Developmental and Therapeutic Play, MA / PGDip / PGCert

Program Overview

The MA/PGDip/PGCert in Developmental and Therapeutic Play at Swansea University combines theory and fieldwork to provide an advanced understanding of children's play and its role in learning, development, and well-being. Students explore evidence-based practices in play across various professional contexts, developing critical research, analytical, and reflective practice skills. The program prepares graduates for careers in education, counseling, social work, healthcare, and other fields where play is used to support children's growth and development.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA/PGDip/PGCert in Developmental and Therapeutic Play at Swansea University provides an advanced understanding of how children learn and develop through play. This program combines in-depth theory with fieldwork experience, exploring evidence-based practice in play across various professional contexts. The program emphasizes the inherent value of children's self-directed play experiences and the role of the environment and social interactions in supporting their growing repertoire of play skills. Throughout the program, students refine critical research and analytical skills and develop professional reflective practice techniques.

Outline:

Content:

• Play Theory and Practice
• Understanding and Observing Child Development
• Research Methods (Education, Play, and Childhood Studies)
• Perspectives on Play
• Therapeutic Work with Children

Structure:

• MA (1 Year Full-time): 120 credits, including a dissertation
• MA (2 Year Part-time): 120 credits, including a dissertation
• MA (3 Year Part-time): 120 credits, including a dissertation
• PGDip (1 Year Full-time): 60 credits
• PGDip (2 Year Part-time): 60 credits
• PGCert (1 Year Full-time): 30 credits
• PGCert (1 Year Part-time): 30 credits

Course Schedule:

The course schedule varies depending on the level of qualification and mode of study. Students follow a combination of compulsory and optional modules, with Master's students also completing a dissertation.

Individual Modules:

• Play Theory and Practice: Explores the theoretical foundations of play, its developmental significance, and its application in various settings.
• Understanding and Observing Child Development: Focuses on observing and interpreting children's behavior, development, and play patterns.
• Research Methods (Education, Play, and Childhood Studies): Introduces research methods and techniques used in the field of play and childhood studies.
• Perspectives on Play: Examines different theoretical perspectives on play, including its role in learning, development, and well-being.
• Therapeutic Work with Children: Explores the use of play in therapeutic interventions for children with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:

• Essays
• Reports
• Presentations
• Practical assignments
• Reflective journals
• Examinations

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Fieldwork placements
• Independent study

Faculty:

The program is taught by academic staff who are active in a wide range of research fields, offering an unrivaled mix of academic excellence and current policy and practice expertise.

Careers:

The program opens up a range of career opportunities in sectors such as:

• Education
• International aid
• Counseling and pastoral care
• Social work
• Healthcare
• Play work
• Domestic violence teams
• Prison service

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

MA 1 Year Full Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 8,250 £ 17,450 September 2024 £ 8,650 £ 18,300 MA 2 Year Part Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 4,150 £ 8,750 September 2024 £ 4,350 £ 9,200 MA 3 Year Part Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 2,750 £ 5,850 September 2024 £ 2,900 £ 6,150 PGDip 1 Year Full Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 2,900 £ 6,150 PGDip 1 Year Full Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 5,500 £ 11,600 September 2024 £ 5,800 £ 12,200 PGDip 2 Year Part Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 2,750 £ 5,800 September 2024 £ 2,900 £ 6,100 PGCert 1 Year Full Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 2,750 £ 5,800 September 2024 £ 2,900 £ 6,100 PGCert 1 Year Part Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 2,750 £ 5,800 September 2024 £ 2,900 £ 6,100 Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.