Child & Adolescent Mental Health

|

MSc

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Part Time, Full Time

| Admissions status: Open
This is a unique course for international and UK based psychiatrists, paediatricians and psychologists leading to enhanced clinical and research skills in child and adolescent mental health. Strengths of the course are the comprehensive content with strong research and clinical focus, taught by leading figures in the field.

KEY BENEFITS
  • Opportunity to be taught by leading academics in the field, including: Professor Derek Bolton, Professor Patrick Bolton, Professor Robert Goodman, Professor Sir Michael Rutter, Professor Stephen Scott, Professor Emily Simonoff, Professor Eric Taylor.
  • Chance to engage in innovative research.
  • Work with a variety of specialist clinicians.
  • Obtain an established course qualification which has gained international credibility.
  • Supervised clinical placement.
  • Innovative web-based clinical learning to supplement direct experience.


 

KEY FACTS
Student destinations
UK and international graduates return to clinical practice with enhanced skills and knowledge in child mental health.
Programme leader/s
Dr Anula Nikapota
Accreditation
This course has acquired credit internationally. Graduates are able to obtain accreditation with statutory bodies in their home countries to work clinically in child mental health.
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, September to September, two years PT for UK-based clinicians working in CAMH/ pardiatric settings.
Location
Denmark Hill Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
Institute of Psychiatry
Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Closing date
30 June.
Intake
Approximately 12 FT.
Fees
PT Home: £3250 (2013)
PT Overseas: £11000 (2013)
FT Home: £6500 (2013)
FT Overseas: £22000 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Ms Helen Stacey, tel 0207 848 0179.
Email Website

PURPOSE
A programme for international and UK-based psychiatrists, paediatricians, and psychologists, which aims at developing knowledge, skills and research methodologies relating to child psychiatry, child development, therapeutic interventions and service models. Students develop clinical skills, and are able to contribute to culturally sensitive and clinically effective services through relevant research, including health service development research.

DESCRIPTION
Key taught areas include modules on research methodology and statistics; research relating to child development; aetiology of child and adolescent disorders; the psychological and physical treatments for emotional, behavioural and developmental disorders in children and young people. Students will complete a research project for their degree which could use quantitative or qualitative methodologies. Additionally students will develop their skills in diagnosis, formulation and planning therapeutic interventions, service design, monitoring and evaluation. Clinical placements within CAMHS teams are arranged for students on the course.

 



STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
  • Clinical Strategies/Presentation & Analytic Skills
  • Dissertation
  • Evidence Base for Child & Adolescent Mental Health
  • Knowledge of Methodology & Statistics.


FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
A research review is submitted at the end of the first term; continuous assessment of performance in seminars; two clinical essays, including a management plan; dissertation (either a clinical or a research approach) to be submitted at end of third term; two examinations in third term.

MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.

Module code: 7PACCCLI
Credit level: 7

Aims to: acquire detailed knowledge of therapeutic interventions & knowledge of child and adolescent mental health issues; to develop specialist skills and competency in diagnosis, formulation & planning of appropriate therapeutic interventions.

By the end of this module the student will be able to: Understand & critique different methodology relevant to child and adolescent psychiatry; Critically evaluate analytic methodologies in the field; Understand and evaluate principles of clinical assessment and treatment for child and adolescent cases.

This module is assessed by 2 clinical essays; by continuous assessment in seminars; and by a supervised clinical placement.

Module code: 7PACCRES
Credit level: 7

Aims to: acquire a sound understanding of research methodology & data collection procedures; acquire knowledge & critical awareness of quantitative and qualitative research methodology in child and adolescent mental health appropriate to a specific research project.

At the end of this module students will gain: an ability to formulate a research question; ability to understand & formulate hypothesis driven research questions; knowledge & understanding of research questions as may be appropriate for child mental health; analytic/research methods - both qualitative and quantitative pertinent of specific research question; Demonstrate ability to analyse a data set.

This module is assessed by a 15,000 word dissertation.

Module code: 7PACCEVI
Credit level: 7

Aims to: develop advanced level knowledge of child development and child psychiatry including the recent research initiatives in these areas; acquire in-depth knowledge about outcome research relating to the range and effects of psychological and physical treatments for emotional, behavioural and developmental disorders of children and young people.

By the end of this module students will have gained: specialised knowledge of child and adolescent development; Specialised knowledge of behavioural problems sufficient to appreciate direction of future research; Advanced service planning skills, with particular reference to monitoring and evaluation.

This module is assessed by two 3-hour examination papers.

Module code: 7PACCKNO
Credit level: 7

Aims to: acquire a sound understanding of research methodology & research statistics; acquire knowledge & critical awareness of quantitative and qualitative research methodology in child and adolescent mental health; To understand the research ethics process.

At the end of this module students will gain knowledge & understanding of: Advanced research methodologies as may be appropriate for child mental health; Quantitative & qualitative research methods; Means to evaluate current relevant evidence when formulating a research question; Ability to understand a formulate hypothesis driven research questions; Competency in the use of statistical methods; Statistical methods of analysis including use of computer software (SPSS); Research design and epidemiology.

Assessment of this module is through the Research Review; submission of an outline research protocol; and the gaining of ethical approval for project.



ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice

Medical qualification with graduate experience or qualification in psychology/paediatrics/clinical psychology plus three years postgraduate experience working with children with mental health problems, or working in paediatrics/psychiatry/psychology.


APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Selection is made on the basis of the application and references. The programme leader will sometimes conduct telephone interviews; potential students are welcome to visit the department, please arrange a suitable time in advance.

PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A brief outline of your intended research, plus your reasons for applying for the course and your goals. Please also include a CV with details of your clinical experience.



FUNDING
Self-funded or funded by employer.


Student profiles

Child & Adolescent Mental Health MSc
After having spent one year on the MSc course, I would definitely recommend it as a means of professional development and source of unforgettable experiences, both academic and social. It is the ideal programme for scientists coming from different health disciplines that want to acquire expertise and cutting-edge knowledge in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.

The structure of the course is quite demanding and requires constant involvement in multiple activities. It combines effectively theory, practice and research. I gained a lot by attending a variety of lectures held by some of the most recognised and well-known child and adolescent mental health researchers and practitioners. I enhanced my clinical skills by doing my clinical placement -in the framework of the studies- in one of the busiest child and adolescent mental health clinics in South London. I also had the opportunity to complete my research dissertation that mastered my capacities in methodology and statistics.

Studying at King's College London and particularly at the Institute of Psychiatry was a unique personal achievement. It was very important to know that I was part of an academic body with substantial scientific weight and international recognition.

After the end of the programme I intend to work as a psychologist either in the research or the clinical field. I consider that the MSc will constitute a fundamental basis for the fulfillment of my future professional objectives.

Child & Adolescent Mental Health MSc
I am a medical doctor from Myanmar. Studying Child and Adolescent Mental Health seemed like sailing an uncharted sea to me especially when it comes to research in Psychiatry. King's has offered a lot more than I have ever expected. In particular, the Institute of Psychiatry at the Maudsley is a unique place to learn the subject for whoever wishes to have the best experience in the field.


The lectures are given by people who are the world leaders in their field of subspecialty. The course is very comprehensive and highly structured, offering everyone a perfect opportunity to learn. The library at the Institute of Psychiatry has one of the largest resources in the world where self- learning has the best chance without limits.


I also have great pleasure in meeting students from all over the world bringing their own experiences just to flourish themselves with the offers given by the experts in their respective fields. The number and level of research going on here at the Institute of Psychiatry is amazing, providing me a once in a life time opportunity to learn the material. What's more, London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world where every opportunity exists for knowledge, life and for fun.