Program Overview

Safeguarding Children: Building Effective Health Visiting Practice

Overview

This module is concerned with preparing students to work effectively in a multi-agency context to safeguard the needs of children and young people within a global society, prevent maltreatment and improve their outcomes across the life course.

Key Facts

• Module code: HVPP006
• Start date: 1 June 2026
• Application deadline: 18 May 2026
• Duration: 11 weeks
• Credit value SCQF: 20
• SCQF level: Level 11
• Fees: £889
• Mode of study: part-time
• Delivery: blended

Entrance Requirements

• Students are required to have the ability to study at degree level (minimum academic level SCQF Level 9).
• English language requirements:
  • IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
  • IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing.

Objectives

Students will:

1. Apply critical knowledge and understanding of current theories, policy, legislation, and research to assess and safeguard the needs and promote the rights of children and families in diverse and changing contexts acknowledging the links between global and national socio-economic and political strategies.
2. Critically evaluate the effects of trauma on child development and parenting skills working in partnership with children and families affected to strengthen their resilience.
3. Critically explore the skills required to lead on the identification of vulnerable children and families and deliver and co-ordinate interventions to promote and safeguard children's health and wellbeing.
4. Critically analyse the application of clinical and actuarial tools to inform professional judgement and the decision-making process and improve outcomes for children and families.
5. Evaluate their practice in communicating with children, parents/carers, and professionals including the use of digital and other modalities to safeguard the needs of children and families in diverse contexts.

Structure and Content

This module utilises a blended approach to teaching and learning to stimulate critical discussion and enhance learning, generate deeper understanding, and foster the development of graduate attributes. The learning and teaching activities are varied and are aligned to the intended learning outcomes. They include:

• Lectures
• Group work activities
• Online discussions
• Podcasts
• e-learning activities
• Independent study

Students will have the opportunity to attend a masterclass delivered by expert and keynote speakers providing real-world experience and up-to-date research which will enable them to apply theoretical learning from the module content to key topics that reflect public health priorities.

Delivery and Assessment

The module will be assessed by means of a 100% individual assignment. Students will be required to complete a 3000-word case study.

Module Coordinator

Alison Hackett

Employability

This module supports the development of a wide range of skills including critical thinking and writing, advanced personal organisation, planning and evaluation skills, and advanced communication skills.