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MA Childhood and Youth Studies

Develop your understanding of children, childhood, and youth. Choose from three different pathways depending on your interests, previous experience, and career goals. Graduate capable of working in a wide range of sectors.

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Primary school pupils sitting at a classroom table, listening
Course codeCID1349
Duration1 year
Fee(s)View fees
LocationOn campus

Course summary

Are you passionate about working with children and young people and ready to advance your career? This flexible postgraduate degree in childhood and youth studies could be the perfect next step for you.

Depending on the pathway you choose, you'll graduate with one of the following MA qualifications:

  • 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)).

Taught by professionals with experience working with children and young people, the course explores theoretical perspectives on childhood and youth within interdisciplinary contexts, while critically examining current legislation, policy, and practice. You’ll evaluate organisational structures that promote the welfare, health, wellbeing, and learning of children and young people, analyse political issues affecting them, and develop research skills for advanced social science projects.

The MA Childhood and Youth Studies is ideal for those pursuing careers in:

  • Early years provision
  • Youth work
  • Education
  • Social work
  • Healthcare
  • Youth justice
  • The voluntary sector.

Upon graduation, you'll be equipped to progress academically and professionally, advance within your current role, or move into more senior positions. Graduates with a JNC qualification will be eligible for higher salary scales set by the Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth and Community Workers.

Hayley Williams

During my studies, I secured a job that I’ve always wanted as an Early Help Worker, supporting families and children in need through early intervention. My academic experience has given me a strong foundation that I rely on in my daily role. If I could sum up my experience, I’d say it’s been transformative and rewarding.

Hayley Williams

Read Hayley Williams's story

What you'll study

Core modules

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some of these options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific required modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

Postgraduate module credits should total 180. If optional modules are available alongside core modules on your course, you should choose an amount that totals 180 credits.

How you'll learn

During the 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.

Throughout this childhood and youth studies course you'll have one-to-one support from academic staff to help you with your assignments. You'll also be assigned a Personal Academic Tutor.

Entry requirements

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UK students

International students

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and been offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

View our programme specifications(opens in new tab) for further information about what the course covers, learning outcomes and the skills you'll gain when you graduate.