MSc (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, 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 modules with a series of face-to-face workshops on campus. 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.

Programme Promises/Learning Outcomes

When you complete this programme, you’ll be able to:

Knowledge-Based Learning Outcomes

• Appraise the developmental changes that occur during adolescence
• Identify the emotional and physical needs of adolescents and apply them to practice
• Demonstrate an understanding of common physical and mental health illnesses/conditions in adolescents- aetiology, their management, and their impact on daily living
• Demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate strategies required to optimize effective communication with adolescents
• Demonstrate an appreciation of the complexity of the needs, challenges and abilities of adolescents

Transferable Learning Outcomes

• Plan and conduct adolescent-based research
• Effectively communicate with adolescents, applying evidence-based communication frameworks
• Outline and critically evaluate the professional role and responsibilities associated with the provision of services to adolescents

Subjects that will be covered in this course are:-

• Foundations of Public Health in the Context of Adolescence
• Adolescent Health and Development
• Research Methods
• Determinants of Adolescent Health
• Chronic Health Disorders in Adolescents
• Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating Adolescent Health Interventions
• Communication for Adolescent Health
• Quality Improvement
• Leadership Development
• Integrative Learning Experience