Paediatrics and Child Health Community Child Health

The MSc in Paediatrics and Child Health (Community Child Health) at University College London is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed for healthcare professionals and practitioners dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children within community settings. This programme provides an in-depth understanding of the core issues affecting child health, including developmental disorders, immunisations, infectious diseases, nutrition, safeguarding, and health promotion. It aims to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies required to deliver high-quality community-based paediatric care, whether working within public health, primary care, or specialised community services. The curriculum integrates cutting-edge research with practical application, enabling students to critically evaluate current practices and implement evidence-based interventions in diverse community contexts. The programme covers topics such as child development, health inequalities, mental health in children, and the social determinants of health, fostering a holistic approach to paediatric care. Delivered through a mix of taught modules, case studies, and research projects, the course encourages active participation and critical thinking. Students will also have opportunities to engage with multidisciplinary teams, collaborate with professionals from various backgrounds, and undertake placements or projects within community settings. The MSc prepares graduates for a range of careers in child health services, policy development, research, and academia. It aims to develop practitioners who can influence and improve the delivery of community paediatric services, advocate for vulnerable children, and contribute to public health strategies aimed at reducing health disparities among children. With its strong emphasis on real-world application and multidisciplinary collaboration, this program is ideal for those seeking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families through expert community-based care.

The Community Child Health pathway aims to help participants develop the public health skills central to community child health practice. You will build an awareness of current and future developments in community child health and gain the skills necessary to critically appraise practice and policy, and undertake independent research if the full MSc is taken.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

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

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time 9 months, flexible 2-5 years) is offered. The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits) and five optional modules (75 credits).

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, part-time 1 year, flexible 1-2 years) is offered. The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits) and one optional module (15 credits).

Core modules

• Evidence-based Child Health
• Research Methodology and Statistics
• Epidemiology for Child Health

Optional modules include

• Leadership and Professional Development
• Molecular and Genetic Basis of Paediatrics
• Specialist Paediatrics I
• Specialist Paediatrics II
• Teaching and Learning in Medical Education
• Immunisation and Communicable Diseases
• Healthy Child Programme 0–18 years
• Disability
• Safeguarding Children and Children in Society
• Nutrition, Growth and Physical Activity
• Respiration through Life, Health and Disease
• Principles and Practice in Paediatric Gastroenterology
• Investigations and Management in Paediatric Gastroenterology

Dissertation/report

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

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and research project supervision. Assessment is through a combination of multiple choice questions and short-answer question examinations, essays, posters, presentations, reflective portfolios, critical appraisal of literature and, if the full MSc is taken, the dissertation, including an oral presentation.

Medically qualified applicants should have post-qualification experience in paediatrics or child health. Non-medically qualified applicants should normally have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, and several years' specialist experience of working in hospitals, community child health or public health services for children and families.

The Master of Science in Paediatrics and Child Health with a specialization in Community Child Health at University College London offers a comprehensive financial structure designed to support prospective students throughout their academic journey. The program's tuition fees vary depending on the student's domicile status; for international students, the fees are higher compared to UK and EU students, aligning with university policies and government regulations. In the 2023/2024 academic year, the approximate tuition fee for international students was around £32,000, whereas UK and EU students paid approximately £11,000. These fees cover access to lectures, seminars, practical sessions, online resources, and assessment components. Additional costs may include registration fees, health insurance, and purchasing necessary educational materials such as textbooks and software.

Funding options available to students include university scholarships, which are awarded based on academic merit or financial need, and are competitive. UCL also participates in national scholarship schemes like the Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships, which may support international students. Students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities through government-sponsored grants, private foundations, and professional organizations related to paediatrics and child health. The university offers guidance and support through its Student Funding Office to assist students in identifying suitable sources of financial aid.

For those who require financial assistance, UCL provides access to student loans and bursaries, with eligibility criteria based on household income and other factors. Many students supplement their funding through part-time work, internships, or research assistantships, which may be available within the university or affiliated clinical settings. When considering financial planning for this program, students should also factor in living expenses, accommodation, travel costs, and personal expenditures. UCL's campus is situated in London, a city known for its high living costs, which should be taken into account in the overall budget.

The university encourages early application for funding opportunities to maximize the chances of receiving financial support. Prospective students are advised to thoroughly review the specific eligibility requirements and application processes for each funding source. The program's investment in education aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in paediatric and community child health, with financial planning playing a crucial role in enabling access to this specialized training.

The Paediatrics and Child Health Community Child Health programme at University College London offers specialized postgraduate training designed to equip medical professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective practice in community and public health settings focused on children's welfare. This course emphasizes an integrated approach to child health, covering a broad spectrum of topics such as immunization, growth and development, safeguarding, disease prevention, and management of common childhood illnesses within community contexts. The curriculum combines theoretical learning with practical experience, enabling trainees to develop competencies in child health promotion, disease surveillance, and collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams including social workers, educators, and public health officials.

The programme is tailored for doctors, healthcare professionals, and specialists aiming to enhance their expertise in community-based paediatric care. It incorporates teaching methods such as lectures, seminars, case discussions, and clinical placements, ensuring that students apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The course regularly updates its modules to reflect the latest advances and guidelines in paediatric and community health practice, maintaining relevance with current policies and research evidence.

Furthermore, the programme emphasizes the importance of communication skills, cultural competence, and ethical considerations in engaging with children and their families. Students are encouraged to undertake research projects or audits related to community child health, fostering analytical thinking and contributing to quality improvement initiatives. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to work in diverse environments, including hospital settings, public health departments, NGOs, and international health organizations, playing a pivotal role in promoting child health at the community level.

The programme typically offers flexible study options, including part-time and online learning components, to accommodate working professionals' schedules. Admission requirements generally include a medical degree and relevant clinical experience, with specific prerequisites depending on the applicant's background. Upon completion, graduates receive a postgraduate diploma or Master's qualification, which can serve as a stepping stone for further specialization or academic careers. Overall, the Community Child Health programme at UCL aims to foster leadership in paediatric community health, ensuring that future practitioners are equipped to address the complex needs of children across diverse populations.