Advanced Child Protection (Distance Learning) - PCert, PDip, MA

This module introduces students to the logic and methods of social research. It aims to familiarize students with central topics in research design and the ethics of social research so that they can apply this knowledge to their understanding of fields of social and public policy. The module introduces students to both positivist and critical/interpretive approaches and the debates behind their selection for conducting research. It will invite them to consider how research questions are generated and answered. It will enable students to identify common mistakes in the social research methods used to develop sector relevant policy and how to effectively and systematically address issues. Topics will also include: ethics and informed consent; sampling for qualitative and quantitative research; methods of primary and secondary data collection, methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis. It will give them an opportunity to learn and practise introductory kills in the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.

This module will provide students with a historical and contemporary perspective of child abuse and examine child and family centred practice, and will allow students to explore definitions of abuse, nationally and internationally. A significant area of research will be drawn upon with regards to the role of men in child protection. The module will also introduce key agencies in the field. The child protection simulations created by the Centre for Child Protection around child sexual exploitation (Looking for Lottie) and radicalization (ZAK), are embedded in this module.

The aim of this module is to focus on contemporary child protection policies and practice and provide the current legal context for child protection. In particular it will discuss policy and practice following the Munro Review (2011) and it will draw upon the implications of inter-professional and interdisciplinary research, theory and practice pre- and post- Baby Peter Connelly. The module will focus upon key agencies in child protection and practitioner communication skills. Students will be introduced to the Centre's child protection simulation, 'Rosie 2', where they will have the opportunity to analyse the different skills of practitioners involved in child protection practice.

This module provides professionals with in-depth knowledge about current assessment practice including insights into the attachment and relationship-based practice. The likelihood of maltreatment is significantly higher where a child demonstrates disorganized attachment behaviour and this thread runs throughout the module, paying special attention to the behaviour of the caregiver. The module is suitable for a wide range of professionals who work with complex family circumstances.

The aim of this module is to focus on how the individual child protection professional inner world is affected by and, in turn, effects the institutional practices embedded in the workplace in terms of working in child protection. Moreover, the module also looks at how the inner world and emotions of the individual are managed and how 'hot cognitions' involved in child protection work are addressed. Organisational and workplace features are considered from a psychosocial perspective, particularly in terms of different models of supervision, and individuals are encouraged to reflect upon their own position within organisations and how this can be optimized in circumstances where risk needs to be managed.

The dissertation is a major component of the MA and its content and intellectual standard should reflect this. Whilst the dissertation does not have to demonstrate the kind of originality required for theses submitted for degrees by research, it should have a wider scope, including a research element, and contain more detail and sustained argument than other coursework assignments. The overall aim of this Module is to build on the theoretical and methodological material included in the six compulsory modules studied throughout the MA course. It addresses practical questions of research and writing the dissertation and the construction of the dissertation itself. It also follows on and draws on the use of research materials (qualitative and quantitative data); using research and resources (libraries, documentation, and the internet); and drafting and writing, including the use of appropriate academic style and format. The dissertation will be library-based and not field research.

This module aims to provide students with a chance to discuss various types of intervention used by agencies in child protection, exploring issues of diversity, anti-oppressive practice, cultural and emotional intelligence. The role of targeted interventions as well as universal services will be considered. The module will significantly consider service users' perspectives of the support which is available as well as what works and what does not work.

This module aims to provide students with a chance to develop a critical understanding of international child protection practice. It will facilitate critical discussion and expression of informed views on various types of international child protection interventions used by agencies across the world , exploring issues of diversity, anti-oppressive practice, cultural and emotional intelligence and the politics of international policies. The module will significantly consider service users' perspectives of the support, which is available as well as what works and what does not work. It will consider implications and interpretations of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Child across the world and robustly evaluate this legislation in practice. This module also aims to critique and consider partnership collaboration in working across boards in the best interest of protecting the rights of children.

The dissertation is a major component of the MA and its content and intellectual standard should reflect this. Whilst the dissertation does not have to demonstrate the kind of originality required for theses submitted for degrees by research, it should have a wider scope, including a research element, and contain more detail and sustained argument than other coursework assignments. The overall aim of this Module is to build on the theoretical and methodological material included in the six compulsory modules. It addresses practical questions of research and writing the dissertation, and the construction of the dissertation itself. It also follows on and draws on the use of research materials (qualitative and quantitative data); using research and resources (libraries, documentation, and the internet); and drafting and writing, including the use of appropriate academic style and format. The dissertation will be library-based and not field research.

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