Overview

Scholarships available, see Fees & Funding section for more information.

This unique course is designed for international and UK-based psychiatrists, paediatricians, psychologists, and other allied professionals seeking to develop specialist knowledge and skills in the science and practice of child and adolescent mental health. Taught by leading experts in the field, the programme offers comprehensive content with a strong emphasis on applied research and clinical practice.

Entry requirements include a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor's degree in psychology, medicine, nursing, social work, or education from a UK university (or an overseas equivalent), along with at least one year of full-time postgraduate experience working with children or adolescents with mental health difficulties - ideally in a clinical setting. Voluntary placements are also considered.

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate effectively in English within an academic setting. You will usually be required to provide formal certification of your English language proficiency before starting your studies.

Key benefits

  • Taught by leading clinicians and academics in the field;
  • Opportunities to engage in innovative research;
  • Work with a variety of specialist clinicians as part of the clinical placement;
  • Obtain an internationally recognised course qualification;
  • Mandatory supervised clinical placement;
  • Innovative web-based clinical learning to supplement direct experience;
  • Teaching in Eating Disorders and CBT are included in the syllabus.
  • Based at King's Denmark Hill campus, you will be part of a large mental health and neuroscience community where students, researchers and clinicians work side by side. Close links with NHS partners such as South London and Maudsley bring real-world clinical perspectives into your learning, while the smaller, specialist campus helps you build strong connections with staff and peers, in a focused environment just ten minutes by train from central London.
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The lectures are given by world leaders in their field of subspecialty. The course is comprehensive and highly structured, offering everyone a perfect opportunity to learn.
Htun
HtunPast student, Child and Adolescent Mental Health MSc

Course essentials

Our Child and Adolescent Mental Health programme is specifically designed for international and UK-based psychiatrists, paediatricians, psychologists, nurses, and other allied professionals who wish to develop both their clinical and academic knowledge and skills.

Modules will cover research methodologies (including statistics), presentation skills and systematic reviews with a focus on child and adolescent psychiatry, child development, aetiology of child and adolescent mental health disorders, therapeutic interventions for emotional, behavioural and developmental disorders in children and young people, as well as service models and evaluative methods. You will also develop clinical skills aligned with good clinical practice and the delivery of culturally sensitive, evidence-based care.

As part of the programme, you will complete a dissertation project using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.

We employ a range of innovative teaching methods to ensure a rich and engaging student experience from the outset. Face-to-face teaching is supported by digital learning and assessment tools, offering a blended approach that enhances flexibility and interactivity.

Application closing date guidance

Base campus

Students outside the main building at Denmark Hill

Denmark Hill Campus

Denmark Hill, in Southwark, London, is a vibrant area known for its historical landmarks and green spaces. Home to King's College and the Maudsley Hospitals, it also features Ruskin Park, named after John Ruskin, and the Camberwell College of Arts.