MA Developmental and Therapeutic Play at Swansea University

A course from the Department for Education and Childhood Studies exploring how play shapes children's development, learning and emotional wellbeing, for those from education, social care, psychology or playwork; it equips graduates to apply play expertise in health, education, social care and community contexts but does not train them as therapists.

Faculty: School of Social Sciences  |  Department: Education and Childhood Studies  |  Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 or 3 years part-time  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Compulsory modules: Childhood and Children: Sociological Perspectives, Understanding and Observing Child Development, Perspectives on Play, Research Methods (Education, Play and Childhood Studies) and Therapeutic Work and Play Practice, with one option (Additional Learning Needs and Inclusion or Child Health and Movement), plus a 60-credit dissertation in childhood, play or education.

Career pathways

Graduates work in schools, hospitals, early years settings, domestic violence teams, prisons, local authorities, international aid organisations and higher education, and progress into play therapy, counselling, clinical psychology or doctoral research.

Official programme page