Our MA Childhood and Youth Studies course has been uniquely designed with the student at its core and offers three different pathways depending on your personal experience and aspirations.
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Developed for postgraduate students or senior professionals interested in specialised or advanced study of childhood and youth, this childhood and youth studies degree is of particular interest to those wishing to be, or already employed, in the children and young people’s workforce. The range of modules offered on the course will allow you to gain a thorough understanding of the theoretical perspectives surrounding childhood and youth, as well as critically reflect upon current policy and practice relating to children and youth people.
There are three alternative routes available on this course and our academic team will be happy to advise you on which is most suitable for you, as each has different entry requirements and placements which require previous experience in the field. The three pathways we offer on this course are:
MA Childhood and Youth Studies
In line with recent international developments in social studies of childhood and youth, the generic MA Childhood and Youth Studies pathway is interdisciplinary in its approach, but has a strong emphasis on perspectives drawn from sociology, social policy, community and youth work, and childhood studies.
Watch our video to find out more from our academics about the generic pathway.
MA Childhood and Youth Studies (Early Years Graduate Practitioner Competencies)
The Early Years Graduate Practitioner Competencies pathway enables you to acquire the knowledge, understanding, skills, and aptitudes necessary to become a graduate who is capable of successfully undertaking and completing advanced research projects. You'll have a minimum of 25 days placement, although this could be up to 80 days depending on your experience. Due to the specialised nature of this route, an interview is required and we will only accept a maximum of ten students each year.
Find out more about the Early Years pathway by watching this video.
MA Childhood and Youth Studies (Youth Work, professionally validated and recognised by JNC)
The Youthwork pathway is professionally validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and meets the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) standards. You'll undertake 400 hours of learning through placement. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible for the higher levels of salary scales set by the JNC for youth and community workers. Due to the specialised nature of this pathway, an interview is required and we will only accept a maximum of ten students each year.
Learn more about the Youth Work pathway by watching our video.
Overall, the MA Childhood and Youth Studies course is based on an informed and critical approach to the academic study of childhood and youth. It is intended to reflect both the needs and continuing professional development of postgraduate students, as well as the philosophical traditions and current developments in the social studies of childhood and youth.
If you would like to find out more information or discuss which pathway is suitable for you, please get in touch with our Programme Leader, Dr Bruce Marjoribanks who will be happy to help.
Published: 15 May 2020