Program Overview

Education (Children and Young People’s Mental Health) MA

Overview

The MA Education (Children and Young People’s Mental Health) pathway is designed to meet the interests of current professionals within education and related settings and people aspiring to a career within the sector. The programme explores different conceptualisations of mental health, examines the risk and protective factors which influence mental health, and considers the benefits of a whole organisational approaches to mental health.

What you'll study

• Course content
• Teaching and assessment

The overall focus of the course is on equipping you with comprehensive, theoretical, research-informed knowledge and an understanding of differing educational perspectives and diverse contexts.

Key themes include the different conceptualisations of mental health, the risk and protective factors which influence mental health and how to support a whole school approach to mental health.

Supporting your personal professional development and enhancing your research skills are essential elements of the course, preparing you for the completion of an independent research project on a relevant topic of your choice.

Compulsory modules:

• Dissertation provides an opportunity for you to synthesise, in a synoptic way, the knowledge, skills and understandings developed through the preceding modules, and in particular, the module Researching Education. On completion, you will be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the links between theory, policy and practice in the substantive area of your choice. The opportunity to carry out and report on a sustained piece of independent research will further enhance both your knowledgebase and skill set, support you in improving your professional learning and practice, and could prepare you for the possibility of further study at doctoral level. You can choose to conduct an empirical or non-empirical study.
  • Module code: PRL4061
  • Credits: 60
  • Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Researching Education will develop your understanding and critical appreciation of empirical and desk-based research methodologies, and the relationships and distinctions between them. You will develop an understanding of the relationship between research questions and methods of data collection and analysis, and the ethical questions these raise.
  • Module code: PRL4060
  • Credits: 30
  • Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Theorising Education will develop your understanding and critical appreciation of seminal and contemporary educational philosophy and theory and of the approaches to analysis that it demonstrates and enables. The module will develop your core knowledge and skills in their own right, but also provides important links to other MA modules and pathways, e.g., social justice, policy, research-informed practice.
  • Module code: PRL4059
  • Credits: 30
  • Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Understanding Mental Health provides you with a deep understanding of mental health for learners across age phases. You will learn about different conceptualisations of mental health, the risk and protective factors which influence mental health, and theoretical models and frameworks which underpin our understanding of mental health. You will learn how perspectives of mental health have changed over time and vary between groups and societies. You will understand how different disciplines have contributed to our understanding of mental health and will develop a critical understanding of mental health policy. You will engage with current issues and evaluate the impact these have on mental health and wellbeing.
  • Module code: PRL4042
  • Credits: 30
  • Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Critical Approaches to Mental Health involves you analysing case study examples to critically evaluate evidence and challenge assumptions about provision for mental health within organisational settings. You will be encouraged to examine your own beliefs and values in relation to mental health. You will be discussing critical evaluation of discourse and espoused values relating to mental health. The impact of practitioners leading mental health initiatives and their own potential for future roles and careers will be an integral part of this module. You will be able to consider mental health from broad perspectives with the importance of working in partnership with key stakeholders and external organisations. Through the assessment strategy you will demonstrate your conceptual understanding and ability to comment on aspects of current research in relation to case study examples and ethical considerations.
  • Module code: PRL4043
  • Credits: 30
  • Assessment: 100% Coursework

How you'll study

The MA Education (Children and Young People’s Mental Health) pathway is available in full-time and part-time modes of study. Full-time sessions will be held during the day whilst part-time sessions will be held during twilights.

Taught sessions are built around dialogue, discussion and collaborative learning, with tutor support and expertise immediately at hand. Teaching is interactive, experiential and innovative, using a variety of technologies to enhance your learning, from presentation tools and virtual classrooms to mixed media, social media and mobile technologies. The programme will be tailored to enable you to focus your learning on your individual interests and professional requirements.

Each 30-credit module may typically involve a weekly session of 3 hours (during the day for full-time and twilight for part-time) and a significant amount of private study, as well as reading and independent research.

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed through a combination of 5,000-word written assignments, project work, portfolios and presentations, as well as a 10,000 word research report and summary. Opportunities to receive formative feedback are embedded into each module.

Who will be teaching you

The programme is delivered by a team of research-active academic staff who have extensive expertise in education and its related disciplines.

The work of the programme team has national and international impact, contributing to and informing education curricula and learning techniques, both in the UK and overseas.

Their research interests include children and young people’s mental health, educational philosophy, educational policy and practice, educational leadership, as well as research methods and methodologies.

Entry criteria

• An undergraduate degree (normally a 2.2 or above) in a field related to education or an equivalent qualification acceptable to Edge Hill University.
• Applicants, who come from a different academic background, which is equivalent to degree level, or have 2 or more years of relevant work experience, are welcome to apply.
• Or a Masters degree or equivalent in a relevant field.

English language requirements

You are expected to have English language proficiency minimally equivalent to overall 6.5 with no element below 6.0.

Facilities

The Faculty of Education enjoys the enviable position of being one of the country’s leading providers of transformative education, training and research for the teaching and education workforce. Housed in a state-of-the-art £9m building, the Faculty of Education enjoys a stunning setting from both its lakeside and piazza buildings.

Facilities in the lakeside building include a 300-seat lecture theatre, five well-equipped ICT suites, and 18 teaching rooms complete with the latest technology.

Our nearby piazza building houses our Research Hub and our Secondary and Further Education department including a lecture theatre and a number of seminar rooms.

Finance

Tuition fees

• UK Full-Time: £9,250 for the course
• UK Part-Time: £51 per credit for 180 credits
• International: £17,000 for the course

The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Your future career

Preparing you for a wide variety of roles across the education workforce in the UK and internationally, this MA can enhance your professional career opportunities and employability.

On successful completion of the programme, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to make a significant and positive contribution to a range of education settings and education-related contexts.

You will graduate well placed to apply for more senior positions both within your current workplace and with other providers. The skills and experience acquired through this MA will also provide you with essential preparation for progressing onto research qualifications, such as a PhD or Professional Doctorate.