MSc Childhood Development and Wellbeing in Practice

Our masters degree in childhood development and wellbeing is designed for those interested in working with children, young people and families. This course will also be of interest if you are looking to develop a foundation in theory and practice issues relating to young people’s mental health.

You might be a social worker, youth worker or a teacher looking to update your knowledge of mental health for children and young people. You might be a speech and language therapist looking for a course combining your expertise with mental health.

Whichever stage you’re at in your career, our course focuses on developing your therapeutic and practical skills, theoretical knowledge, applied research skills, and explores wellbeing for practitioners.

What will you learn and how will you learn?

Some of the topics you’ll consider include key mental health and wellbeing constructs during childhood, ‘typical’ development, strategies to maintain your wellbeing at work, and how to design research projects with impact.

The course will give you the opportunity to understand how major life events and intersectional issues affect development and growth, as well as practical tools for undertaking assessments and designing effective interventions for young people across a range of settings.

Practical skills sessions typically focus on skills such as employing standardised assessment tools, managing important issues surrounding consent and confidentiality when working with young people, how to be an effective member of an interdisciplinary team, and reflective practice.

You’ll learn through a variety of teaching methods, including interactive workshops and case studies. You will debate policy, analyse examples in practice, and share experiences. Our creatively taught Research Methods module ensures that you develop enhanced skills in Quantitative and Qualitative data analysis.

In sessions, you’ll work in groups to develop your networking and share skills and experience.

A 2:1 or above in an undergraduate degree course (or overseas equivalent) related to the allied health/social care or education professions, is typically required, or in an unrelated degree with relevant experience in young people’s services and/or settings.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here.

If you are unsure as to whether you meet the entry requirements for the course, please liaise with the admissions team who can provide further information.