What attracted you to the programme?
I had been working within the NHS in a safeguarding capacity for many years and was searching for a way to develop my knowledge of child protection and advance my academic study, with something that extended beyond a short course. A recommendation from a friend led me to look into the MA Advanced Child Protection at the University of Kent and with the relevant topics, varied content, international recognition and possibility of online distance learning, it simply looked too good to not apply!
Which areas of study did you find particularly inspiring?
I found the whole experience inspiring. I’m not someone who thrives in the mornings, I’m far more of a night owl, but I found myself excited to get up early before work started to read the course materials and think about my essay submissions. I really loved working with the other students, we came from such a mix of backgrounds and specialities that there was always so much to learn from each other. The modules were all really inspiring, covering such a wide range of topics. As someone who has only worked within the English child protection system, I found the international module exceptionally thought-provoking. Learning about the different risks and dangers, alongside ways professionals work together to overcome and protect vulnerable children across the world, it often made me re-evaluate my core values and to challenge ways of thinking on topics I had never really considered, whilst introducing ways of assessing risk that were previously unfamiliar to me. I also really enjoyed the dissertation as it gave me the opportunity to delve into a topic of my choice. I chose to explore the concept of attachment theory and its uses and applications within safeguarding practice reviews over a 5 year period, which provided a parallel learning experience that supported and complemented my job.
What sort of support is there for postgraduate students?
There are so many different options for support. With options such as the Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS), wellbeing team and school student support team, it felt like there was always someone who could help. The wonderful tutors were always kind, inspiring and encouraging, they offered one-to-one essay planning support, really useful feedback that improved my academic ability and kept the learning engaging with real-life examples.
How do you find work-life balance with part-time study?
I was working full time in a demanding role whilst studying, which was not always easy to juggle. I found that the flexibility of 24 hour access to the resources and all of the lectures meant that I never had to miss out, these were always available prior to the module starting and were the finished package so I could get ahead in my reading when I had spare time. The essay deadlines were realistic and dovetailed well with the timetabled activities, which really helped to keep me focused on what was coming next. All of the timetable and planned events were shared with us at the start of the year, which was really beneficial for fitting it into and around my work schedule.
How is your course helping you in shaping your career?
I was hoping to advance my knowledge and develop my critical thinking to improve my understanding of child protection that I could use in my role as a senior safeguarding nurse. Not only did it achieve this, but it also gave me the confidence and drive to advance the practice of myself and our team, exploring ways to improve multiagency working and to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I had such a wonderful time on the course that I was inspired to continue my studies through a part time PhD. This has shaped my career in ways I could never have imagined, opening doors to lecturing alongside my nursing role and to show me options for personal development that I had never considered before.
How has this course changed you?
I think the course has changed me in so many ways. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of integrating different theories and models from interdisciplinary perspectives, taught me the history of child protection practice and why the landscape has been shaped in the ways that it has, which helps to make sense of why things work in the ways that they do. It also broadened my understanding of what it means to be a child protection practitioner, working both within England and also on an international scale and taught me how to effectively draw upon the experiences and research of others to improve services for vulnerable children and their families.
What are your plans for the future?
To finish my PhD! After that, who knows – with all the knowledge and skills I have gained from studying at the University of Kent, I guess the possibilities are limitless. I feel like the course has changed me fundamentally as a practitioner, right to my core. It challenged me to see things differently and to have a far wider appreciation for what might be possible, it has set me up well and sent me off on a learning journey that I just want to keep following and exploring.
Any advice for prospective students?
My advice would be – just go for it! If you are looking to explore new topics, meet new people, learn new skills, develop your knowledge or broaden your thinking, this course has everything you could imagine and so much more.