Adolescent Health

The Disciplines of Children’s Studies (College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies) and Paediatrics (College of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery and Health Sciences) have come together to develop a new postgraduate degree in Adolescent Health. This programme, the first programme of its kind in Europe, provides students with interdisciplinary training in adolescent health grounded in a public health approach. Our programme is specifically aimed at educators, social care workers, youth workers, coaches and health professionals who are passionate about improving the health and well-being of adolescents. Our students will enjoy the flexibility of a Blended Learning approach, which combines online courses with monthly on-campus workshops that are held the first Saturday of each month. The programme can also be completed on either a full-time (one year) or part-time (two year) basis, allowing students to complete the programme around their personal schedules. Through our rigorous curriculum, our students learn how to define the health and developmental needs of adolescents, design strategies to address those needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of adolescent health policies and programmes. When students leave this programme, they are equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to make a difference and create change locally, nationally, and globally.

Objectives of the programme
To explore the unique challenges and opportunities that are faced by adolescents, as they go through a period of transition from childhood to adulthood. The programme aims to provide professionals working alongside adolescents with relevant knowledge and skills unique to adolescents, to enhance their working relationships, and allow for a deeper understanding of the needs of this age group.

Modules

Students will be required to complete ten core modules during the programme, including:

Foundations of Public Health in the Context of Adolescence;
Adolescent Health and Development;
Research Methods;
Determinants of Adolescent Health;
Chronic Health Conditions in Adolescence;
Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating Adolescent Health Programmes;
Communication for Adolescent Health;
Quality Improvement;
Leadership Development; and,
An Integrative Learning Experience tailored to their personal interests and career goals.
Through this programme students will learn to define the health and development needs of adolescents, design strategies to address those needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of adolescent health policies and programmes.

Applications to the MSc in Adolescent Health will be evaluated by the programme board which will review a range of criteria, including the applicant’s academic record, relevant professional experience, and overall motivation and suitability for the programme. Successful candidates will have a strong undergraduate record with a minimum of a 2.2 in Level 8 in the social sciences, health sciences, medicine, or a cognate discipline. Applicants with a Level 7 with extensive experience working with adolescents will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are also required to submit a Personal Statement that highlights their commitment to the field of adolescent health. Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation. Applicants should also include a resumé.

International applicants are required to have an equivalent degree and results from their undergraduate university. Applicants from countries where English is not the official language must submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score of a 6.5 is required on the IELTS.

A hybrid approach to assessment is used in this programme.

Assessment methods include formal written exams, assignments, discussion forums, group presentation, research proposal, project report, Continuous professional development plan, oral presentation and continuous assessment.

During the programme, students will work individually and in groups.

A strong emphasis is placed on oral presentation of work.

Registration for CIPD membership is required of all successful applicants commencing this programme.

1 year, full-time; 2 years, part-time.

Year 1 - €5,190 (includes annual CIPD student membership fee); Year 2 - €4,000.

Students who are registered on this programme are eligible to apply for the Financial Aid Fund for Part Time Students. Eligibility criteria applies. For more information see https://www.ucc.ie/en/finaidpt

Next start date September 2024

Why choose this programme?

You will receive interdisciplinary training in adolescent health grounded in a public health approach.
You will enjoy the flexibility of a blended learning approach, which combines asynchronous activities, live class sessions via zoom, and a series of on-campus workshops held the first Saturday of each month throughout the academic year.
You can choose to complete the programme either on a full-time (one year) or part-time (two year) basis, allowing you to complete the programme around your personal schedule.
You will learn to define the health and developmental needs of adolescents, design strategies to address those needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of adolescent health policies and programmes.
You will complete an Integrative Learning Experience (ILE), such as a community-led project, narrative review, or independent research leading to a thesis. Your ILE final project will be on a topic of your choosing and tailored to your personal interests and professional goals.
When you leave this programme, you will have the necessary knowledge and skills to work with and on behalf of adolescents, and to promote and improve the health of adolescents locally, nationally, and globally
Employment and career opportunities

The MSc in Adolescent Health arms students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to make a difference on the health and well-being of adolescents in their community and around the globe. Our students learn about the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of adolescents and further their understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by this age group. Through our rigorous curriculum, students develop their critical thinking, analytic, communication, leadership, decision-making, and key public health skills. Graduates are prepared to work in a vast array of organisations both nationally and internationally including health care, consulting firms, departments of health and education, hospitals, not-for-profit organisations, schools, universities, and many, many more.