Overview

Are you passionate about working with children and young people and ready to take your career to the next level? This ground-breaking and highly-flexible postgraduate course in childhood and youth studies could be perfect for you.

Depending on the pathway you choose, you'll graduate with one of three MA degree titles:

MA Childhood and Youth Studies

MA Childhood and Youth Studies (Early Years Graduate Practitioner Competencies)

MA Childhood and Youth Studies (Youth Work, professionally validated and recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC))

You'll be taught by experienced lecturers with professional backgrounds in children and young people, early years, and youth work. Our modules will give you an understanding of the theoretical perspectives through which childhood and young people are currently defined within interdisciplinary contexts. You'll also critically reflect upon current legislation, policy, and practice.

You'll evaluate organisational structures and provision which regulates and promotes children’s and young people’s status, welfare, health and wellbeing, and learning. You'll interpret different political issues and events, past and present, that impact on children and young people. You'll also develop your knowledge and skills in research which will enable you to undertake advanced research projects in the social sciences.

Please note, a member of the course team will advise you on the most suitable pathway, as the MA Childhood and Youth Studies (Early Years Graduate Practitioner Competencies) and the MA Childhood and Youth Studies (Youth Work, professionally validated and recognised by JNC) have entry requirements and placements which necessitate previous experience in the field.

Course structure

During the MA Childhood and Youth Studies course, you'll be taught through a mixture of on-campus workshops and seminars, as well as completing individual projects and research. Those undertaking the Early Years Graduate Practitioner Competencies pathway will have a minimum of 25 days placement – some will require 80 days placement depending on their experience. Those undertaking the professionally qualified Youth Work pathway will undertake 400 hours of learning through placement.

You'll be assessed via essays, portfolios, poster presentations, research projects, presentations, and your 15,000 word dissertation.