Program Overview

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Professional Practice with Children & Young People

MA

Attendance

Part-time

Campus

Preston Campus

Start

September 2025

Duration

2 years

Delivery

Online learning

Our online MA Professional Practice with Children and Young People course offers an ideal development opportunity for graduates and current practitioners.

This online course will develop your ability to become a more critical and innovative practitioner. You’ll gain specialist knowledge in children’s rights and participation, safeguarding, and a broad range of practical, legal and theoretical approaches.

Over the last three decades, there have been major developments in services for children, young people, their families and carers. This has led to new approaches to working and different expectations about the knowledge, skills and values needed by people to work effectively across the full range of children’s services.

You'll learn a range of skills and values that are required when working with children and young people. These include integrated and multi-agency working, listening to children and young people's voices, respecting diversity and facilitating inclusive practice. You will also gain a deeper understanding of the impact of policy and legislation upon the children and young peoples workforce.

You'll grow your knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding of children and young people in an international context. This includes cultural differences and the impact of these on your professional practice.

This course is timely in responding to government demands to raise the status and accreditation of those with responsibilities for the education and care of young children. It is also helping to ensure that best practice is informed by research, local expertise and international contexts.

Why study with us

• The academics who deliver this course are recognised practitioners and will work with you to develop an in-depth understanding of current research, policies and issues surrounding practice in children and young people’s services.
• You’ll get the opportunity to critically reflect on your own practice and bring about positive change in the delivery of services to children and young people, helping their voices to be heard.

What you'll do

• You’ll develop and enhance your leadership and decision-making skills so that you have the confidence to resolve complex safeguarding situations involving children and young people. The new skills and knowledge you gain as you progress through the programme will give you confidence to transform your practice, with children and young peoples participation at the forefront.
• We’ll equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to undertake independent research in this field.
• The course covers the full breadth of children’s services, including early years, education, social work, social care and health and community work. It gives you the opportunity to focus your learning on your own areas of interest and expertise.

Modules

Compulsory modules

These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.

• Safeguarding Children in an International Context
  • Module code: SW4035
• Dissertation
  • Module code: SW4037
• Theorising Childhood and Adolescence
  • Module code: SW4085
• Themes & Perspectives in Social Research
  • Module code: SW4800
• Transforming Practice with Children and Young People
  • Module code: SW4822

Optional modules

Depending on how many compulsory modules you take, you may be able to choose optional modules to make up your course.

• Childhood in Law and Welfare
  • Module code: SW4032
• ASYE: Demonstrating Capability in Social Work Practice
  • Module code: SW4701

Entry requirements

This course involves working with vulnerable people, including children. To make sure we accept suitable students, you must get a clear enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, previously called a CRB check.

Fees and funding

2025/26

• UK: Online part-time £1,050 per 20 credits
• International: Online part-time £1,050 per 20 credits

Additional costs

As part of your course there may be additional costs to consider that are not included in your tuition fees. Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer many scholarships, bursaries and funds to support you during your studies.

• Dependants Bursary
• Carers Bursary
• Sports scholarships
• Alumni Loyalty Discount

Learning and assessment

You’ll get involved in class-based discussions and engage in self-directed study. Throughout the course you’ll have access to a well-stocked library and a wide range of online resources, including the latest journals in the field. Your tutors have a wealth of experience in academia and practice, and some are leading international authors in the field.

You’ll also have:

• A module co-taught with children and young people
• Assignments that are geared towards helping you analyse your own practice and that of your organisation
• Research
• Conferences and seminars

You can also take advantage of our seminar series, organised through the School, where leading international scholars present their latest research to staff, students and practitioners.

For each module you’ll be assessed using a combination of written assignments and presentations. The choice of assignment subject is open, allowing you to focus on a specific area of interest – you'll never write a boring assignment again!

Industry links

We have strong links with voluntary and statutory sector providers for children and young people in social work, education and health.

This course is also part of the European Network Of Masters in Children’s Rights. Through this, there are opportunities to engage with international networks.

Future careers

This course improves future career prospects for both recent graduates and current practitioners. You'll become an innovative, forward-thinking professional who brings about positive change in the lives of children and young people.

This course has helped learners already in employment to challenge and change practice. Our students have gone on to progress their careers and work in a variety of areas, such as:

• Safeguarding children and young people
• Participation and advocacy work
• Management progression
• HE Lecturing
• International job roles within children and young peoples services