Course summary
In today’s world, there are growing concerns about children and young people’s mental health. Understanding these issues is essential for anyone who wants to make a positive impact. Our MA programme offers an exciting opportunity for you to explore the challenges faced by young people and learn how to support them effectively. This programme is designed to focus on evidence-based therapeutic and supportive interventions, providing you with the tools to help children and young people navigate their mental health journeys. We believe in the importance of the voice of the child, which means you will engage with research methods specifically aimed at understanding children’s perspectives. This approach ensures that the support provided is tailored to meet their needs. Throughout the course, you will gain hands-on experience with a variety of interventions. You will learn to address many presenting issues, including various mental health concerns and neurodevelopmental disorders. This comprehensive approach will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to apply in your professional life, whether you choose to work in education, social care, or other related fields. The programme examines significant issues affecting children and young people’s mental health. Topics such as anxiety, bereavement, childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), ADHD, and attachment disorders will be thoroughly covered. This wide-ranging exploration ensures that you are well-prepared to handle the complexities of mental health in your future career. Our curriculum includes modules that reflect our specialist expertise, such as ADHD, ACEs, and therapeutic play. These modules aim to provide innovative ways to support children and young people’s mental healthand well-being. You will learn about various interventions, including nature-based play, which integrates outdoor experiences into therapeutic practices. Additionally, you will explore trauma-informed practices and behavioural interventions, which are essential in creating safe and supportive environments for young people. A significant aspect of this programme is its emphasis on participatory methods. You will engage in collaborative learning, allowing you to work alongside peers and professionals to develop practical solutions. This approach fosters a sense of community and encourages the sharing of ideas, making the learning experience richer and more effective.
Modules
Our philosophy of learning and teaching is centred on providing an interactive and supportive environment where you can develop critical thinking and practical skills. We prioritise hands-on experience and collaboration, encouraging you to engage with real-world challenges in children and young people’s mental health. You will gain foundational knowledge in children and young people’s mental health, exploring key concepts and theories. This includes understanding various mental health conditions and their impact on development. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based therapeutic practices and the importance of participatory methods in supporting young people’s well-being. As you progress, you will focus on advanced interventions and research methodologies. This phase deepens your understanding of specific mental health issues, such as ADHD and childhood trauma. You will also gain practical skills in therapeutic play and nature-based practices, equipping you to apply these interventions in real-world settings. Collaborative projects will further enhance your learning experience. For those wanting to extend their skills in research with children and young people, our unique research methods module examines creative methodologies appropriate to research with young people, including participatory methods, the mosaic approach, drawings, and storytelling. MA ADHD: Research and Practice (30 credits) Understanding trauma and the mental health needs of the child (30 credits) Research methods for children and young people (30 credits) Therapeutic Play and Nature-based Play (30 credits) MA Applied Research Dissertation (60 credits)
Assessment method
Assessments are designed to develop wide-ranging employability skills through various innovative and professionally focused assessments. They include professional portfolios, systematic reviews, presentations, promotional campaigns, intervention strategies, research proposals, and traditional essays.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. For full information read our visa application and guides. Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
Entry requirements
Whilst we may consider applications from those with a background in a closely related area or on other merits that include experience in a related field, due to the nature of this programme, this would depend upon an assessment of academic writing and appropriate research skills. 2:2 honours degree or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Acceptable Evidence of English
https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/international-applications/english-language-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £7800 | Whole course |
EU | £16800 | Whole course |
England | £7800 | Whole course |
Northern Ireland | £7800 | Whole course |
Scotland | £7800 | Whole course |
Wales | £7800 | Whole course |
Channel Islands | £7800 | Whole course |
International | £16800 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP