Child and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing MSc

Postgraduate degree

Develop your knowledge of children and adolescent mental wellbeing and build a career that makes a difference. Our online master's course provides you with a critical understanding of children and young people's mental health and wellbeing, exploring individual, relational and wider societal factors that shape their experience.

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Key facts about your online degree

How you'll study

This course is studied 100% online

Application deadline

Our next deadline is 11th January 2027

Course length

Choose to study over 1 or 2 years

Fees: £9,000

Payment plans available

Start dates

Start in January or September

Course overview

Our online MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing is ideal if you’re looking to build upon your existing knowledge, to advance your career, or to start a career as a child and adolescent mental health expert. You’ll explore key issues affecting child and adolescent mental wellbeing, including psyche development, emotional wellbeing, coping mechanisms, social communication, learning disabilities and family dynamics, and the impact of neurodivergence and cognitive differences.

Our child and adolescent mental wellbeing course is structured around four key modules and a major project, covering children’s psychological development, mental health conditions, the impact of family, societal and cultural influences, and research methodology. The final major project enables you to undertake your own research into an area of your choice relevant to child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing.

We welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds, including outside health care and mental health, who have a degree-level qualification and a passion for child and adolescent mental health.

Please note that this course does not lead to professional qualification or regulation. You will, however, develop your understanding of approaches to assessment, intervention and treatment relevant to children and young people’s mental health, supporting you to apply this knowledge confidentially and appropriately to your own professional context.

If you would like to discuss whether this qualification is right for you before enrolling, please contact the course director, [email protected]

Why choose this course?

Benefit from 100% online learning, giving you the flexibility to fit your studies around other commitments
Grow a rewarding career that allows you to support children and adolescents
Learn from experienced and passionate tutors who are experts in young people’s mental health
Develop expert knowledge in child and adolescent mental wellbeing
Gain a range of transferable skills that will enhance your overall employability
Be part of the University of the Year (THE)

What you’ll gain

Specialist knowledge of child and adolescent mental wellbeing and mental health conditions
An expert understanding of factors influencing children’s mental health, including family, societal and cultural influences
Insight into psyche development, emotional wellbeing, coping mechanisms, social communication and learning disabilities
The ability to evaluate and apply interventions and treatments relevant to children’s mental health concerns
Research skills developed through studying research methodology and completing your own research or work-based major project
Enhanced employability as a child and adolescent mental health expert across health, social care and education-related settings

Next application deadline: 11th January 2027

Apply now

Course modules and assessments

If you choose to study the course full-time over 1 year, please note that you will study two modules simultaneously each trimester. This is an intensive route and requires you to manage the demands of two modules, including overlapping study and assessment deadlines, alongside work and personal commitments. We strongly encourage students to choose a part-time route, which allows focus on one module at a time and provides greater flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments. Both routes lead to the same MSc, and our advisors can help you decide which pace of study best suits your circumstances.

Modules

Children’s typical psychological development: infancy to adolescent

This module aims to develop your specialist knowledge on child and adolescent mental health and help you understand the impact of development of the psyche on mental wellbeing. You’ll learn various theoretical perspectives relating to psyche development and how healthy development can have an effect on mental well-being. You’ll explore more specific aspects of human development (including language and cognitive development), and have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of more complex circumstances which affect children’s mental health. Finally, you’ll reflect on how the very early years can influence child and adolescence mental wellbeing to help you understand crucial concepts including moral issues, risk and resilience.

Children’s mental health conditions

The module focuses on the different mental health conditions and disorders of emotional wellbeing that children and young people may present with or be diagnosed with. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of these conditions and of how statutory and non-statutory organisations can support the child/adolescent and their family to aid recovery. You’ll also explore coping mechanisms and how these influence the child’s mental wellbeing, social communication, behaviour regulation and learning disabilities. The teachings of this module will also focus on the family and how its dynamics, culture and systems can affect a child’s mental health. You’ll explore interventions and treatment in relation to mental health issues in children.

Family societal and cultural influences in children’s mental wellbeing

The module focuses on cultural, social and family influences on child and adolescent mental wellbeing from both a national and global perspective. The module will address a number of issues related to child and adolescent wellbeing and society, including health promotion. You will explore the way in which mental illness is portrayed through the media and the impact this can have on interpretations of mental health and mental illness within a given society. This includes examining how mental health is represented in the news, on social media and global technology. Sexuality will also be explored.

Research Methodology

With increased emphasis on research in contemporary healthcare, it’s essential that you’re familiar with research methodology. The ability to critically analyse research is a necessary skill in the delivery of effective patient care. As part of this module, you will revisit your existing knowledge of the research process and further develop your skills of critical analysis and synthesis. You’ll also have the opportunity to critically appraise the ethical dimensions of research studies that seek to develop, improve and advance healthcare services.

Major Project

The Major Project is central to the Masters award and allows you to demonstrate your ability to synthesise learning from previous modules. You’ll use this learning as the basis for planning, conducting and writing up a literature review, using an enhanced approach to research or a work-based project. This is the opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to raise significant and meaningful questions in relation to your chosen topic and a critical understanding of research methodology and its relation to knowledge. You’ll be able to develop solutions to ethical dilemmas likely to arise in your research or professional practice. As well as expanding existing knowledge to contribute to the development of best practice and critiquing primary research.

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways, including producing a health information artefact (magazine article, newsletter or flyer), writing essays and delivering a presentation.

Meet your course leader

Victoria Monk

Course Director: Child and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing

Victoria Monk is a lecturer and course director for the MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing programme at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). Drawing on her experiences gained across diverse educational settings, she has developed a passion for understanding and supporting mental wellbeing. Her academic interests centre on psychological development and the interactions between the systems in and around an individual that shape behaviours and beliefs.

Victoria is committed to helping students advance their careers in child and adolescent mental wellbeing, whether through professional development within existing roles or through independent practice and enterprise. She places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, encouraging students to move beyond diagnoses alone and develop an appreciation for the unique circumstances, relationships, and experiences that contribute to an individual’s wellbeing.

Most notably, Victoria wants students to immerse themselves within and enjoy their student journey with ARU, so brings her nurturing approach from school teaching into her higher education practice. Victoria works alongside the course’s module leaders, who have expertise in therapeutic practices, family support, nursing and research, to bring a holistic lens to the subject of mental health and wellbeing.

How you'll study

100% Online study

Dedicated support

Study online and graduate on campus

Our Child and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing MSc is studied 100% online.

You’ll study through Canvas, our world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, pc or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

You can choose to study our Child and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing MSc over 1 or 2 years. Please note that if you choose the 1-year option this is the equivalent of full-time study and may be a challenge if you’re employed full-time or have other life commitments. Our advisers will be happy to talk through your options in more detail.

On successful completion of your studies you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

Entry requirements

What you’ll need to start this course

You’ll need a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree.

If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level - with no individual score being lower than 5.5) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

As a distance learner, you'll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use of our online learning management system (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.

Please note: Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

Fees and Funding

Fees

The full tuition fee for this course is £9,000.

The tuition fees you pay each year will be between £4,500 and £9,000 depending on how long you take to complete the course. You can choose to study our Child and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing MSc in either 1 or 2 years.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted. Please note that APL may affect your eligibility for a postgraduate loan.

Funding

Your course can be fully funded by the Postgraduate Student Loans now available (subject to eligibility).

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.

What our students say

of our Alumni would recommend studying with ARU Distance Learning

found studying via distance learning either ‘very accessible’ or ‘quite accessible’

felt ‘much more confident’ or 'more confident’ at work

2026 Alumni survey with 268 respondents

Completing this course I have gained a deeper insight in to what issues children and young people are facing today, which I have applied to best inform my practice.

Beth, Child Healthcare Alumni

Read Beth's story

I found the staff immensely helpful and supportive. If I felt like I was not sure of what I was doing, I felt confident to email for support and the response time was prompt.

Rachael, Healthcare Alumni

Read Rachael's story

The main benefit from studying the Child and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing MSc is simply that I have a better understanding, and I'm more open to discussing mental health with others in the workplace, particularly with students.

Trevor, Child Healthcare Alumni

The Child and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing MSc was interesting and informative, and my tutors were extremely knowledgeable. I feel like I gained a lot of new skills and awareness.

Sophie, Child Healthcare Alumni

Awards and recognition

Be part of the University of the Year

We're proud to be the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. The prestigious THE awards honour ’exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year, and reflect ARU’s success in delivering high-impact projects during this period, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award recognises the difference we make in the region and our communities – while also acknowledging the broader impact of our world-leading research, and the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

Supported distance learning

We understand that distance learning is different to traditional campus study and if you’re new to online study you may have concerns or apprehensions about studying child and adolescent mental health course online and that’s natural.

To help put your mind at ease we have a dedicated Distance Learning Support Team to help and support you throughout your time at ARU, starting with your first online induction and staying with you right through to graduation. In addition, you’ll also be supported by specialist MSc child and adolescent mental health tutors, well experienced in supporting distance learning students.

Once you start your children's mental health course, we encourage the creation of online communities and many of our learners find these connections with others invaluable, helping them to stay motivated, share concerns or make new friendships.

Visit our support page to learn more about our support services.

Visit support

Careers

Everything you need to know about building your career in wellbeing

What could a children’s mental health course do for my career?

As part of this MSc, you’ll learn about a wide range of issues affecting child and adolescent mental health, giving you a broad understanding of an increasingly urgent and high-profile topic that will make your knowledge invaluable in many roles.

This course can help you develop your career in a number of directions to have a fantastic impact on the wellbeing of young people. This online degree is an excellent route to advisory roles for governments (local, regional and national) and schools, as well as ambassador roles within charities and institutions.

Our Child & Adolescent Mental Wellbeing online masters degree is not only an inspiring opportunity for career development, but a chance to develop your knowledge of mental health and hone transferrable skills that are vital in the workplace.

What job roles can I consider with a masters in children’s mental health?

MSc graduates will strengthen their employability to open opportunities in middle or senior ranking roles within the Health & Social Care and Education sectors, both nationally, and potentially internationally. These are just some of the job roles that Child & Adolescent Mental Wellbeing MSc graduates may consider:

Education Mental Health Practitioners
Primary Mental Health Workers
Children's Wellbeing Practitioners
Researchers
Support and Engagement Practitioners
Social Emotional Mental Health Teaching Assistants

Please note that this course does not lead to professional qualification as a mental health nurse.

What skills will I get from a children’s mental health course to help my career?

What can I study after a Child & Adolescent Mental Wellbeing MSc?

Careers Advice Service

Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability service to help you whatever stage of your career, whether that’s landing your dream job or the next progression step.

We offer:

careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
help with your CV, job searches, applications, and interview preparation
an online portal packed with useful careers resources
our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.

FAQs

A selection of popular questions

Why study child mental health courses?

With mental health awareness on the rise, we are witnessing more open conversation than ever about the importance of mental health promotion, and the impact that mental illness has.

It’s becoming a growing priority in all sections of society, from governmental policy to workplaces.

Meanwhile, across schools, parents and medical professionals, there is grave concern about rising mental health conditions amongst children and young people. Faced with the unsettling statistics, it’s clear there is high demand for trained professionals with a strong understanding of mental health and its effects on young people to support future generations.

That’s why our MSc child and adolescent mental health is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to build a career that makes a difference in the lives of children and young people. This course allows you to explore child mental health and gain understanding of a necessary and urgent topic, to create a future that promotes mental wellbeing from an early age.

Who studies a masters in children’s mental health?

A 2:2 honours degree and proficiency with the English language is a core entry requirement for this degree.

But to study a distance learning course in child & adolescent mental wellbeing, you should also have a keen awareness of this timely topic, an eagerness to learn and a passion for making a difference.

If you care about children and young people and want to master skills for a career that changes lives, this course is a fantastic stepping stone to a number of influential roles.

This MSc explores child and adolescent mental health in a way that will further your understanding of the causes and conditions of child psychology, development and wellbeing, giving you the tools to transform perceptions and raise awareness in powerful ways.

Why study child and adolescent mental health courses online?

There are many benefits to studying this postgraduate degree as a distance learning course.

You’ll enjoy unparalleled flexibility as you arrange your studies around a timetable that suits you. You’ll also have the option to spread your studies across one year or two, depending on whether you’d prefer to study part-time or full-time.

Our Child & Adolescent Mental Wellbeing MSc degree takes place entirely online, meaning you can continue full-time work whilst studying a subject you’re passionate about, and implement your new learning and skills from day one in your current role.

You’ll study through Canvas, an online platform which enables you to connect with tutors, engage with learning materials and submit assignments. Studying an online degree in child and adolescent mental health has never been easier.

What will I learn on this course?

As part of a Child & Adolescent Mental Wellbeing MSc, you’ll develop a broad understanding of mental health in children and young people and learn the scope of factors affecting their psychological development at all stages.

You’ll master theoretical perspectives on child mental health and explore in detail about the external factors which can impact their wellbeing and cause them to develop a mental health concern.

Though the emphasis is on child mental development and wellbeing, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on global, social and political issues that impact children and adolescents, giving you a breadth of contemporary understanding which can be applied in a number of contexts.

You’ll also learn about the role of culture, society and the family on child and adolescent mental wellbeing, examining both global & national perspectives and how society views mental health, including representation in the media – not just in fiction, but also in news and social media. As part of the course, you’ll also study treatment and intervention to gain an understanding of how to manage mental health and wellbeing in children and adolescents.

Alongside this, you’ll develop your research skills and analytical faculties to explore ethical and topical issues relating to mental health and wellbeing in children. As part of this MSc, you’ll experience a variety of assessment methods which will enable you to showcase and solidify your learning in engaging ways.

Take the next step, apply today

Next application deadline: 11th January 2027

Your future, on your terms. Apply now before the application deadline.

Apply now