complex decision-making and leadership within multidisciplinary teams. The Advanced Practice programme supports career progression for health and social care professionals aiming to specialise in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. It is suitable for professionals working in NHS settings, primary care, education, social services, and voluntary sectors. On completion, graduates will be able to apply advanced clinical skills, contribute to service development, and influence policy implementation to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people. The programme is designed to be flexible to fit within professionals' busy schedules, with part-time study options available. It also encourages ongoing professional development, research activity, and innovation in child and adolescent mental health practice. Through this course, students become confident leaders and advocates committed to making a difference in the lives of children and adolescents facing mental health challenges.

The Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) program at City University is designed to equip health and social care professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to enhance service delivery for children and young people experiencing mental health issues. Admission to the program typically requires applicants to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant health or social care discipline such as nursing, social work, or psychology. Additionally, applicants are usually expected to possess relevant professional experience in child or adolescent mental health settings, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development. Applicants must provide evidence of their current registration with a professional body, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), or equivalent, depending on their initial qualification. The program also emphasizes the importance of excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and a clear understanding of ethical and legal considerations pertinent to child and adolescent mental health practice. Candidates may be required to submit references from relevant professionals and may undergo an interview process to assess their suitability for advanced practice roles. Prior to enrollment, applicants should ensure they have access to appropriate clinical placements or practice settings where they can apply their learning and develop their advanced skills. The program is often delivered through a combination of taught modules, practical placements, and self-directed learning, with assessments designed to evaluate theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competence. Continuing professional development (CPD) and adherence to national standards and guidelines are integral components of the curriculum, preparing graduates for autonomous practice at an advanced level. Successful completion of the program enables practitioners to work in specialized roles within child and adolescent mental health services, take on leadership responsibilities, and contribute to service development and policy implementation.

Funding for the Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) program at City University is primarily available through a combination of government-sponsored financial aid, university-specific scholarships, and personal funding sources. The university offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries aimed at supporting students undertaking postgraduate studies in health and social care fields. These include merit-based scholarships and need-based bursaries designed to assist both domestic and international students. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore government funding options such as student loans, grants, and employer sponsorship programs, which can significantly offset tuition fees and living expenses.

For UK residents, the government’s postgraduate student loans provide an accessible means to finance their studies, with repayment plans structured to accommodate income levels post-graduation. International students are advised to explore external funding bodies and charitable organizations that offer scholarships and funding opportunities specifically for students pursuing advanced health practice specializations. City University also partners with healthcare organizations and social care agencies that sometimes offer sponsored placements or financial assistance programs aimed at encouraging professionals to undertake specialized training.

Students are recommended to contact the university’s financial aid office and the program’s administrative team early in their application process to ensure they are aware of all available funding options. The university regularly updates its financial aid offerings and eligibility criteria, making it essential for prospective students to review the latest information directly from the university’s official channels. It is also advisable to consider part-time employment or placement opportunities related to the course, which can provide practical financial support while gaining relevant professional experience. Overall, financing for this program is multifaceted and designed to make advanced clinical and social care education accessible to committed practitioners seeking to enhance their skills and career prospects in child and adolescent mental health.

The Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) program at City University is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills necessary for advanced practice roles in child and adolescent mental health settings. This postgraduate program is aimed at health and social care professionals who are seeking to develop their expertise and enhance their career prospects in this specialized field. The curriculum covers a range of topics including child development, mental health assessment, intervention strategies, safeguarding, and multidisciplinary team working. It emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health care, integrating psychological, social, and environmental factors affecting young people. Students will engage in theoretical learning through lectures and seminars, complemented by practical assessments and clinical placements that provide hands-on experience in real-world settings. The program also emphasizes research literacy, encouraging students to critically appraise evidence and develop innovative approaches to practice. It is delivered through a combination of face-to-face teaching and online learning modules, providing flexibility for working professionals. The course aims to prepare graduates for advanced practice roles such as specialist practitioners, team leaders, or consultants working directly with children and adolescents experiencing mental health issues. Entry requirements typically include professional registration in health or social care, relevant experience, and a strong motivation to work in mental health settings. Upon completion, students may pursue employment in healthcare services, social services, educational institutions, or further academic research. The program is accredited by relevant professional bodies and aligns with national standards for advanced practice in health and social care. Overall, City University’s Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) program offers a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates to make a significant impact in the mental health sector for young people.