Features: Child development: What's on offer

If you care about the progress of our future generations then a postgraduate qualification in child development could be for you. The right course can lead to a wealth of professional careers and there are plenty of options available

Most postgraduate degrees in child development are recognised worldwide, so it's no surprise that courses often attract global interest from prospective students.

Dawn Alderson is course director of Swansea University's MA in Childhood Studies. She explains why such courses appeal to students.

'The course is attractive to all students who wish to develop their careers around working with children from birth through to 18. A range of issues are covered and students are encouraged to critically reflect on their practice and address theory and relevant research specific to their own career interests.

'Students engage in a number of modules that contribute to the multidisciplinary nature of the course, including: child health; safeguarding and children's rights.

'International perspectives are examined where students have an opportunity to travel to Scandinavia to visit early childhood services organisations and the University of Gothenburg.

'Students also complete modules that include observing children and researching with children, and they also have an opportunity to learn about the importance of play for children's development.'

What jobs are available?

By studying child development, a number of career paths open for students. But there are some prominent sectors in which the majority of graduates find employment.

'Our past students have gone on to find employment in the education sector; social services; the health sector and paid work in the voluntary sector in both the UK and overseas. Administration roles within local government in relation to policy development and customer service roles are also accessible and some students have set up their own businesses, providing services for children and their families,' says Dawn.

Not all courses are multidisciplinary, though, and for those wishing to specialise programmes exist that are tailored to a specific aspect of child development. One such course is the MSc Child Social Development at Keele University.

Head of the course Dr Richard Stephens explains, 'Our training is based closely on our staff research interests. These currently reflect strengths in: bullying in schools; loneliness; trust and written emotional expression in adolescents; how an understanding of the nature of knowledge and beliefs develops in children and young adults, and young people in education.

'Students choose the course because they want to embark on a career carrying out psychological research with children.'

Specialise in play

Dr Justine Howard is programme director of the MA Developmental and Therapeutic Play at Swansea University. She explains who the course appeals to and how it prepares students for a career...

The MA appeals to those wishing to enter the play profession and also those who wish to formalise their knowledge or incorporate play into their current practice. Understanding children's play is important across a wide range of children's services.

This MA is designed for all professionals working with children.The programme combines the in-depth study of play from a theoretical and academic perspective with the practical application of this knowledge in context.

Completion of the course leads to membership of the British Association of Therapeutic Playwork (BATP), a growing organisation that brings together a range of qualified play professionals.

Career opportunities span many contexts. Recent graduates have secured excellent posts as play specialists in schools, the prison service, mental health services and within domestic violence teams, in addition to jobs as welfare officers and primary school counsellors or working for charities such as Barnardo's.

Some have started their own businesses and others have used the qualification as a stepping stone to further training in teaching, play therapy, clinical psychology or a higher research degree.