This interprofessional course aims to work with professionals across all sectors to develop knowledge and skills in working with complex child care cases, including child protection. A particular emphasis is given to the integration of theory and an individuals practice.

In partnership with:
University of East London
Validated by the GSCC for the Higher Specialist  and Advanced Award in Social Work (Children, Young People and Families)

Organising tutor
Karen Tanner

Course aims

• Organised within a psychodynamic theoretical framework.

• Draws on relevant research evidence and legislation.

• Utilises students’ personal and practice, experience.

• Encourages the development of critical analysis and an awareness of self in relation to this complex field.

• Develop a rigorous theoretical framework for understanding and working with child abuse and complex child care cases whether as a practitioner, supervisor, manager or consultant.

• Professional intervention in complex child care cases is explored theoretically and through direct clinical practice in a multidisciplinary team in the Tavistock Clinic.

• Enhance and develop professional expertise particularly in working with unconscious processes in individual, familial and organisational contexts.

• Develop informed and skilled interprofessional practice.

• Work skilfully with diversity in complex child care contexts.

• An appropriate professional qualification relevant to you chosen career is normally required.

• Social workers should have a C.Q.S.W. or Dip.SW or equivalent to undertake the AASW.

• Nurses should have an active registered nursing qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and active.

• Candidates should have at least three years practice experience since qualification, preferably more.

• A relevant First degree, degree equivalent or evidence of other post-registration education/experience is normally required.

• Candidates must be in full-time or part-time posts in which they are working with children and/or families experiencing difficulties (this may include managing, teaching or supervising staff).

Time commitment
MA - Part-time, one day per week.
Normally completed after two years and two terms.
Postgraduate Diploma - can be obtained after two years.
Postgraduate Certificate - can be obtained after one year.
The course normally needs to be completed within five years of initial registration.

Assessment
Year one - three written assignments linked to three distinct curriculum areas and a practice/clinical assessment.
Year two - three written assignments linked to specific curriculum areas and a practice/clinical assessment. Students must complete successfully both clinical assessments in years one and two in order to pass both the first and second year.
Year three - dissertation (10,000-12,000 words).

• Leads to eligibility for membership of the Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists, Allied Professional Division.