Childhood Studies, MA

Course content

From the beginning of the programme you'll develop your understanding of childhood and youth through a core module focusing on academic thinking, policy and practice from a range of different perspectives. You'll also learn more about undertaking research with children and young people, gaining the skills and knowledge to conduct research in a range of different settings.

During the programme you'll choose one or two optional modules directly related to childhood studies from the range we offer. If you decide to take only one, you'll choose another module from the Faculty of Education, Social Science and Law to suit your interests and career plans - with options from racism and ethnicity studies to aspects of international educational management.

Throughout the course you'll be building your research skills and gaining a broad base of knowledge. You'll put this to the test in your dissertation, when you complete an independent piece of research on a related topic of your choice by the end of the programme.

If you choose to study part-time, you'll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Theorising Childhood and Youth 30 credits
• Research with Children and Young People 30 credits
• Dissertation 60 credits

Optional modules

You will also choose two optional modules. One of which must be from the below:

• Children and young people: citizenship, participation and social justice 30 credits
• Child poverty and well-being 30 credits
• Children's family and personal relationships 30 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Childhood Studies MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Childhood Studies MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures as well as seminars, tutorials and workshops that allow you to discuss in more depth the issues arising from the course reading. However, independent study is also an important element of the degree, allowing you to pursue your own interests and develop your skills.

Assessment

Most of the modules on this programme are assessed by essays. However, for the Research with Children and Young People core module you will develop and submit your own research proposal.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with 2:1 (Hons) in a relevant discipline. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Education Postgraduate Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Education (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Education (10 weeks).

How to apply

• Apply (Full time)
• Apply (Part time)

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Fees

UK/EU: £7,500 (total)

International: £17,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

This programme has been designed to meet the needs of graduates who plan to use the knowledge and skills they will gain in a wide range of careers involving children. We expect this to include educational, social or health settings as well as NGOs. You'll also be prepared for further study in related areas such as education, social policy, sociology or psychology.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Placement opportunities

The MA Childhood Studies programme has links with both Leeds Children's Services and Tutti Frutti children's theatre company; both of which offer exclusive internship opportunities to students studying on this course.

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