Childhood Development and Wellbeing in Practice

Overview Learn about how inequalities in childhood and experiences inform child development, and how policy and practice can promote change and wellbeing. Learn to analyse critical frameworks that inform our understanding of mental health constructs in childhood, adolescence and emerging adulthood. Learn how to critically examine the evidence base and use of practices in children’s services.

Designed for people with an interest in working across children’s services, this course will encourage you to explore how to promote positive mental health for young people across a variety of settings.

You’ll develop your practical psychological skills in assessment, formulation and intervention planning, as well as your awareness of yourself as an aspiring practitioner and researcher. You’ll develop and practice critical research methods and analysis skills.

Some of the topics you’ll study include psychological theories, early intervention approaches, and how developmental, societal, and environmental challenges influence all aspects of young people’s lives.

You’ll also learn how to identify and nurture protective factors, promoting young people’s strengths through preventative and restorative practices across settings. You’ll develop and practice critical research methods and analysis skills.

You’ll complete a service-based dissertation project focused to develop and advance practice in a particular area.

Features and benefits

Develop your skills - You’ll develop your practical skills for working with young people and families, theoretical knowledge, applied research skills, and strategies to maintain your wellbeing as a practitioner.

Complete a dissertation that creates impact - You’ll complete a service-based dissertation project, informing practice through research.

Outstanding academics - Our teaching staff includes practitioner psychologists and researchers in the areas of clinical, counselling and health psychology.

Enhanced student support - We strongly believe in enhancing student wellbeing. Each student has a Personal Tutor and the Programme Support Tutors work closely with students throughout the course.

Research active department - The Department of Psychology is home to the Stress, Health and Performance Research Group. The teaching team have expertise in mental health, trauma, and developmental disorders.

Outstanding facilities - You’ll have access to our specialist facilities for psychology demonstration and practice, including an fNIR imaging research device, 12 experimental testing laboratories and 6 psychology laboratories.