Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - PCert, PDip, MA

Teaching

Teaching and assessment

Each of the four taught modules is assessed by a computer-based exam and an extended essay. In addition, the Research Methods module involves short assignments and a worked problem.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

• provide you with detailed knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and ability to interpret research in this field
• provide you with detailed knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and knowledge of how to conduct and interpret research in this field (MA, PDip only).

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You will gain knowledge and understanding of:

• definitions and epidemiology of intellectual disability
• cognitive, communicative and social characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities
• biological, social and environmental causes of intellectual disability
• behaviour analysis
• challenging behaviour and other special needs
• ideology, policy and service development
• definition and measurement of service quality
• relationships between service organisation and quality
• research methodology.

Intellectual skills

You develop intellectual skills in:

• the ability to present critical, balanced arguments
• the ability to appraise and interpret evidence from academic literature and personal/work experience
• the ability to generate and interpret evidence through research (PDip, MA only).

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in:

• how to conduct applied research on a topic relevant to intellectual and developmental disability. (PDip, MA only)

Transferable skills

You will gain the following transferable skills:

• communication:
  • the ability to organise information clearly, respond to written sources, present information orally.
• numeracy:
  • the ability to make sense of statistical materials, integrate numerical and non-numerical information (MA only);
  • the ability to make sense of statistical materials, quantitative and qualitative information (PDip only);
  • if you are doing the statistical element of research methods module, you will make sense of statistical materials, integrate quantitative and qualitative information. You will also become familiar with ways of summarising and presenting data (PCert only)
• information technology: the ability to produce written documents and undertake online research
• working with others: work co-operatively on group tasks and understand how groups function
• improve your own learning: the ability to explore your strengths and weaknesses, time management skills and review your working environment
• problem-solving: the ability to identify and define complex problems, explore alternative solutions and discriminate between them.

Careers

Our postgraduate courses improve employability prospects for both those with established careers and new entrants to the field. Many of our students already work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in professional, management or supporting capacities.

Our programmes support their continuing professional development and enhance their opportunities for career advancement. Other students, who are at the beginning of their careers, move on to a range of professional roles in health and social care including working as psychologists in learning disability or behavioural specialists in community learning disability teams; service management of development roles; clinical psychology training or a PhD.

Study support

All teaching takes place at the Tizard Centre. Postgraduate research students have a shared office space with a computer and telephone.

Acclaimed active department

The Tizard Centre runs an annual seminar series where staff or guest lecturers present the results of research or highlight recent developments in the field of social care. The Jim Mansell Memorial Lecture invites public figures or distinguished academics to discuss topics that could interest a wider audience. The Centre also publishes the Tizard Learning Disability Review (in conjunction with Emerald Publishing) to provide a source of up-to-date information for professionals and carers.

The Tizard Centre provides consultancy to organisations in the statutory and independent sectors, both nationally and internationally, in diversified areas such as service assessment, person-centred approaches, active support and adult protection. The Centre also teaches a range of short courses, often in conjunction with other organisations.

Dynamic publishing culture

Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Journal of Mental Health; Journal of Applied Research and Intellectual Disabilities; American Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; and Journal of Intellectual Disability Research.

Global Skills Award

All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.