(Full time) 2020 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 Childhood, Education and Social Justice, 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 – 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.
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 30 to 60 credits from the below
- Child poverty and well-being 30 credits
- Children's family and personal relationships 30 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
Up to 30 credits from the below:
- Creative Inquiry, Communication and Learning 30 credits
- Critical Perspectives on Leadership Theory and Practice 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 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).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadlines
International – 31 July
UK / EU – 31 July
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)
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
School of Education Postgraduate Admissions Policy 2020
Fees
- UK/EU: £9,000 (total)
- International: £19,500 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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.
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.
Study abroad and work placements
The MA Childhood Studies programme has links with Leeds Children's Services which offers exclusive internship opportunities to students studying on this course.