Course in Context
This course will equip students with the skills required to engage in their statutory responsibilities under the new legislation relating to the protection and welfare of children. The course offers a flexible approach to learning by integrating face to face and on line learning in a supportive learning environment.
The flexible modular structure is designed to suit participants giving students a variety of options including the possibility to progress through the programme in a staged approach by first completing a Professional Diploma, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma before undertaking the final core modules in the MSc programme at a later date.
The course offers an interdisciplinary perspective and focuses upon areas such as reporting, responding, clinical supervision and practical court skills. Assessments are based on the application of specific child protection and welfare competencies as applied to the students own area of relevant work.
Course Overview
This course prepares students from health, social care and other services who interact with children to develop skills in relation to child welfare and protection within their organisation. Students have the option of first undertaking a Professional Diploma, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma before progressing to the full MSc programme.
The programme aims to build upon and advance the students existing repertoire of knowledge, skills, attitudes and professional responsibilities in relation to child protection and welfare. Modules are focussed on legal responsibilities, case management and influencing context of the inherent challenges within this field.
Students will have the opportunity to develop and enhance their critical evaluation skills and will be afforded the opportunity to undertake a research dissertation guided by a dedicated research supervisor.
The programme will provide a stimulating educational forum using innovative practice in a multidisciplinary arena whilst combining research and evidence based practice. Students can tailor the course to meet their own professional needs and interests by selecting a combination of modules.
The programme is structured to accommodate work requirements of students and delivered through a mixture of blended learning and some face to face delivery. Full support is given by academic staff, an educational technologist and administrative staff.
This course is designed for any individual who works with children and families in the health, social work, education, criminal justice, Gardaí, social care, probation, voluntary and community fields.