Course summary

This MA is designed to allow students to build upon their knowledge and critically consider the theoretical and professional underpinning of working across childhood, youth and family services. The award includes a professional youth work qualification for students wanting to specialise in youth work. The aim of the MA in Childhood, Youth and Family Studies (professional youth work pathway) is to enable students to achieve: •A critical application of the evidence-based knowledge and skills acquired from theory, practice, research and policy to further develop and evidence their understanding of the changing contexts of childhood, youth and families in a globalised world •A robust theoretical framework and knowledge base to develop an integrated and critically aware understanding of childhood, youth and family studies and to cultivate a critical and analytical approach to contemporary methodological developments in the study of childhood, youth and families. •A critical exploration of the cultural and social constructions of childhood, youth and families, including the impacts that such constructions have on children and young people’s everyday lives. •An advanced knowledge of the complexity of understanding the relationship between children’s rights, the ideologies and responsibilities for welfare and the application of such in the diversity of experiences across children’s, young people’s and families lives. •Enhanced career prospects across professional boundaries within children’s and young people’s services by facilitating the identification and the application of new learning within professional contexts. •Enhanced capacity to independently evaluate relevant research and practice including the ability to synthesize information from a range of sources and to operate within a high level of student autonomy and self direction in their area of study •The development of skills required to design, implement, report and disseminate an original research study in their area of interest developing specialist knowledge and expertise in their field. •A consideration of how this knowledge enables them to engage in the sector through a number of course opportunities which will inform their decision making about future employability opportunities. These educational aims will allow you to achieve high levels of personal enquiry and the ability to understand and have knowledge of policy and practice policy with particular regard to children, young people and families. This knowledge, and the ability to apply it, together with the collaborative approach adopted in the teaching and learning strategy will offer you a transformative experience and equip you with the qualities and skills necessary for employment at a high level across the sector with a robust underpinning of theory developed from great thinkers from history. The professional youth work pathway will enable you to directly apply knowledge within your placement setting. These experiences will provide you with the opportunity to reflect and critically analyse your learning in situ. You will further evidence this learning in a portfolio demonstrating your ability to apply national occupational standards when working with young people.