This PG Dip programme is a unique opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of child mental health and psychopathology, with a special focus on childhood trauma. You will explore core concepts, theories and models of current, evidence-based practice, taught by world-renowned experts in psychological, developmental, neurobiological and clinical sciences.

About this degree

This programme will provide you with comprehensive overview of child mental health introducing core concepts, theories and models of current evidence-based practice. It brings together psychological, developmental, neurobiological and clinical perspectives - including systemic, cognitive and psychoanalytic approaches. You will learn about how and why mental health problems can emerge, how they impact children and young people, and you will be introduced to a range of clinical and non-clinical approaches to both prevention and intervention. The course intentionally brings together multiple perspectives in understanding emotional development and the role of relationships and the systems around a child or young person. There is a particular emphasis on the impact of trauma and adversity, and how such experiences can impact children.

You will develop a core understanding of common mental health difficulties as well as controversies and challenges around classification and diagnosis. You will also learn about the child and young person within their social world and the role played by parents/caregivers, family, peers and community and how the brain is shaped and influenced by experience.

You will further have an opportunity to undertake optional modules in: (i) clinical intervention approaches (including CBT, Mentalisation and Psychoanalytic approaches); (ii) mental health within education settings; and (iii) the impact of trauma and adversity. These latter modules will be likely of particular interest to teachers and those working within social care settings respectively.

This programme is specifically aimed at those professionals engaged in direct work with young people, particularly within non mental health settings.

Examples might include social workers, teachers, community and health professionals. The material comprising evidence-based theory and practice is relevant for a global audience. The course has been designed so that you will be able to learn flexibly via an online, distance learning mode.

Who this course is for

This course is specifically aimed at professionals working with children and young people, who wish to develop and advance their knowledge of child mental health. Examples might include professionals within the social care, education, community, or health sectors.

What this course will give you

Students will learn how neuroscientific, systemic, cognitive, and psychoanalytic approaches can be applied to understanding psychopathology in childhood, and delve into the causes and impacts of mental health problems in children and young people. Additionally, students will be introduced to a variety of clinical and non-clinical methods for preventing mental health issues in young people. The course is delivered online, offering our students maximum flexibility while still fostering a stimulating and engaging global learning community.

This course will enable graduates from the programme to develop an understanding of core mental health concepts in relation to working with children and young people. This includes an understanding of pathways to both risk and resilience and prevention and intervention strategies from multiple perspectives. A particular focus of learning is on the influence of trauma and adversity on child development and mental health.