Program Overview

Master of Arts in Childhood and Adolescent Studies

Overview

This programme addresses the needs of practitioners and graduates who wish to develop their knowledge and professional competence in areas focusing on professionally supporting childhood development throughout adolescent years.

Course Details

Module Information

The following are the modules offered on this course which means a total of 90 ECTS have to completed for the Award of MA in Childhood and Adolescent Studies. Learners on this course will also complete a Practicum module (10 ECTS).

Module Outline

• Critical Perspectives on Child & Youth Development (Mandatory, 10 ECTS)
• Research Methodologies & Design (Mandatory, 10 ECTS)
• Governance & Professional Leadership in Child and Adolescent Practice (Mandatory, 10 ECTS)
• Practicum (Mandatory, 10 ECTS)
• Dissertation (Mandatory, 30 ECTS)
• Students Choose one of the following elective modules:
  • Curricular & Pedological Approaches in Early Learning (Elective, 10 ECTS)
  • Interventions & Modules of Care in Adolescent Practice (Elective, 10 ECTS)
  • Contemporary Discourses in Early Learning and Care (Elective, 10 ECTS)
  • Contemporary Discourses in Youth Studies (Elective, 10 ECTS)

Work Placement

Placement will be conducted in relevant professional settings that provide an opportunity for learners to apply the theoretical and practical aspects of the programme. The Practicum will be assessed by means of Case Work assessment and the presentation of a detailed Professional Reflective Portfolio which will track students' professional experience while on placement and supported by supervisory arrangements.

In-Service Placement

This option is designed for students who are already working within a relevant field of study. Students will be required to undertake a project within their place and/or sphere of practice with 15 hours of supervision arranged through the Practicum module.

Practice Placement

This option is for students who are not currently working within a relevant domain of practice or for students who wish to undertake a placement in a setting they feel will broaden their existing expertise. For this option, all learners will be required to undertake a minimum of 150 hours of practice placement, with 15 hours of supervision arranged through the Practicum module.

Timetables

The programme can be completed on a full-time basis over one year (3 semesters) or on a part-time basis over two years (6 semesters). The programme uses a blended learning approach.

How to Apply

Domestic Applicants

• Those who have completed other relevant educational programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification, and assignments equivalent to an appropriate Level 8 award at an Honours 2:2 standard, can also be considered.
• Applicants must hold a relevant Level 8 programme BA(Hons) or a BSc(Hons) in Psychology at a minimum of a 2.2 standard.
• All applicants will be required to have a minimum of ordinary-level maths at Leaving Certificate standard or be able to demonstrate equivalent competency in maths at this level.
• All applicants are required to be over 23 years of age.
• All applicants will be required to attend for an interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.
• Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.

International Applications

• If English is not your native language you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard, i.e B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5.
• International students will have to provide evidence that they can satisfy the eligibility requirements for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland or the British Psychological Society.
• All international applicants must meet the visa requirements for study in Ireland.
• All applicants are required to be over 23 years of age.
• All applicants will be required to attend for an interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.
• Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.

Fees

This programme is offered on a full-time basis over 1 year and part-time over 2 years. There are options around the payment of tuition fees with payment plans available to learners.

Tuition Fees

• Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland:
  • Part-Time/Blended: €4200.00 (includes Bursary of €3,000)
  • Full-Time: €4000.00 (includes Bursary of €3,000)
• Irish/EU citizens, living abroad:
  • Full-Time: Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
• International:
  • Full-Time: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Progression

Career Progression

The opportunities embedded within the MA in Childhood & Adolescent Studies for the development and demonstration of critical thinking skills, and theoretical knowledge prepares graduates to lead, educate, and advocate effectively in the contexts in which they are working.

Examples of such roles include:

• Project Worker - Family Support Projects
• Youth Workers
• Afterschool Assistant
• Childcare Development Officer
• Youth Advocate

Academic Progression

This programme provides a progression opportunity to complete a range of Programmes at Level 10 nationally and internationally.