Program Overview

MSc Childhood Development and Wellbeing in Practice

Overview

The MSc Childhood Development and Wellbeing in Practice is a postgraduate program designed for individuals interested in working with children, young people, and families. This course focuses on developing practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and applied research skills, with an emphasis on promoting positive mental health for young people across various settings.

Course Information

• The program is part of the School of Psychology at Manchester Met.
• It is designed for those interested in working with children, young people, and families, including social workers, youth workers, teachers, and speech and language therapists.
• The course covers topics such as:
  • Key mental health and wellbeing constructs during childhood
  • Strategies to maintain wellbeing at work
  • Designing research projects with impact
  • Major life events and intersectional issues affecting development and growth
  • Practical tools for undertaking assessments and designing effective interventions for young people
• Teaching methods include interactive workshops, case studies, and debates on policy and practice.

Core Modules

• Childhood and Early Years Interventions: Explores the development of key mental health and wellbeing constructs during childhood, including the contributions of environmental and genetic factors.
• Developmental Stages and Challenges in Childhood: Focuses on "typical" social and communication development in childhood, exploring key theoretical approaches and the complex role of genetic and environmental risk factors.
• Clinical Skills: Teaches core and advanced clinical and therapeutic skills, including assessment, formulation, intervention planning, evaluation, reflection, and supervision.
• Personal Development and Reflection: Covers theory, research, and practice in personal development and reflective practice, including boundaries, safe practices, motivations, and professional identity.
• Research Principles and Methods: Develops an understanding of research principles, enabling students to critically appraise and undertake their research project.
• Research for Innovation Dissertation: Involves identifying a discipline-relevant research question, completing a research proposal, and gaining ethical approval prior to commencing data collection.
• Core Therapeutic Principles: Emphasizes the person-centered approach, therapeutic alliance, and theoretical models underlying different therapeutic approaches.

Study and Assessment

• Full-time: 25% lectures, seminars, or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
• Part-time: 25% lectures, seminars, or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
• Assessment:
  • Full-time: 94% coursework; 6% practical; 0% examination
  • Part-time: 94% coursework; 6% practical; 0% examination

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 or above in an undergraduate degree course (or overseas equivalent) related to the allied health/social care or education professions.
• Relevant experience in young people's services and/or settings may be considered for those with an unrelated degree.
• Overseas applicants require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 and no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Fees and Funding

• UK and Channel Island students:
  • Full-time: £10,250 per year
  • Part-time: £1,709 per 30 credits
• EU and non-EU international students:
  • Full-time: £20,000 per year
  • Part-time: £3,334 per 30 credits
• Scholarships and funding options are available for both UK and international students.

Careers Support and Prospects

• The course prepares students for careers in mental health services for children and young people, such as in schools, social work, educational psychology, youth justice, civil services, and children's centers.
• It also provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation for further research or practitioner training in educational, clinical, or counseling psychology.
• Manchester Met offers careers support through its Careers Service, including help with CVs, interviews, and job applications, as well as opportunities to meet employers and engage in networking events.