Course summary
The PG Diploma in Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Difficulties is delivered by Oxford Brookes University in partnership with the mental health charity SEBDA. This two year, part time online Diploma generates 120 masters level credits. You can exit the Diploma after one year with a Post Graduate Certificate in SEMH (60 credits) or go on to study a full masters degree. Our team includes specialist teachers, authors, psychologists, behaviour support professionals and SEN advisers - all with expertise in supporting children and young people with mental health needs. The Diploma will enhance your understanding, skills and expertise of children and young people with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. You will learn practical, theoretical and research issues relating to SEMH, which you will relate to your own professional context and practice. Please note, it is important that you are working with children and/or young people in a professional setting when you undertake the Diploma.
Modules
Understanding SEMH Difficulties Following a series of induction tasks, this Module will explore historical perspectives on SEMH and evaluate the way that historical concepts still shape contemporary understandings. You will then undertake a critical review of a range of psychological perspectives that seek to understand SEMH needs. This will include behaviourist, humanist, eco-systemic and psychodynamic perspectives on SEMH. Managing SEMH Difficulties In Module 2 you will explore a range of assessment tools to support the Graduated Approach (Assess-Plan-Do-Review) including ‘Formulation’. You will be required to conduct a critical review of SEMH policy and guidance, including the role of multi-agency teams, pupil voice and issues around working with families. The complex area of bullying and cyberbullying will also be explored. Neuroscience and SEMH Difficulties In this module you will explore positive, secure emotional development and contrastthis with disrupted and inhibited emotional development following experiences of trauma, abuse and/or neglect. Nurture group intervention will be critically evaluated and the contribution made by neuroscientific research in this area will be critically appraised. The particular needs of children and young people who are care-experienced will also be considered carefully in this Module. Complex Social Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties In Module 4, statistics around SEMH in your country will be critically evaluated in the context of ethnicity, socio-economics, diversity and inclusivity. Complex SEMH needs including autism and attachment disorder will be explored in depth and practical interventions will be evaluated in relation to anxiety, depression and self-harm. Research Methods and SEMH Module 5 is a Research Methods Module that has been designed to ensure that all students are ready for a Dissertation year (Year 3) should they wish to complete a full MA Education (SEND). In this Module, Qualitative and Quantitative research approaches, methods and techniques will be critically explored and analysed. Students will then be required to go through the process of undertaking an initial Focus Group interview (with adults) followed by a thematic analysis of transcripts and a presentation of the results in a Report. This Report will be the assessed task for the Module. Advanced Intervention Social Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties In this final Module you will carry out an evidence-based exploration of a range of advanced mental health issues including ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders. Psychodynamic interventions in relation to these difficulties will be contrasted with those offered by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. At every turn, these mental health difficulties will be considered in context with an appreciation of how environments and life experiences contribute to the development (and resolution) of these complex needs.
Assessment method
Your assessment for the majority of modules will be a single 4,000 word submission at the end of the Module that will include: ▪ A written summative assignment (3,000 words) ▪ A summary of your reflective journal (500 words) and a summary of the online discussion (500 words) Your assessment will also include your contributions to online discussions with your peers throughout the module and your contributions to your personal reflective journal. Your assessment for the Research Methods and SEMH Module 5, will be a report on the focus group research activity you will have undertaken with adults during the module.
How to apply
International applicants
Please see the University's standard English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Students must normally hold a degree qualification at 2.2 or above and must be working in a relevant setting where they will be working with children and/or young people with SEMH difficulties as part of their practice. Students who do not hold a 2.2 degree may be accepted on the course following an assessment of prior experiential learning.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £1125 | Module |
| International | £1125 | Module |
| England | £1125 | Module |
| Northern Ireland | £1125 | Module |
| Scotland | £1125 | Module |
| Wales | £1125 | Module |
| Channel Islands | £1125 | Module |
| Republic of Ireland | £1125 | Module |
Additional fee information
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year.
Provider information
Oxford Brookes University
Gipsy Lane
Headington
Oxford
OX3 0BP