Learn about how inequalities in childhood and experiences inform child development, and how policy and practice can promote change and wellbeing. Learn to analyse critical frameworks that inform our understanding of mental health constructs in childhood, adolescence and emerging adulthood. Learn how to critically examine the evidence base and use of practices in children’s services. Designed for people with an interest in working across children’s services, this course will encourage you to explore how to promote positive mental health for young people across a variety of settings. You’ll develop your practical psychological skills in assessment, formulation and intervention planning, as well as your awareness of yourself as an aspiring practitioner and researcher. You’ll develop and practice critical research methods and analysis skills. Some of the topics you’ll study include psychological theories, early intervention approaches, and how developmental, societal, and environmental challenges influence all aspects of young people’s lives. You’ll also learn how to identify and nurture protective factors, promoting young people’s strengths through preventative and restorative practices across settings. For your MSc, you’ll complete a service-based dissertation project focused to develop and advance practice in a particular area.Career prospectsYou’ll have the skills to develop your career in mental health services for children and young people, such as in schools, social work, educational psychology, youth justice, civil services, and children’s centres. As this course offers a comprehensive theoretical foundation to build your practitioner and research skills, you could pursue research or practitioner training routes to further your career in educational, clinical or counselling psychology.