10May
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MA Mental Health in Children and Young People focuses on the nature of mental health in educational and social care environments for children and young people, examining how mental health can impact on an individual. This is a practitioner-focused course that will equip you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to work in a multi-professional environment with individuals and families, with a focus on promoting and supporting positive mental health. We’ve designed this course in the context of present challenges in working with young people and families in supporting positive mental health. You will address issues at an advanced practical level, such as how to identify wellbeing concerns, as well as how organisations can understand their role in supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing. You will look into support offered to children and young people with identified needs and how provision is designed, monitored, evaluated and implemented as well as developing a preventative approach to meeting need. We will also focus on emerging issues within mental health, ensuring that you are at the forefront of practice nationally and internationally. The course will adopt a multidisciplinary approach, with three elements that focus on theory, practice and research in mental health that are integrated into each module. You will explore a range of evidence-based practice in early intervention methods for promoting emotional wellbeing. We also make sure there is plenty of focus on employability and progression within the area of mental health in education and social care, which will include one-to-one support for individual career planning. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the skills, knowledge, and experience to make a positive impact on the mental health of children and young people.
Modules
The module details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study. Core modules: Mental Health in Context This module will examine policy, current context, issues, and debates. You will critically analyse the present strategy in developing and responding to the mental health needs of children and young people. You will develop a deep level of understanding of how mental health strategy has been developed by the government and how other guidance links into this emerging area. Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Needs This module will examine the different social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Young people and children who have a SEMH need often have severe difficulties in managing emotions and behaviour, the causes and triggers to these will be explored. SEMH does not have to be a lifelong condition and with appropriate support and intervention, children and young people can move forward and live successful lives. The types of support at a universal and early intervention level will be studied. There will also be a focus on the key mental health needs of anxiety and depression. Research Methods There will be a range of research methods covered and the module will explore the issues linked to research in mental health with children and young people. You will learn how to develop research proposals for your chosen dissertation option and be introduced to the relevant skills and resources to complete your project. Dissertation You will have a choice of either an empirical dissertation, major study (systematic review of literature), or work-based project linked to a research interest in mental health. Option intervention modules Individual Intervention Strategies in Practice This module will focus on developing your own practice with children and young people using evidence-based intervention strategies in SEMH. These will include using motivational interviewing and mentoring techniques, cognitive behaviour strategies, stress management, anxiety reduction, mindfulness, art-based interventions and other therapeutic style practice. Family Intervention Strategies in Practice This module will focus on developing your own practice with working with families using evidence-based intervention and support strategies. This will include learning how families can be strengthened through practice and support strategies which can be used across a range of settings. There is a practical focus on intervention including assessing needs and building resilience in families with children and young people with SEMH needs. Option specialist modules Special Educational Needs (SEN) in Practice This module will focus on developing your practice with children and young people who have a special educational need or disability using evidence-based strategies linked to their SEMH needs. This will include investigating different SEN including those of children with autism, DHD and specific learning difficulties. Identification, assessment and intervention-linked SEMH will be examined in practice. Safeguarding and Supervision in Practice This module will focus on the safeguarding needs of children and young people who have SEMH needs, including the impact of SEN, vulnerable families and child sexual or economic exploitation. There will also be an opportunity to investigate the impact on a child or young person of a parent or family member who has mental health needs and who has the types of support strategies which are effective. The practice of safeguarding within a setting will be examined and best practice methods evaluated.
Assessment method
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course, giving you the opportunity to draw on your professional experience as well as our academic learning. These include formal written essays case study reports physical activity interventions research proposal research critique cost-benefit evaluations reflective portfolio online seminars a major research project (dissertation). Additional support in the form of online tutorials, and one-to-one support is provided to ensure all students, from all backgrounds, are able to develop the skills needed to successfully complete assessments at Masters level.
Entry requirements
Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement. We welcome applicants with the following qualifications and experience: A good (2:2 or above) BA or BSc degree in a relevant area. If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any component) or equivalent is the minimum requirement. You will need to be working, willing to volunteer or to undertake a placement in a relevant setting working with children or young people around emotional wellbeing and developing positive mental health in a universal manner. You will usually need to have three months’ experience of ongoing engagement with groups of children and young people. A DBS is required for safeguarding purposes following entry to ensure you are prepared for the professional placements or volunteering if you are not already employed.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Leeds Trinity University
Brownberrie Lane
Horsforth
Leeds
LS18 5HD