The University of Ghana’s MSc in Healthcare Play Therapy has received official accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, marking an important milestone for children’s healthcare in Ghana and across Sub-Saharan Africa. Applications are now open for the program’s first cohort. 

World Child Cancer is delighted to announce that the pioneering MSc in Healthcare Play Therapy has received official accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). 

The two-year Master’s program will equip professionals with the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed to support children’s emotional and psychological wellbeing in healthcare settings. 

This milestone follows close collaboration with GTEC, which recognised the program’s potential to strengthen the pediatric healthcare workforce in Ghana and across Sub-Saharan Africa. It also represents growing recognition of the vital role healthcare play therapy can have in helping children cope with serious illness, painful procedures, hospital stays and prolonged treatment. 

The program has been made possible through World Child Cancer’s strategic collaboration with Amgen. 

What will students learn? 

Students completing the MSc in Healthcare Play Therapy will learn: 

• How to use play therapy effectively in healthcare settings 

• How to integrate mental health support into clinical practice 

• How to deliver child-centred psychological care 

• How to support children experiencing illness or trauma 

 By developing these skills, graduates will be prepared to provide specialist support that responds not only to a child’s medical needs, but also to their emotional, developmental and psychological wellbeing. 

Career opportunities 

Graduates will be equipped to apply their skills in a range of child-health and healthcare environments. Potential opportunities include: 

• Working in hospitals 

• Working in child health centres 

• Supporting children and families in clinical and therapeutic settings 

• Applying play therapy as part of healthcare and psychosocial support services 

Who can apply? 

Applicants should hold a degree in psychology or a related social science program. 

The MSc is particularly relevant for professionals who want to develop specialist skills in child-centred psychological care, healthcare play therapy and the integration of mental health support into clinical practice. 

Program information 

The first cohort will begin studying in November 2026. 

The MSc will be delivered over two years on a full-time basis, combining in-person and virtual teaching facilitated by the University of Ghana. 

There are also 14 merit-based scholarships available. These scholarships will cover: 

• Tuition fees 

• Learning materials 

• Partial accommodation costs 

• Partial living allowance 

Application are now open 

Applications for the first cohort of the MSc in Healthcare Play Therapy are now open through the University of Ghana. 

Applicants will need to purchase an electronic application voucher from an approved bank or through the University of Ghana’s online application system before completing their application. 

This is an exciting opportunity for professionals who want to develop specialist skills, strengthen child-centred care and help transform the experiences of children undergoing treatment in Ghana and across the region. 

For program enquiries, prospective applicants can contact the University of Ghana Department of Psychology at psychology@ug.edu.gh or 024 910 7770.