Child and Adolescent Mental Health

A dynamic blend of clinical and research expertise is reflected in the delivery of this multidisciplinary programme where high standards of clinical care are fostered and students are encouraged to apply their critical and analytical thinking skills to theory, policy and practice in child and adolescent mental health.

The programme will develop your ability to identify and analyse principles of policy, planning and management in child and adolescent mental health. You will gain professional, academic and research skills and understand how their application can improve clinical practice. You will increase your understanding of the impact of culture and diversity upon clinical theory and practice, and experience enhanced personal and professional development.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, one year part-time, flexible two to five years) is offered. The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits), and three optional modules (45 credits).

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, one year part-time, two years flexible) is offered. Three core modules (45 credits) and a choice of one of the two remaining core modules (15 credits).

Core modules

• Introduction to Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Child Mental Health
• Basic Research Methods in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Treatment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health – Pharmacological
• Interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health – Psychological

Optional modules

• International Child Mental Health
• Adolescent Mental Health and Transition to Adult Services
• Professionalism and Ethics in Child Mental Health
• Investigating Research
• Research Methods and Statistics

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 to 12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, discussion, project work and independent and group study. Assessment includes written assignments, unseen written examinations, projects, oral presentations, group work, and the written dissertation.

Placement

We are able to offer a limited number of clinical placements in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in various NHS Trusts. Places are not guaranteed and are based on availability.

The placements are a minimum of one day a week for a period of 8 weeks and will be supervised by medical and non-medical consultants within the service.

Placements are observational only and will not be formally assessed but may offer opportunities to participate in research studies and other academic and teaching activities in the host Trust.

The cost of the placement is in the range of £75 to £200.

Normally medical registration or an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work or nursing, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants should preferably have clinical experience in a mental health, paediatric or educational setting.