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MA School Mental Health Specialist

The course will adopt a public mental health, sociological, approach to mental wellbeing and will provide students working in schools and colleges with a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of evidence-based strategies to support children.

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Course Overview

Attendance

Part Time
Duration

3 years
Dates

September 2024
Venue

Online
Cost

£777.80 for each 20 credit module.

The aims of the programme are to support learners to adopt a public health approach to mental wellbeing that will provide students working in schools and colleges with a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of evidence-based strategies to support children and young people in relation to:

Preventing mental illness and promoting protective factors
Early identification and support and early promotion of wellbeing for those with reduced wellbeing
Preventing relapse and the associated impacts of mental disorders such as stigma and risky behaviours

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Everything you need to know

Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.

entry requirements

The School Mental Health Specialist programme is open to all schools and colleges teaching 3 to 18-year olds. This includes special, alternative provision, independent and international schools. There is no requirement for having prior postgraduate or undergraduate qualifications.

All applicants need to work in a role which supports identified pupils with mental health needs and be part of an educational establishment that has a Senior Lead for Mental Health in place who is the line manager of the School Mental Health Specialist, or a member of the senior leadership willing to support the participant throughout the programme.

All applicants need to have the support of the headteacher to undertake the programme. The Senior Lead for Mental Health / Headteacher must have filled in and completed the reference template for the applicant that can be found through the application page on the Minds Ahead website. All applicants should satisfy our university English language requirements.

Modules

This information is correct for students progressing through the programme within standard timescales. Students who are required to undertake repeat study may be taught alternative modules which meet the overall course learning outcomes. Details of module delivery will be provided in your timetable.

There are three core modules in year one and three modules in year two and one optional module in year three. The year three module is only optional until the student has chosen to progress to the MA. If they choose not to progress to the full MA, they will graduate with the PGDip.

Level 7:

Year 1 (for 2024/25 delivery year)

Module 1: Promoting protective factors for good mental health and wellbeing - 20 credits
Module 2: Early identification of mental health support needs - 20 credits
Module 3: Supporting children and young people with mental health needs 20 credits

Year 2 (for 2025/26 delivery year)

Module 4: Parent / carer involvement and pupil participation to support good mental health and wellbeing - 20 credits
Module 5: Working with school staff and outside agencies to support good mental health and wellbeing - 20 credits
Module 6: Work based project - Sustaining and embedding positive mental health and wellbeing - 20 credits

Year 3 (for 2026/27 delivery year)

Module 7: Dissertation - 60 credits

This information is correct for students progressing through the programme within standard timescales. Option modules listed are indicative of a typical year. There may be some variance in the availability of option modules. Students who are required to undertake repeat study may be taught alternate modules which meet the overall course learning outcomes. Details of module delivery will be provided in your timetable.

Running a special academy which serves children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, makes it clear to me that we need new and informed training routes into working in mental health in schools.

I am pleased that Minds Ahead are working to develop the School Mental Health Specialist and I am delighted to be a part of the group designing this new qualification.

Scott Jaques Executive Headteacher, Springwell Academy