Programme summary for PGCert Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Well-being: Multidisciplinary Practice ( D24 )

About the programme

The unique character of the course is rooted in the following:

A specific and integrated multimodal theoretical framework drawing upon psychodynamic and systemic theory for understanding, safeguarding and promoting good developmental outcomes and emotional and psychological well being for children, young people and families.
A multidisciplinary course with candidates drawn from the range of disciplines, in which this rich wealth of experience is used to promote greater understanding of the issues and explore the difficulties and potential of inter-professional and multi agency work with children, young people and families.
The use of a range of different teaching methods, such as application seminars, child observation, family observation and work practice discussion seminars, through which the course draws upon and integrates the individual’s practice experience with relevant theory and research.
Teaching by practising clinicians, practitioners and researchers in the field of child and family work.
A focus on the organisational dynamics of child and family care and mental health practice in the Interdisciplinary and Inter-agency context of an Integrated Service Agenda (ISA).
A focus on developing highly capable skilled and reflective practitioners, able to apply ideas and work creatively in complex and changing environments.

Programme structure

The Postgraduate Certificate (60 M level credits) consists of one day a week study over one academic year.

Career opportunities

The course equips students with the knowledge and skills for advancement in clinical work, management or consultancy in working with children, young people and families

Support

Candidates are supported through individual and group tutorials. There are also regular course meetings whereby the candidates can engage with a dialogue with staff about the course. The library provides an excellent service for candidates studying in the field of child care/ mental health including electronic access to journals.

Admission

Normally, an appropriate professional qualification relevant to their chosen career. Progression onto one of the four linked MA pathways may require students to hold a professional qualification. Social workers should have a C.Q.S.W. or Dip.SW or equivalent.
Normally, at least two years practice experience since qualification, preferably more.
Normally a first degree, degree equivalent or evidence of other relevant post registration education/experience.
To be in full time or part time posts in which they are working with children and/or families experiencing difficulties (this may include managing, teaching or supervising staff) as candidates will be required to bring examples of their work for discussion and reflection.
Candidates eligible to register for a post Qualifying Award in Social Work at the Higher Specialist and Advanced Level undertaken over the second and third years of some Integrated PGDip/MA’s validated against GSCC competences (D4, M22, M25, M42) will need a PQ Award in Specialist Social Work (children, young people and families) or demonstrate at interview that their practice experience meets the specialist level requirements and that they are ready to engage with higher specialist and advanced levels of learning and practice.
Students wishing to undertake M34 will be required to demonstrate that they have had personal experience of some form of psychotherapy, prior to the 2nd and 3rd years of the course and or will be expected to undertake therapy during the lifetime of the course.

English Language Requirements

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then the normal requirement for postgraduate courses is IELTS 6.5 TOEFL IBT 91 + (min 18 in each component) depending on the course; UEL and the Trust also accept other English language requirements including country specific examinations. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate courses.

All applicants are sent a detailed written account of the course and an application form.

Selection

By: (a) Application form
(b) A written reference from the student’s workplace supporting their application and another relevant reference
(c) By interview. Candidates are required to bring to the interview a written account of a piece of work with a child, young person or family which they will be expected to discuss

All interviews are undertaken by staff members from the Tavistock Clinic. Applicants are expected to submit photocopies of their professional and academic qualifications at interview. In addition all students offered a place are required to have an enhanced CRB check which will be arranged the Trust.

Students that apply to enter stages of the course may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) or Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the units for which they are seeking exemption.