MA Childhood and Youth Studies

Overview

The MA Childhood and Youth Studies is a postgraduate course that develops your understanding of children, childhood, and youth. You can choose from three different pathways depending on your interests, previous experience, and career goals. This course is unique to the North East of England and is professionally validated and recognized by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC).

Course Structure

The course is 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.

Course Modules

• Leadership in Community Contexts (30 credits): Explore the concepts of leadership and management and their application to practice settings within community contexts across the Childhood and Community and Youth Work sectors.
• Negotiated Study (30 credits): Explore in-depth an area of theory that directly or indirectly influences your specific subject area and/or professional practice.
• Childhood and Youth Studies Dissertation (60 credits): Design and carry out a research project of your choice in the area of Childhood and Youth Studies.
• Contemporary Issues in Childhood and Youth Studies (30 credits): Identify key contemporary issues that impact on the lives of children and young people and examine common factors relating specifically to inequalities, injustice, and rights.
• Theorising Childhood and Youth Studies (30 credits): Explore different theoretical frameworks influencing understandings of the concepts of childhood and youth.

Entry Requirements

We usually require applicants to hold at least an upper-second-class honors degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent. Experience may be counted towards your application. Those who are interested in the MA Childhood and Youth Studies (Early Years Graduate Practitioner Competencies) or MA Childhood and Youth Studies (Youth Work, professionally validated and recognized by JNC) should have a relevant degree in the area and some experience working with children and youth respectively. An interview and satisfactory DBS will also be essential for entrants interested in either of these two pathways.

Fees and Finance

Fees are:

• £8,500 if you're from the UK/Europe
• £17,000 if you're an international student

Part-time fees are £500 per 10 credits. Please note, part-time study isn't available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

Career Ready

The MA Childhood and Youth Studies course has strong appeal for those aiming for a career within early years provision, youth work, education, social work, nursing, healthcare, youth justice, and the voluntary sector – including charities and NGOs. You'll graduate with the ability to advance academically and professionally, move into the profession or within the sector, or into a senior, managerial, or supervisory role. Those who graduate with a JNC qualification will be eligible for the higher levels of salary scales set by the Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth and Community Workers.

Degree Overview:

This postgraduate course in Childhood and Youth Studies is designed for individuals passionate about working with children and young people and wanting to take their careers to the next level. It offers a flexible structure, allowing students to specialize in their area of interest through various pathways.

---

Objectives:

• Enhance understanding of children, childhood, and youth.
• Develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of current legislation, policy, and practice in the field.
• Equip graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in a wide range of sectors related to children and young people, including early years, youth work, and education.
• Prepare graduates for further academic research in social sciences.

---

Program Description:

This program offers three distinct pathways leading to different degrees:

• MA Childhood and Youth Studies - Provides a broad understanding of the field.
• MA Childhood and Youth Studies (Early Years Graduate Practitioner Competencies) - Focuses on early years education and care, meeting Early Childhood Studies Degree Network requirements for Early Education and Childcare practitioners.
• MA Childhood and Youth Studies (Youth Work, professionally validated and recognized by the JNC) - Qualifies graduates as professional youth workers, meeting the standards of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC).
The program offers a mix of on-campus workshops and seminars, individual project work, and research. Depending on the chosen pathway, students may undertake placements in relevant organizations, gaining practical experience and developing professional competencies.

---

Other:

• Duration: 1/2 years (full/part-time options available).
• Fees: £7,500 (current fee) / £16,500 (international fee).
• Application deadline: 24th May 2024 for international students.
## Outline:

---

Program Content and Structure:

The program focuses on analyzing and understanding childhood and youth within interdisciplinary contexts, providing a comprehensive overview of the field. Students explore theoretical perspectives, current legislation and policy frameworks, organizational structures, and the impact of various social, political, and cultural factors on children and young people.

---

Modules:

• Leadership in Community Contexts: Explores leadership and management principles within community contexts in relation to Childhood and Youth Studies, examining various leadership styles, challenges, and ethical considerations.
• Negotiated Study: Allows students to delve deeper into a particular area of theoretical interest relevant to their subject area or professional practice, developing advanced research and analysis skills.
• Childhood and Youth Studies Dissertation: Involves conducting a research project on a chosen topic within Childhood and Youth Studies, acquiring in-depth understanding and research expertise.
• Contemporary Issues in Childhood and Youth Studies: Examines key contemporary issues affecting children and young people, such as inequalities, injustice, rights, anti-discriminatory practices, transitions, youth identities, health and well-being, education and employment, cultural contexts, and environmental challenges.
• Theorising Childhood and Youth Studies: Explores different theoretical frameworks used to understand childhood and youth, analyzing various approaches, including biological, developmental, constructivist, and critical perspectives, and examining concepts of oppression, privilege, intersectionality, and ethics of care.

---

Course Schedule and Timetable:

The specific schedule and timetable for classes and workshops are not provided in the given context. This information may vary depending on the chosen modules, the program pathway, and the mode of study (full/part-time). Students are encouraged to directly contact the university or program organizers for detailed course schedules.

Assessment:

---

Assessment methods:

• Essays: Evaluating students' understanding and critical analysis of key concepts and theories.
• Portfolios: Demonstrating the application of acquired knowledge and skills to practical scenarios.
• Poster presentations: Communicating research findings effectively.
• Research projects: Assessing research abilities and in-depth understanding of chosen topics.
• Presentations: Developing oral communication and presentation skills.
• Dissertation (15,000 words): Evaluating students' ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and present findings in a scholarly format.

---

Assessment criteria:

• Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding.
• Critical analysis and evaluation of theoretical concepts.
• Application of theoretical knowledge to practical contexts.
• Research skills, including data collection and analysis.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to meet professional standards in relevant fields (early years or youth work, depending on the pathway).
## Teaching:

---

Teaching Methods:

The program employs various teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and promote active engagement:

• Interactive workshops and seminars: Facilitating discussions, debates, and exchange of ideas.
• Guest speakers and practitioners: Providing insights from experienced professionals in the field.
• Independent study and research: Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and explore topics in-depth.
• Individual supervision: Offering personalized guidance and support for academic development.
• Group work and collaboration: Fostering teamwork skills and peer learning.
• Utili

---

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• £7,500 if you're from the UK/Europe
• £16,500 if you're an international student
Part-time fees are £445 per 10 credits. Please note, part-time study isn't available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.
• European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who don't qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 24/25 admission, you'll receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies.
The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

University of Sunderland

---

Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

---

Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

---

Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

Computing and Engineering:

Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

---

Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.