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The Developmental and Therapeutic Play course aims to consider the developmental, educational and therapeutic potential of play at an advanced academic level through the combination of demanding intellectual work and sophisticated practical reflection.
Teaching and Employability:
- taught by well published academics and specialist practitioners
- access to a multi-disciplinary team with strong links to similar university departments in Europe and around the world
- hands on practical workshops as well as lectures and seminars
- good record of graduate employment
- employability supported by the university-wide careers service as well as the teaching team
- numerous links with local businesses to increase prospects for work experience
- fieldwork experience included as part of the programme
- excellent teaching and learning experiences and cross-cultural insights developed through an international cohort
- opportunity to pursue a PhD supervised by a well-qualified member of the team
The Developmental and Therapeutic Play course is a modular postgraduate programme consisting of 180 credits at level M.
The course is offered on a part-time basis with completion typically within three years.
Developmental and Therapeutic Play examines how children’s play develops and how children develop as they play. It explores evidence based play practice across a range of professional contexts. Play is an important element of provision across all Children’s Services in the UK and beyond. Graduate employment prospects are wide ranging and past students have secured a range of interesting posts.
The Developmental and Therapeutic Play course offers the perfect opportunity to study children’s play at an advanced academic level, combining theoretical work with fieldwork experience and high-level reflection. It is taught by internationally recognised and well published academics in the field.
The Developmental and Therapeutic Play course aims to deepen students’ understanding of the developmental and therapeutic potential of play. This includes how the environment and social interactions support children’s growing repertoire of play skills, with a particular emphasis on the inherent value of children’s self-directed play experiences.
The developmental, educational and therapeutic potential of play across multiple contexts are also considered i.e. inclusive play practice, observation, assessment and being able to identify when further professional assistance may be required.
Modules on the Developmental and Therapeutic Play may include:
Play Theory and Practice
Researching Childhood
Perspectives on Play
Understanding and Observing Child Development
Therapeutic Work with Children
The Developmental and Therapeutic Play course is highly regarded resulting in specialist positions in education, international aid, counselling and pastoral care, social work, hospital/healthcare and playwork.
Graduates have secured posts in domestic violence teams, the prison service, hospitals and schools. Some have also set up their own businesses or have gone on to pursue further training in play therapy, counselling, psychotherapy or clinical psychology.
The College also offers supervision for Developmental and Therapeutic Play students who wish to continue their studies in this field at PhD level.
Voluntary work throughout the course is encouraged.
The College also provides career information and relevant job advertisements as well as career tutorials. Past Developmental and Therapeutic Play graduates are involved in future teaching and publication of student research is encouraged.
The College of Human and Health Sciences has links with a number of local children’s services who may be prepared to offer volunteering or work experience opportunities.
Gaining experience is vital to building a strong CV and increasing employability on graduation.
Team members are active researchers and their work is well published.
Many past Developmental and Therapeutic Play students have published their research or presented their findings at seminars and conferences. This is encouraged and supported by the academic team and demonstrates the high quality of work being produced.
The College of Human and Health Sciences has a vibrant postgraduate community with students drawn from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The College is known for its friendly, welcoming and supportive environment, which combined with its extensive facilities, state-of-the-art technology and superb beachside location, helps to ensure that students benefit from an exceptional student experience.
In addition, students have access to a wide range of excellent facilities and equipment for realistic workplace experiences.
As a qualified play therapist, you will already be aware of the importance of self-expression and creative mediums in therapy. Whether you are aiming for a promotion within your current field or want to explore a particular play therapy topic, this MA will enhance your existing therapy skills through research, allowing you to further improve the lives of vulnerable children.
You will study the latest theories in this emerging sector, exploring the shift from traditional therapy methods to more modern techniques such as movement, breathing and sensory activities.
At the beginning of your course, you will use your experience to choose your area of specialist research and develop a proposal for practice-based play therapy research that will form the basis for your dissertation.
Delivered by the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC) and validated by the University as part of a collaborative partnership, you will undertake this course online, enabling you to fit your study around your personal and professional commitments.
Please note that all applications and queries for this course will be dealt with by APAC, and that start dates may differ depending on your location of study. Find out more on the APAC website.
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Research Excellence Framework 2014: we entered an increased number of units for this assessment, up from 11% in 2008 to 33% in 2014.
We deliver our course in partnership with the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC), ensuring you study the latest theories in this emerging sector, including the importance of neurobiology on improving the effects of play therapy for traumatised children. When you complete the course you will have a recognised accreditation.
We also have strong links with Play Therapy UK (PTUK) and Play Therapy International (PTI), the leading innovators in the profession, offering you expert career advice and a wealth of knowledge.
Our flexible online course gives you the opportunity to work at your own pace, allowing you to fit your study around your personal commitments. You will have access to a range of training sessions run by APAC at venues across the UK, along with the support of our dedicated tutors and the opportunity to debate and share your experiences in our virtual lecture rooms and chat rooms. You will be able to join forums where you can post your thoughts and learn from your tutors and fellow students.
On completion of this course you will be well placed to aim for a promotion in your field, progress into a research role or enter academic work. You could also go on to take the courses you need to become a PTUK certified trainer, helping future play therapists begin their careers in this increasingly important area.
The aim of this course is to develop your skills as a specialist practitioner who can combine theory and practice to improve and develop knowledge and skills in District Nursing, or General Practice Nursing. You will gain the necessary intellectual insight needed to evaluate the economic, social and political influences that affect all aspects of healthcare. Preparing you to play a proactive role within your specialist area of practice, this is a professional course and it incorporates a practice component.
The practice placement takes place throughout the programme and culminates in a 10-week block at the end of the course. Practice is normally carried out within your place of work. There are core modules that are shared by all students and specialist modules. It may be possible to undertake the programme over a longer period of time.
There are a variety of learning and teaching strategies which are utilised during the course as well as a range of assessment methods to assess the knowledge and theoretical components which underpin practice.
The core modules and the specialist modules are designed for the development of practice, as well as facilitating generalist, specialist and multi-agency approaches. As roles within Primary Care over recent years have become altered and diverse the course has been developed to reflect the needs of this changing community. The focus of the programme is on enabling the monitoring and improvement of standards of healthcare through the supervision of practice , clinical audit, development of practice through research, teaching and the support of professional colleagues, through the provision of skilled professional leadership. This programme supports professional progress by developing professional awareness and decision-making.
This course equips you with the skills required to become a Specialist Community District Nurse. You will be both academically and professionally prepared to practice as a member of the multi-disciplinary team.
On completion of this course you will:
On successful completion of the course you will be able to record your qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
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.
The Community Specialist Practitioner course aims to promote the evolution of an adaptable, reflexive and responsive practitioner who promotes the highest standards of client health care. The course incorporates the key principles of specialist practice within the domains of clinical practice; care and programme management; clinical practice development and clinical practice leadership. The course comprises of 50% theory and 50% practice. Assessment methods vary and include: examinations, essays, presentations, business report, and practice assessment.
The curriculum design facilitates development of a wide range of learning experiences to encourage lifelong, independent learning. These approaches include reflection, critical reading, problem-based activities, directed study, lectures, discussion groups, role play and eLearn (a virtual learning environment). Fifty per cent of learning will take place within a practice placement.
Various modes of assessment are included within the programme. These include assignment essays, case studies, written and oral examinations.
The aim of this course is to prepare and develop registered nurses and midwives to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) professional standards for specialist community practitioner (General Practice Nursing or Community Children's Nursing or Nursing in the Home) (UKCC 2001) and the 'Standards for Approval of Higher Education Institutions and Programmes' (ENB 1997). These standards have been accepted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council from April 2002.
The course is available full-time over 40 weeks or it can be accessed as a part-time course over two years. The course will be delivered at the main university campus site in Preston, but fifty per cent of learning will take place within a practice placement.
The course incorporates the key principles of specialist practice and is grouped into four domains:
This course meets the following core Knowledge Skills Framework (KSF) dimensions:
In addition individual pathways will meet a number of elements within the following specific dimensions, for example:
Throughout this course you will be working with vulnerable groups of individuals including children. In order to ensure that the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing offers places on their programmes to the most suitable candidates you will all be required to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (formerly termed CRB). The Faculty of Health and Wellbeing will be able to guide you through this process once you have been successfully offered a conditional place at the University. It is important to note that any unsatisfactory Enhanced DBS clearance may result in the offer of your place being withdrawn even if you have already started your course.
Our unique Creative Practices and Direction programme will develop your creative-practice and leadership skills through engagement with practice-oriented theory and new collaborations.
As a student of this programme, you will develop strong relationships with active professionals in your discipline and learn within a leading theatrical conservatoire that benefits from the intellectual stimulus of a major research-led university.
This unique programme is aimed at creative producers and directors and those who train and work with actors and performers to develop and direct their skills.
The programme offers three specialist pathways, including choreography and movement direction, directing, musical theatre creation, and you will also have the opportunity to develop a specialist practice within your chosen pathway.
The programme is primarily designed for graduates in drama, theatre and dance from universities and conservatoires, but will also appeal to those who have established themselves professionally and wish to refresh their skills and perspectives and take on leadership, coaching, creative or directing roles.
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time over two academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and an Advanced Creative Practice module.
Students enter the MA Creative Practices and Direction to a specified pathway, personally supervised by their pathway leader, an expert in the subject area.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Movement Direction and Choreography pathway
Students on this pathway follow and practically investigate a number of techniques and ideas dealing with onstage physicality.
The focus is also on the development of movement language, through the investigation of the ideas and practices of seminal dance-based ideas (Laban, Bausch, Cunningham, Fosse, Graham, Horton, etc.) and methods for working with music and sound.
Directing pathway
This programme is a practice-led pathway incorporating methodologies and techniques that focus on approaches to theatre directing, dramaturgy, collaboration with other practitioners.
Musical Theatre Creation pathway
This pathway is designed for those who wish to study writing, and creative roles specifically in Musical Theatre. These might be as a director, choreographer, composer, librettist, musical director or creative producer.
Educational aims of the programme
The School of Arts facilities include the 200-seat theatre in the Ivy Arts Centre, dark and light studios, digital creation stations and editing facilities, scenic, props and costume workshops, and interconnected sound recording and music facilities.
Teaching and workshop activity takes place largely in GSA’s dedicated rehearsal rooms, performance studios and design workshops. Lectures, presentations and seminars will occur in rooms across campus.
The University Library contains the majority of set texts, key journals, scripts, play texts and video materials necessary for the programme. Students have access to extensive facilities through the virtual learning environment, SurreyLearn, and IT Services.
Additional support is available in the Learning Resource Centre in the University Library.
Equipment is provided on a project-by-project basis according to the nature of the work in hand and the parameters of the project, which are negotiated with the tutor.
Facilities and equipment for production work will be booked by students according to specific project briefings and advertised resource parameters.
Academic support is provided by way of ongoing contact with the programme director and module leaders, group briefings and feedback, individual tutorials, and mentoring.
The programme makes use of a peer feedback system designed to provide a useful and supportive account of areas of strength and effectiveness, along with areas for improvement.
You are encouraged to identify personal learning and creative objectives that can be pursued in alignment with group project work.
The School of Arts includes study in dance, digital arts, film, music, sound and theatre, with research activity in all areas, often with significant interdisciplinary connections.
With an integrated approach that comprises documentation, analysis and performance, Surrey’s agenda for research aims to engage critically with the past and present, while rigorously articulating new frameworks for understanding and practising the arts and culture in the twenty-first century.
Research infrastructure includes the Digital World Research Centre and the Laban Archive in the National Resource Centre for Dance (NRCD).
The School of Arts hosts and supports established research centres, research groupings and networks as well as individual research projects. Our research extends to partnerships with the artistic community, for instance, in support of public debates or in the dissemination of documentation for arts practice through the digital and print media.
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
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