Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Mental Health (Professional Practice) - BSc (Hons) / PgCert / PgDip / MSc
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.
The Professional Practice Course is flexible, practice-led, responsive and aims to foster excellence. This course will develop knowledgeable, critical thinking, proactive, professional practitioners who are fit to meet the changing demands of modern healthcare provision in the global arena....
- Level Top-Up Pathways
- Study mode Part Time
- Award BSc (Hons) / PgCert / PgDip / MSc
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location City South
This course is:
Overview
The Professional Practice Course is flexible, practice-led, responsive and aims to foster excellence. This course will develop knowledgeable, critical thinking, proactive, professional practitioners who are fit to meet the changing demands of modern healthcare provision in the global arena.
The Professional Practice Course consists of a selection of modules that can be studied on their own or as part of an BSc/BSc (Hons) undergraduate or PG Cert/PG dip/ MSc postgraduate award. For help in deciding which modules to study or your outcome award please contact our Professional Navigators on navigator@bcu.ac.uk or potential Route Lead.
What's covered in this course?
The pathway is divided into three separate single modules:
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Childhood and Mental Health:
Completing this module will enable you to develop your understanding of perinatal mental health, neonatal and early year’s development, and attachment factors impacting on the emotional health and wellbeing of the child. This module will also examine developments in service provision, safeguarding principles, and role of statutory agencies.
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Adolescence and Mental Health
Completing this module will enable you to examine the incidence and nature of trauma, loss, and abuse. You will also explore risk and resilience factors which influence mental health and wellbeing, community and inpatient services, interventions, and approaches to child and family centred care.
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Young Adulthood and Mental Health:
Completing this module will enable you to examine the developmental needs of young adults accessing mental health services. This will include; the role of specialist community, inpatient and forensic resources; substance use and abuse provision; and the factors influencing transition to adult care.
This pathway will be taught one day per week between 9am and 5pm and located at our City South Campus.
University based teaching and learning activities will be facilitated by academic and clinical colleagues with extensive experiences.
A range of classroom-based lectures, seminars, group work activities, formative presentations, Moodle based, and self-directed work will be adopted to facilitate your learning.
Personal tutor support will be provided by a member of the module team. Additionally academic support can be accessed from our Academic Development Department on a self-referral basis, and from our experienced library colleagues.
Please note that most modules may be studied as discrete learning units so that your specific learning needs can be addressed without the need to study an entire pathway. If, later, you wish to build upon your studies more modules can be accessed that may be combined to form an award e.g. BSc (Hons), MSc. In other terms, the credits gained from one module may be able to be combined with others to be awarded a degree. For further details, please contact the staff as indicated for the pathway.
Why Choose Us?
- We have extensive academic and clinical experience of offering a programme of child and adolescent mental health modules.
- We have extensive links with local mental health services whose staff have successfully completed the child and adolescent mental health pathway award.
- You'll train with the post-registration educator of the year 2017 (Student Nursing Times Awards)
- We have developed a comprehensive child, adolescent, and young adult mental health pathway which is responsive to the need of these age groups.
- You will have access to an extensive library of books, journals and support staff who will assist you in developing your knowledge and skills.
- You will be offered personal tutor support and additional personal development services from a professional and committed team of staff.
- You will have the opportunity to become a member of a community of practice with other students completing the pathway. This will enable you to share your experiences, share good practice, and reflexively examine your learning.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
Award: BSc (Hons) / PgCert / PgDip / MSc
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Part Time
- up to 5 years (part time) or 2 years (full time)
- £860 per 20 credit module
International students
Sorry, this course is not available to International students.
Entry requirements
Level 6 study
For entry onto the BSc/ BSc (Hons) students must have a relevant Diploma In Higher Education or 240 credits of which at least 120 credits are at level 5.
Students who have a Dip HE or equivalent but do not have any previous BCU credits will need to complete three modules at Level 6.
For entry onto the Graduate Certificate award, students must have a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent or a 60 credit Level 6 award in an appropriate subject area.
Level 7 study
For entry into the Post Graduate Certificate/Post Graduate Diploma/MSc award students must have a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent or a 60 credit Level 6 award in an appropriate subject area. Applicants with evidence of successfully completed Level 6 study within the preceding 2 years.
Where appropriate and on an induvial basis students may be required to undertake a pre-course assessment to enable the course team to support students study skills. We will use this to navigate your appropriate pathway assessment.
To prevent duplication of study, a student that has previously completed a Level 6 module or pathway award within the last 5 years cannot access the equivalent pathway award at Level 7.
Recognition of Prior Learning – RPL
If students have gained Level 6 or 7 credits either at Birmingham City University or elsewhere in the last 5 years, it may be possible to use them towards an award. The amount of RPL is stipulated by the regulations that apply at the time of enrolment.
Access
Diploma HE in nursing or equivalent appropriate for level 6 study
EU/International students
IELTs of 6 with no element below 5.5.
Course structure
You can choose to study this programme as a complete pathway award (full or part-time) or as a standalone module, dependent on your individual need and the needs of your organisation. All programmes offer a convenient part-time format to fit around home and work commitments
Pathway awards in Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Mental Health can lead to:
- Module only Professional Practice Level 6
- Module only Professional Practice Level 7
- BSc Professional Practice
- BSc (Hons) Professional Practice
- Grad Cert Professional Practice
- PG Cert Professional Practice
- PG Dip Professional Practice
- MSc Professional Practice
How to apply
Complete the online application form via the link above, including the name of the pathway or module you are enrolling onto.
Course in Depth
Degree (Level 6)
In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Year 1 Pathway Award – Exit Award: Grad Cert / BSc Professional Practice (Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Mental)
Welcome to the ‘childhood and mental health’ module. This online distance learning level 6 module explores the multiplicity of individual, family, and social factors which influence childhood mental health and developmental wellbeing. This module aims to provide you with a flexible, supportive, and theory-practice led framework of learning which intends to foster and develop your awareness and critical analysis of a range of perinatal mental health, child development and attachment theories, safeguarding, and multi-agency service provision for children and families.
Welcome to the online distance learning ‘adolescence and mental health’ module. This level 6 distance learning online module examines the factors influencing the emotional and mental health during adolescence, the role of family, mental health, education, and social care and health services. This module aims to provide you with a flexible, supportive, and theory-practice led framework of learning which intends to foster and develop your awareness and critical analysis of trauma, loss, and abuse and the immediate and longer-term effects this can have on the emotional and mental health of adolescents.
Welcome to the online distance learning ‘young adult and mental health’ module. This online level 6 module focuses on young adult emotional health and explores the risk and vulnerability factors that can contribute to serious and significant mental health problems. This module aims to provide you with a flexible, supportive, and theory-practice led framework of learning which intends to foster and develop your awareness and critical analysis of trauma, loss, or abuse and the immediate and longer-term effects this can had on the emotional and mental health of children and adolescence.
Year 2 Pathway Award (BSc Only) – Exit Award: BSc (Hons) Professional Practice (Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Mental)
This module is for all healthcare practitioners if you want to enhance your understanding of evidence based practice to help improve your patient/client/service-user care. The aims of the module are to develop both your understanding of the importance of best evidence in practice, and your ability to locate, evaluate, and use best evidence in developing aspects of practice.
In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the List of Additional Optional Modules * for Year 2.
*Any appropriate module (relevant to Pathway / Speciality) from University / Faculty portfolio as agreed with the Pathway Leader.
Modules run subject to appropriate student numbers to ensure the best student experience. It may therefore be necessary to suspend a particular entry point for a module. If this happens, any applications will be transferred to the next start date for the course.
Postgraduate (Level 7)
In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
Year 1 Pathway Award – Exit Award: PG Cert Professional Practice (Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Mental Health)
Welcome to the ‘childhood and mental health’ module. This online distance learning level 7 module explores the multiplicity of individual, family, and social factors which influence childhood mental health and developmental wellbeing. This module aims to provide you with a flexible, supportive, and theory-practice led framework of learning which intends to foster and develop your awareness and critical analysis of a range of perinatal mental health, child development and attachment theories, safeguarding, and multi-agency service provision for children and families.
Welcome to the online distance learning ‘adolescence and mental health’ module. This level 7 distance learning online module examines the factors influencing the emotional and mental health during adolescence, the role of family, mental health, education, and social care and health services. This module aims to provide you with a flexible, supportive, and theory-practice led framework of learning which intends to foster and develop your awareness, critical analysis, appraisal and evaluation of trauma, loss, and abuse and the immediate and longer-term effects this can had on the emotional and mental health of adolescents.
Welcome to the online distance learning ‘young adult and mental health’ module. This online level 7 module focuses on young adult emotional health and critically examines the risk and vulnerability factors that can contribute to serious and significant mental health problems. This module aims to provide you with a flexible, supportive, and theory-practice led framework of learning which intends to foster and develop your awareness and critical analysis of trauma, loss, or abuse and the immediate and longer-term effects this can had on the emotional and mental health of children and adolescence.
Year 2 Pathway Award - Exit Award: PG Dip Professional Practice (Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Mental Health)
This module explicitly addresses students’ personal and/or professional development with a view to enhancing competence for service improvement in a rapidly changing health and healthcare environment. Through a flexible provision, students are inspired to reflect critically upon their individual learning needs as well as their organisations’ practices, to appraise and apply concepts from the literature on leadership, to issues of relevance for their role, organisation and overall programme of study.
This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc programmes to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.
In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the List of Additional Optional Modules * for Year 2.
*Any appropriate module (relevant to Pathway / Speciality) from University / Faculty portfolio as agreed with the Pathway Leader.
Modules run subject to appropriate student numbers to ensure the best student experience. It may therefore be necessary to suspend a particular entry point for a module. If this happens, any applications will be transferred to the next start date for the course.
MSc
Year 3 Pathway Award – Exit Award: MSc Professional Practice (Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Mental Health)
Option 1
This triple module forms the final bridge between the award of a Postgraduate Diploma and a Health MSc related to a named award. It provides the student with the opportunity to complete a piece of work around a chosen topic in order to demonstrate competence in the planning, execution, analysis and evaluation of a Research Project, a Systematic Review or Project Management. It involves 600 hours of study. The focus is on facilitating the student's independent, critical study in their academic discipline or area of professional practice. It will also serve those who wish to embark on Doctoral studies in the future.
Option 2
This double module provides the student with the opportunity to complete a piece of work around a chosen topic in order to demonstrate competence in the planning, execution, analysis and evaluation of a Research Project, a Systematic Review or Project Management. It involves 400 hours of study. The focus is on facilitating the student's independent, critical study in their academic discipline or area of professional practice. It will also serve those who wish to embark on Doctoral studies in the future.
This module seeks to support people new to academic publishing in developing an article for publication. Writing for Academic Publication is a cross between a module and a boot camp, providing the space, time, support and guidance to develop ideas and data into a draft article ready for submission. Taking a hands on and nurturing approach, the module will demystify the academic publication process, develop your confidence and hone your skills in writing for publication. The module is well-suited to those taking their first steps in academic publishing, whether academic staff, doctoral researchers, Master’s students or CPD students.
Modules run subject to appropriate student numbers to ensure the best student experience. It may therefore be necessary to suspend a particular entry point for a module. If this happens, any applications will be transferred to the next start date for the course.
Download course specification
Download nowFacilities & Staff
Our Facilities
Our Nursing and Midwifery courses are based at our City South campus in leafy Edgbaston.
We’ve spent £41million expanding our facilities at City South. These facilities offer hands-on practical experience, replicating the spaces you will come across in professional practice.
In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that you learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. Alongside physical spaces such as a mock operating theatre and wards, we also make use of online and virtual technology, such as our virtual ward and virtual case creator.
See more of our skills facilities at City South
Centre for Skills and Simulation
The Centre for Skills and Simulation offers a range of different spaces which replicate situations that you will encounter in practice. These include hospital wards, an operating theatre and a home environment room.
Our mock wards enable you to get a feel of what a ward is really like before you head out for your first placement. The hospital wards can be adapted from low care to high dependency care environment with the necessary monitoring equipment.
The home environment room is the perfect space for teaching communications skills and allows us to simulate a community setting for our students. It is particularly useful for mental health nurses, learning disability nurses and midwives.
Simulation Manikins
We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and simulation babies (SIM babies) which are anatomically correct manikins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced adult and paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills. The manikins contain software which replicates real symptoms, and can manipulate indicators such as blood pressure, pulse and heart rate for extra realism. SIM man can even ‘talk’ to the students as they are treating him, to add another dimension to learning.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building has two open-access IT Suites which offer PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. There is also an IT Helpdesk for quick and easy help with your computing or internet issues.
Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
In addition to desktop PCs, we also offer a laptop loan facility, allowing students to borrow a laptop for up to six hours while on campus.
Our staff
Paul Smith
Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing
Paul is a mental health nurse with 25 years of clinical experience, largely within the specialty of child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS). After training in Birmingham and qualifying as an RMN, Paul initially worked for 4 years on an adult acute ward. He then moved into the child and adolescent mental health service and worked in a variety of...
More about PaulEnquiries
Enquiries
For all course enquiries please contact the Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Mental Health Pathway Leader, Paul Smith on:
- Email: Paul.Smith2@bcu.ac.uk
International Enquiries
If you are an international student please contact the international office for more information on entry requirements:
- Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5389
- Email: international.enquiries@bcu.ac.uk
Professional Navigator
The Professional Practice Programme consists of a selection of modules that can be studied on their own or as part of an award. For help in deciding which modules to study or your outcome award please contact our Professional Navigators on navigator@bcu.ac.uk
All students must be engaging in an appropriate mental health context one day per week.
What award you exit the programme with is dependent upon the amount credits you enter the programme with.
To gain a BSc / BSc (Hons) you must have the equivalent of a Dip HE or 240 credits of which at least 120 are at Level 4 and a 120 are at level 5 as recognised by this university.
To gain a Graduate Certificate / Diploma you must have a relevant Bachelors degree (Ordinary or Honours) or 300/360 credits of which at least 60 are at level 6.
The Advanced Diploma Professional Studies Award will be suitable for you if you do not have the prerequisites for any of the other awards.