(Full time) 2023 start
Childhood Studies MA
Overview
This innovative MA takes a global and multi-disciplinary approach to the social study of childhood and youth (from 0-18 years).
Drawing on sociology, psychology, anthropology, history, philosophy, human geography and inclusive education among others, this programme will give you an understanding of the lives of children and young people in different social, cultural and educational contexts around the world.
Core modules will give you a sound knowledge of concepts and approaches in the study of childhood, but you’ll also be able to choose optional modules to suit your interests and career aspirations.
Research Insight
MA Childhood Studies is taught in collaboration with the Centre for Inclusion, Childhood and Youth, which brings together researchers from across the University who have an interest in research with children and young people.
It also collaborates with the Centre for Research on Families, Lifecourse and Generations (FLaG) in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, a forum for researchers and research users which offers a wide range of seminars, workshops and training to help you expand your knowledge for a wide range of careers.
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 Social Sciences to suit your interests and career plans.
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.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Dissertation 60 credits
- Theorizing Childhood and Youth 30 credits
- Research with Children and Young People 30 credits
- Plus at least 30 credits from the following modules:
- Child poverty and well-being 30 credits
- Children's family and personal relationships 30 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
Students who are not studying 180 credits from the above may study 30 credits from the below modules:
- Creative Inquiry, Communication and Learning 30 credits
- Directed Study in Education 1 30 credits
- Directed Study in Education 2 30 credits
- Digital Education in Practice 30 credits
- Designing Digital Education 30 credits
- Special Educational Needs: Inclusive Curriculum 30 credits
- Developmental Disorders II: Attention Deficit Disorder and Autistic Spectrum Disorder 30 credits
- Teaching Languages to Young Learners 30 credits
Learning and teaching
We use a range of learning and teaching methods, including seminars, tutorials, online learning 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.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Most of the modules on this programme are assessed by essays. However, for the compulsory module Research with Children and Young People, you will develop and submit your own research proposal.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree (hons) with a 2:1 or non-UK equivalent in a relevant discipline. We will consider applicants with alternative qualifications and experience on an individual basis.
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
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Education (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Education (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. You could study a part-time online course starting in January, or a full-time course in summer. Find out more about online pre-sessionals.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Application deadlines
International – Thursday 29 June 2023
UK – Friday 18 August 2023
If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.
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.
Documents and information we will need include:
Original or certified copies of your transcripts
Original or certified copies of your degree certificate
Original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language)
Please note that you may need a DBS or background check for this course. While it is not an entry requirement, you will only need to have a DBS or background check if you would like to conduct research with children and young people as part of your research project in semester two. To find out more, please visit the section on administrative fees on our Additional Costs page. If you are an international applicant, please also check the process of applying for a background check in your home country before coming to Leeds.
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.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
Fees
- UK: £10,750 (total)
- International: £22,250 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
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.
The School of Education usually offers a number of scholarships each year. Find out more on the School's scholarships page.
Career opportunities
The MA Childhood Studies course has been designed to meet the needs of both international and UK students of childhood and youth, including practitioners who intend to work with children in educational, social, health or Non-Governmental Organisational settings. It will also enable students to pursue an academic career: for example, future doctoral study in 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.