MSc in Child and Family Health and Wellbeing
The MSc in Child and Family Health and Wellbeing (Level 9 NFQ, 90 ECTS) is a two-year, part-time, blended-learning programme that provides students with an opportunity to complete an interdisciplinary programme of study focused on the theories and practice of promoting holistic child and family health and wellbeing in an integrated way.
The MSc in Child and Family Health and Wellbeing will appeal to recent graduates and early or mid-career professionals who work with, or who aspire to work with children, young people and their families in various capacities. The programme is suitable to individuals from across different disciplines, including, but not limited to, children’s nurses and other nursing disciplines, allied health and social care professionals, and related areas such as those working in community, voluntary and non-governmental organisations.
The programme aims to deepen the knowledge, skills and competence of students to:
- Critically evaluate contemporary evidence and issues in promoting child, young person and family health and wellbeing
- Foster critical reflection and analysis to address current and future child health societal challenges
- Promote and advance interdisciplinary skills to enhance collaboration across disciplines in research, policy and practice.
The MSc in Child and Family Health and Wellbeing is a two-year, part-time, blended-learning (online and face to face contact) programme which enables students to consider how their learning impacts their field of practice in improving health and wellbeing outcomes for children and their families, and ensure the acquired knowledge supports their professional development in their working environment.
Students will complete the following modules:
- Child and family focused care and wellbeing
- Children’s rights and participation
- Global child health and health inequalities
- Care and service provision closer to home
- Research methods and evaluation
- Contemporary issues in child and adolescent mental health
Students will also complete a year-long supervised research dissertation module.
The programme is designed to provide continuous professional development for a wide range of professionals working with children, young people and their families to significantly positively impact employability and career prospects. Graduates of this programme will progress into leadership roles, or continue into a research or education capacity.
Requirements
Applicants will typically hold a (NFQ) Level 8 Honours Degree with a H2.1 or equivalent. Candidates will generally hold a primary degree in a relevant discipline, for example:
• children’s nursing or other nursing disciplines; allied health and social care; education; child, youth and family support work; or a cognate discipline.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above
In line with DCU policy, candidates who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL).
In line with DCU’s (2019) Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, candidates who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL).
Prior learning may be formal accredited learning or experiential/uncertified learning which includes the knowledge, skills and personal qualities acquired through life, work experience and study which are not formally attested. Prospective students may apply through the RPL route if they meet one or more of the following entry 5 requirements:
• Relevant learning, qualifications and experience within their RPL application
• Holding a position or role related to health or social care, health and social inclusion promotion, or a related area
• Holding an appointment or professional position in the domain
• Professional qualifications in the domain, with clear articulation of intention to progress to work in the domain.