Programme summary for MA Child and Adolescent Primary Mental Health Care Work (M42)

About the programme

This programme, commissioned by the National Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Support Service, is designed for child and adolescent primary mental health care workers and incorporates the competency framework established for these workers. It is equally aimed at any professionals within the primary care field who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills in working with children, young people and family mental health; promoting emotional well-being; working with mental health difficulties; and supporting front-line staff in their understanding of this complex work.

Programme structure

The programme comprises the following core modules and compulsory, non-credit- rated, elements:

Theoretical and Research-Based Lectures and Application Seminars
Supervised Therapeutic Practice
Young Child Observation Seminar
Experiential Group
Working Conference
Therapeutic and Clinical Practice
Consultation, Supervision and Training
Research unit.

In addition, you can undertake an optional research dissertation.

Career opportunities

The programme equips you with the knowledge and skills for advancement in clinical work, management or consultancy in this field.

Support

Prior to commencing the course students are invited to an induction to explore the components of the course, the study skills that will be required and developed and any other practical issues that may need to be addressed prior to starting the course proper. This will include an introduction to the library, with further tutorials on databases planned into the course timetable and others available from library staff on request. Over the first year candidates are allocated a personal Tutor and supported via regular tutorials in the first year (approx 1-2 per term).

The second year begins with a 3 day Clinic wide Introductory Event that takes place before the commencement of first term. Here students are inducted into the clinical, administrative and governance processes of the clinic. This event is compulsory to those wishing to commence the second year.

In the second year students receive weekly clinical supervision on their work within/outside of the Tavistock Clinic and have termly meetings in a group with the Programme leader.

During the third year students are supported by fortnightly research seminars and tutorials.
There are also regular course committees whereby the candidates can engage in a dialogue with staff about the course programme.

The library provides an excellent service for candidates studying in the field of child care/ mental health including electronic access to journals, with a personal named librarian for students on this course.

Admission

Normally, an appropriate professional qualification relevant to their chosen career. Progression onto one of the five linked PGDip/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.

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 and that in the opinion of the Course Tutors, that the APEL/APL being applied for, does not disadvantage the student in terms of future learning on the course.

Selection

By: (a) Application form
(b) A written reference from the student's workplace supporting their application
(c) By personal interview. Applicants are required to bring to the interview a written account of a case with which they have been involved and this will be discussed during the interview process. Applicants wishing to register for the AASW will need to demonstrate how this piece of work demonstrates equivalence to the PQ Specialist Award in Social Work (Children, Young People and Families). The criteria for the assessment of the case study are as follows:

The candidate’s capacity for critical reflection.
The candidate’s capacity to work with colleagues and teams within and across different disciplines and agencies.
Evidence of the candidate's ability to competently engage and intervene in the life of service users (in specialisms) and to recognise and work with diversity.
Evidence of the candidates capacity to draw upon research and theory to inform their practice
The candidate's capacity to use supervision to inform their practice and to support and develop the practice of others.
The candidate's capacity to work with and think about risk, uncertainty and conflict.

There is provision for entry with advanced standing, subject to applicants fulfilling other entry criteria. The integrated academic and professional requirements of individual units serve as the baseline against which each advanced standing claim is assessed. Candidates wishing to make such a claim will be provided with the learning outcomes of the unit for which exemption is sought and will be expected to complete the task within the word limit of the unit’s designated assessment task. Such claims may be based on either prior certificated or prior experiential learning.

Staff members from the Tavistock Clinic undertake all interviews. The principle of equality of opportunity informs all admission activities and the Clinic positively encourages the application of students from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with special needs. Applicants are expected to submit photocopies of their professional and academic qualifications at interview.

All students applying for a place on this course will be required to produce a current Enhanced Level Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure. If original and up to date documentation is not available at interview, only a conditional offer can be made, pending submission of disclosure certificate.