Developmental and Therapeutic Play, MA / PGDip / PGCert

Gain an understanding of how children learn and develop through play

An image of a child's painted hand

Course Overview

Gain an advanced understanding of how children learn and develop through play with our Master’s degree in Developmental and Therapeutic Play.

You will explore evidence-based practice in play across a range of professional contexts, combining in-depth theory with fieldwork experience.

This includes how the environment and social interactions support children’s growing repertoire of play skills, with a particular emphasis on the inherent value of children’s self-directed play experiences.

Throughout your studies, you will refine critical research and analytical skills valued by employers and develop professional reflective practice techniques.

Why Developmental and Therapeutic Play at Swansea?

Based in our School of Social Sciences, you will benefit from a diverse teaching and research environment, with many opportunities to make connections across disciplines.

We have strong links with a range of research networks and similar departments in universities in Europe and around the world, so your learning is informed by the latest policy and practice developments.

Your Developmental and Therapeutic Play experience

Our academic staff are active in a wide range of research fields, offering an unrivalled mix of academic excellence and current policy and practice expertise.

Developmental and Therapeutic Play Careers

Your postgraduate qualification in Developmental and Therapeutic Play opens up a range of career opportunities in sectors including:  

  • Education
  • International aid
  • Counselling and pastoral care
  • Social work
  • Healthcare
  • Play work
  • Domestic violence teams
  • Prison service

Modules

You will follow a combination of compulsory and optional modules, depending on the level of qualification you are studying. Master’s students also complete a dissertation.

Throughout your studies, you will critically examine policy and practice initiatives and consider a range of research methods.