Caring for Children & Young People with Complex Needs

Overview

Advances in medical care and technology now mean many more children are living with complex healthcare needs and life-limiting illnesses. The aim of the programme is to provide you with the knowledge, skills, training and education to work in caring for children and young people with complex health needs in a hospital and community setting. This interdisciplinary MSc is part of a suite of specialist programmes in childhood studies developed in conjunction with the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work.



Course Structure

The MSc programme includes two short compulsory modules, which run across three programmes that relate to childhood studies in the University, and three core modules. Further optional modules will enable students to choose a range of substantive health-related modules and provides the opportunity to choose modules from the associated programmes in the Schools of Social Science, Education and Social Work and the School of Psychology. Students will also undertake their own research in the dissertation module.

Year 1

Core Modules

Perspectives of family centred health & social care (20 credits)

Applied Research Methods and Statistics in Healthcare (20 credits)

Qualitative Research Methods (20 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

Childhood and Youth Research in Practice (10 credits)

Enhancing care and practice for children with complex health care needs (20 credits)

Perspectives on Childhood and Youth (10 credits)



Optional Modules

Successful leading for health and social care professionals (20 credits)

Foundations of Children's Rights (20 credits)

Economic Impact of Childhood Interventions (10 credits)

Independent Study Module (20 credits)

Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)

Childhood Disability and Rights (20 credits)

Qualitative Research with Children and Young People (10 credits)

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health and Social Care Services, or related discipline.



Applicants with a 3rd Class Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) plus level 7 Post Graduate study will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements but have a professional qualification may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Such applicants should contact the Programme Co-ordinator for advice.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

1 year (Full Time), 3 years (Part Time)

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

There is increasing demand for postgraduates with high-level skills in interdisciplinary research, participatory research methods and knowledge of caring for children and young people with complex health needs. This degree is ideal for professionals involved in caring for and supporting these children/young people and their families within health and social care services and NGOs such as public officials, social workers and allied health professionals. Graduates of this programme progress into management and leadership roles, or continue into a research or education capacity.