If you are passionate about helping children and young people understand themselves and the world around them, then our programme is for you.
Our Master's degree is ideal if you are interested in a career working with children and adolescents. For those of you looking for a research career in developmental psychology, our teaching staff are research active and experts in their respective field. We have well-equipped facilities and laboratories to support all your activities.
We pride ourselves on combining high-quality teaching with world-class research and a vibrant student experience. Our degree includes a strong practical and applied element, which includes a work placement. This will enable you to apply state-of-the-art developmental theory and research findings to real-life settings.
Our degree will help you to develop an in-depth understanding of current issues in child and adolescent psychology. It will also show how to apply theory and research to real-life settings. Our tutors will provide you with robust training in advanced statistics and research design methods. This will prepare you for either further postgraduate education or for a career in research.
During your time with us you will conduct a substantial piece of research in child and adolescent psychology. Also as part of our post graduate programme you will be able to choose from one of three applied optional courses.
Located at the University of Greenwich's prestigious Maritime campus, the Child and Adolescent Psychology programme has world renowned attractions right on its doorstep from The Cutty Sark to the River Thames.
With the opening of the highly anticipated Dreadnought building on the horizon, not only will you study in the heart of the Greenwich campus, you will have access to state of the art learning, teaching and social spaces.
Our psychology degrees are ranked within the top five in London for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2017.
Our department is a trusted provider of excellent academic degrees and vocational training and we are consistently rated highly in the National Student Survey.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Assessed coursework includes:
Students will also be required to produce an independent piece of work based on their work placement and an independent project reporting on a substantial research area including the collection of empirical data or equivalent.
Graduates from this programme can pursue careers in research and would be well-placed to undertake doctoral study. Their training in applying cutting-edge developmental theory and research to real-life settings also enables them to pursue careers working with children and adolescents.
We have well-eqipped facilities on campus to support all your needs, including state of the art laboratories.
Clinical and research expertise are blended in the delivery of this multidisciplinary programme where high standards of clinical care are emphasised 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
Optional modules
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 eight 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.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Child and Adolescent Mental Health MSc
The programme provides career development training for doctors, psychologists and practitioners in social work and education who intend to focus and develop their careers in the areas of child mental health.
This is a relatively new programme and only limited career destination data is available. However, recent graduates have gone on to Clinical Doctorates in Psychology or had opportunities for progression in their current careers.
Recent career destinations for this degree
This programme attracts psychology graduates who wish to enhance their opportunities for progression to further clinical psychology training, and trainees in child psychiatry who wish to supplement their basic training with a higher degree; the MSc programme is closely aligned to the Royal College’s recommended curriculum. Students from social work, nursing and education will benefit from the acquisition of advanced skills in the theory and practice of working with young people with mental health difficulties. Clinical placements are available as an extracurricular option for students who aim to develop their career in a profession related to clinical practice.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health pursues an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to enhance understanding, diagnosis, therapy and prevention of childhood diseases. Our research and our educational portfolio covers a broad range of paediatric issues, from molecular genetics to population health sciences.
Our close relationship with the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children means that much of our research and teaching is carried out on a joint basis. Students benefit from excellent facilities in both laboratory and non-laboratory subjects.
This programme blends academic theory and research with clinical knowledge to enable professionals to deliver a high standard of clinical care.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
80%: Clinical Medicine subjects; 81%: Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care subjects rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This multidisciplinary course aims to promote an advanced level of knowledge and understanding in the area of child and adolescent mental health. It is designed for practitioners from health, social or voluntary services who work in some capacity with children and young people with mental health problems at first or second tiers of service provision.
Graduates of psychology and other cognate disciplines, social and behavioural sciences, education and related fields would also benefit from this programme. Some voluntary or professional experience of work with children and adolescents is desirable, but not essential.
You can choose to graduate with either a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Postgraduate Diploma by completing designated modules or you can complete all of the recommended course modules and be awarded with an MSc.
The course explores child and adolescent mental health problems. Students will develop their understanding of child development and mental health difficulties in children and adolescents and will consider the implications of theory and research work with children and young people. The course is taught by a multidisciplinary team, to ensure students engage with a diverse range of perspectives. Child and adolescent mental health is understood in its developmental and social context and the course explores both theoretical and practice related issues. Research skills are also developed through a taught module and dissertation.
Modules are taught by practitioners and academics from psychology, social work, nursing, psychiatric nursing, law and psychiatry and as such engages with a diverse range of perspectives. Children and adolescents’ mental health is understood in its developmental and social context and the course explores both theoretical and practice related issues.
Research skills are also developed through a taught module and dissertation. Students of Child and Adolescent Mental Health can graduate with either a Postgraduate Diploma or an MSc.
Students completing an MSc will undertake an individual research project and submit a thesis. This is not required for the postgraduate diploma.
-Understanding Mental Health in Children and Young People
-Core Skills for Working with Children and Young People
-Working with Schools and Communities
-Therapeutic Interventions with Children, Young People and Families
-Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
-Dissertation & Research Methods
Lectures, workshops, one-to-one sessions, private study, group work, role play.
Each 30 credit module involves approximately 70 hours formal teaching with some additional placement attendance where relevant. Formal teaching takes place on approximately one day each fortnight for part time students and one to two days each week for full time students.
The full MSc runs for one year full time or two to four years part time. The programme begins in September.
The assessment strategy is designed to include a broad range of assessment methods, in order to ensure that students have the maximum opportunity to demonstrate that they have met the learning outcomes for the programme. These include: essays, case studies, self-reflective log books, critical reviews, video recorded role plays and oral presentations. There are no examinations. The Research Methods and Dissertation module supports the students in completing a supervised but original and independently undertaken piece of research and it is assessed through a 12,000 to 15,000 word dissertation.
-Promotes advanced understanding of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH).
-Multi-agency and multi-disciplinary staff and student group provides students with an exciting and varied learning environment.
-Strong theory into practice focus.
-Specialist training for primary mental health workers.
-Dedicated laboratories and computer suites.
-Sensory deprivation room.
-Biological testing suite.
-Observation suite.
The course is intended to develop specific mental health knowledge and skills in students from a range of backgrounds, to enable them to work more effectively with children and young people.
Sign up to the King's Postgraduate Health & Life Sciences Open Evening - Wednesday 14 March 2018.
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This is a unique course for international and UK-based psychiatrists, paediatricians and psychologists, as well as allied professionals leading to enhanced clinical and research skills in child and adolescent mental health. Our Child and Adolescent Mental Health course is taught by leading figures in the field and offers comprehensive content with strong research and clinical focus.
We are proud to have been awarded an IoPPN Excellence Award in 2017 for student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Education Survey (PTES).
Our Child and Adolescent Mental Health course is specifically designed for international and UK-based psychiatrists, paediatricians, and psychologists, as well as allied professionals who wish to develop their knowledge, skills and research methodologies in child and adolescent psychiatry, child development, therapeutic interventions and service models. You will develop clinical skills and be able to contribute to culturally-sensitive and clinically-effective services through relevant research, including health service development research.
You will be taught research methodology and statistics, issues relating to child development, aetiology of child and adolescent disorders, the psychological and physical treatments for emotional, behavioural and developmental disorders in children and young people. You will complete a research project, which could use quantitative or qualitative methodologies. You will also develop your skills in diagnosis, formulation and planning therapeutic interventions, service design, monitoring and evaluation. Clinical placements within CAMHS teams may also be arranged.
You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.
Regulating body
King’s College London is regulated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England
UK and international graduates return to clinical practice with enhanced skills and knowledge in child mental health.
The course is for professionals from a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, social care, nursing, allied health professions or the voluntary sector who would like to advance their careers within services for children, young people and their families / carers.
This MSc prepares you for a fulfilling and rewarding career in child and adolescent mental health. You will learn to provide collaborative and compassionate care and support for children and adolescents promoting their mental health, identifying needs and recognising which therapeutic interventions are appropriate and why.
You will gain the skills, knowledge and awareness of child and adolescent psychological development, early identification, managing risk and resilience, assessment and evidence-based psychosocial interventions and contemporary issues in child and adolescent mental health.
The course uses a sound evidence-base to prepare you to participate in a specialist workforce, where the development of ethical and culturally-sensitive practice and the placement of the child, young person and their carer are at the centre of decision-making and service re-design. You will enhance your ability to critically evaluate and reflect on your work or the work of others who care for individuals and families where there are significant concerns and vulnerability.
You will also develop capacities to maintain the balance between working collaboratively while maintaining safe professional boundaries.
Our specialist Clinical Skills Centre at City’s Northampton Square campus has been specially designed for teaching and reflects clinical environments and working wards, so you can familiarise yourself with equipment and practices before commencing your placement.
Simulated practice enables you to practise your skills in a safe environment, in preparation for transferring these skills to a 'real life' setting.
A blended approach to learning and teaching is adopted, including institution-based taught modules, e-learning and work-based learning. Modules are run by experienced practitioners and leading researchers, using a variety of direct and interactive teaching methods.
You will learn in large and small multi-professional and multi-disciplinary groups and will be supported and encouraged to participate in independent learning.
Assessments are varied to meet the practice and academic challenges of a Masters-level course, while recognising the need for motivating, realistic and relevant activity. Assessment is diverse and includes essays, reflective practice, objective structured clinical examinations, practice-based assessments, poster presentations, case studies, data analysis, and seminar presentations with supporting papers.
Core modules
Discipline specific modules
Elective modules
Two elective modules must be chosen from the following:
You will be able to influence the mental health of children and young people at both a direct and indirect level through the development of services and the application of inter-professional practice and research.
You will have gained a deep understanding and knowledge of child and adolescent mental health to enable them to work effectively and collaboratively across professional agencies and boundaries.
Successful completion of the MSc fulfils the requirements for higher-grade, senior advanced practice posts in health and social care and qualifies you for research posts and to conduct independent research.
The course is designed for practitioners from Health, Education, Social Care and Voluntary care services with some experience of working with children and adolescents. Students need to be a practitioner in relevant area of practice such as education or health and social care. You may have completed a core professional qualification i.e. nursing, social work, occupational therapy, health visiting, or school nursing and wish to advance your knowledge, although this is not essential.
The course is studied over three years with two pathways in your final year of study; a full research pathway or a taught research pathway. Teaching will involve a broad range of teaching methods including role play and experiential learning, structured reflection, seminar presentations, small group work and video assisted learning.
You will need to have access to working with children and/ or young people and families throughout the course and you will need support for study leave from your line manager to attend scheduled teaching sessions.
Course leader Sharon Pagett has 15 years clinical experience within CAMH. Sharon’s professional background is mental health nursing and she has a range of clinical experience within CAMH services within Day Units and community services. Sharon has led the University’s Graduate Diploma in CAMH for 15 years, which was commissioned by the NHS. This course has consistently evaluated well since its inception. Members of the teaching team also have a range of clinical experience within CAMH services; Simon Baverstock has experience within in-patient child and adolescent inpatient services and violence reduction. He has an MSc in Personality Disorder and has interests in emerging personality disorder, trauma and mindfulness-based interventions.
Dr Karen Whittaker (Reader in Child and Family Health) leads the Child and Family Health research theme group referred to as SEaRCCH, (Supporting Evaluation and Research in Child and Community Health) within the School of Nursing. She is an Institute of Health Visiting Fellow and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Karen’s professional background is in nursing and health visiting, previously practicing as a health visitor in the city of Salford and later in Lancashire. Her own doctorate and post-doctorate research has involved the application of realist evaluation methods to examine parenting and family support.
The course will develop students’ knowledge in the area of child and adolescent mental health, developing skills that are transferrable in a range of settings from social care to education and also within a range of health services specific to children and adolescents. With the emphasis on early intervention and raising awareness of mental health issues in children and young people, the range of settings where this award could be used is constantly developing.
Modules within the course look at a range of areas such as issues around attachment, normal childhood development, parenting and trauma informed care. Areas specifically related to children and young people’s mental health are considered in depth from assessment to interventions, covering specific areas of concern such as ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm and emergent personality disorder.
How do children and adolescents develop? How do emotional and behavioural disorders emerge, and how can they be prevented? How can you use scientific knowledge to advise schools? In the Master’s programme Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, you will learn how to apply your knowledge of developmental psychology in clinical practice.
During this one-year Master’s programme, you will learn all about the psychological care, treatment and support of children and young people. We will also address how policies and institutions can contribute to child development.
As a child and youth psychologist, you will study:
You will also learn knowledge and skills for assessing (diagnostics), treating (intervention), and preventing problematic youth development.
In addition to these topics, you will also learn about relevant societal issues, such as:
This programme is offered by various chair groups, which conduct research into:
Researchers from these programmes teach courses and supervise the students’ theses. Students also have the opportunity to take part in their research projects as research assistants.
In order to prevent and alleviate psycho-social problems in children and young people, a variety of perspectives are needed: pedagogical, medical, educational and sometimes legal. Students in this Master's programme will therefore learn to consider these ‘non-psychological’ factors as well. You can also enrol in elective courses in other fields of study. If you do a clinical internship, you may work as part of a multi-disciplinary team together with child psychiatrists, social-psychiatric caregivers, social workers and internal mentors.
The Master’s programme is structured in such a way that you can begin your internship immediately in September. If you decide to enrol in our Master’s programme, it is therefore vital that you start looking for an internship position in time. It becomes progressively more difficult to find an internship position if you start applying later in the year. Check the study programme page for more about the internships.
For information about the internship and application procedures, please contact our internship coordinator at [email protected] as soon as possible after enrolling in the Master’s programme.
You will develop into a scientist-practitioner, who is able to make a difference in the practice of child and adolescent psychology by tying the knowledge gained in theoretical courses to practical experience obtained during your internship.This Master's programme prepares you for a career as a care provider, diagnostician or policy consultant. You may also choose to continue your studies, as this programme qualifies you (in the Netherlands) for post-academic education as a clinical psychologist, school psychologist and the registration process for NIP Child- and Youth Psychologist/NIP Registered Psychologist/Child and Youth.
If you are a Dutch-speaking student, this Master's programme offers you the possibility to earn your NIP Basic Psychodiagnostics Registration (BAPD) (in Dutch) during your Master’s or afterwards. You can also apply for different postgraduate programmes (Healthcare Psychologist; in Dutch: Gezondheidszorgpsycholoog, Child and Adolescent Psychologist NIP/SKJ or School Psychologist) or pursue a PhD position. For international students, formal accreditation needs to take place at an individual level by the national union of psychologists of your home country.
Are you interested in raising children? In the way their environment shapes their development? Would you like to learn how to support parents and educators, creating a context where children and youth can reach their full potential? Then this Master's programme may be just right for you!
The Master’s programme Clinical Child, Family and Education Studies (Dutch:Orthopedagogiek) challenges you to make connections between scientific research and practical issues. It addresses what is needed when problems arise in child and adolescent development, or in parenting or education of children at risk.
This Master’s programme will enable you to develop yourself as an academic and clinical professional. Armed with scientific insights and clinical skills, you will be able to give advice, support, treatment and guidance concerning clinical issues in raising children and adolescents. You can make an important contribution to research of practical care issues related to children and youth. You will help children, youth, their parents and the systems surrounding them to function to their optimum potential. This programme prepares you to work as a scientist practitioner in youth care in clinical or transnational settings.
While studying complex situations you will combine insights from education and child and adolescent studies, psychology, neuropsychology, child and youth psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, juvenile justice, pediatrics and sociology.
This programme’s working language is English. This means that English will be used during lectures, for scientific exchange between students and staff. You may opt to use Dutch or English for your thesis and individual assignments. Certain parts of the programme, such as a clinical internship in an institution with Dutch speaking clients or patients, are only available to students who speak Dutch.
You will take three mandatory courses concerning:
On top of these courses you will follow an elective course, a specialisation (‘track’)and write a Master’s thesis.
Your lecturers participate in highly qualified research in the field of parenting, adolescence, education, development and learning in the research programmes Child and Adolescent Studies and Education and Learning. This means you will benefit from their most recent scientific insights. Moreover, as a Master’s student your thesis can contribute to the current research within the programme concerning projects such as:
The Master’s programme in Clinical Child, Family and Education Studies prepares you for work from a transnational perspective, or for a career in a clinical setting. You will be able to give advice, support, treatment and guidance when problems in child and adolescent development arise. You will be a trained expert in clinical issues in raising future generations. You could work as a policy adviser or care giver in several fields such as youth care, special needs care in schools, care for people with a disability, paediatric rehabilitation, forensic care and (inter)national knowledge institutions. You can also pursue a career in research, for instance at a university or knowledge institution.
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