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.
Total contact hours: 32
Private study hours: 168
Total study hours: 200
Advanced Child Protection (Distance Learning) MA
Main assessment methods
Coursework –essay (5000 words) – 85%
Coursework - Online forum/seminar participation – 15%
The written assignment must be passed in order for the module to be passed overall
Reassessment methods
100% coursework.
Blok, W. (2012) The essentials of social work: International theory, values and practice
Brooker, S., Cawson, P., Kelly, G. and Wattam, C. (2001) The prevalence of child abuse and neglect: a survey of young people, International Journal of Market Research, 43: 249–89.
Lefevrre, M. (2010) "Communicating with children and young people." The Policy Press.
Lyons, K. et al (2010) "International perspectives on social work; global conditions and local practice." Palgrave Macmillan.
Munro, E. (2008) Effective Child Protection. Sage Publications. London.
Munro, E. (2011) The Munro review of child protection: Final Report. A child centred system.
Reder, P., Duncan, S., & Gray, M. (1993) Beyond Blame Child Abuse Tragedies Revisited. Routledge, London.
Relevant legislation, Government guidance and policy
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Have a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the issues surrounding child abuse and neglect definitions, and the impact of
different definitions on policy, practice and research.
8.2 Have an advanced knowledge base of the historical and contemporary definitions and discourses of child protection
8.3 Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the different theoretical paradigms underpinning child protection
definitions, causes and consequences.
8.4 Be able to critically analyse and communicate to specialist and non-specialist audiences how social and political forces have shaped the
way in which we define and respond to child safeguarding issues today and critically analyse the reasons for the complex and often
contradictory nature of responses by multiple agencies.
8.5 Possess a critical awareness of the consequences of child protection intervention for children, their families, wider society and agencies.
8.6 Critically analyse and systematically synthesise research evidence on child protection through application of sociological and
psychological theories to develop a comprehensive understandings of child abuse and policy responses.
8.7 Possess a systematic understanding and critical awareness of cross cultural and global comparative perspectives on child protection
8.8 Demonstrate critical awareness awareness and systematic understanding of the validity of research into the incidence and prevalence of
child abuse and neglect.
8.9 Critically analyse and possess a systematic understanding of research regarding the question of likely and potential factors involved in the
perpetration of child abuse.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate advanced level communication skills commensurate with postgraduate study and the ability to interpret and use research,
statistical material and empirical data at an advanced level
9.2 Collect,collate and interpret on a systematic library and web based research and resources on child protection issues at an advanced level
appropriate for postgraduate study.
9.3 Ssnthesise and systematically evaluate complex knowledge and theoretical perspectives from different disciplines and countries
9.4 Use IT resources to achieve a systematic and critical awareness of the material provided in recorded online lectures and web based
material
9.5 Summarise the material used for private study on a systematic, critical and coherent fashion in order to contribute critically and with
originality to web based discussions
9.6 Work systematicallywith others during study days and in online forums to prepare and discuss complex topics
9.7 Organise and manage their studying independently and with originality with online and phone support from their tutors
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