Course summary
This postgraduate degree provides an interdisciplinary approach to childhood and youth studies, blending theory, policy, and practice. Ideal for graduate professionals or those looking to move into this field, it enhances understanding and develops practice through global case studies linking theory to practical applications. The programme explores diverse contexts of young lives, policy changes, and critical reflective practice. A flexible dissertation module allows for a small-scale inquiry or extended literature review and research proposal. While it does not provide professional recognition, graduates with backgrounds in Childhood and Youth Studies, Early Years, Education Studies, Social Work, or Health and Social Care will find this degree particularly relevant. Key features of the course
- Equips you with the critical tools to analyse policy and to reflect on your own practice.
- Designed to help you develop professionally and meet the diverse and changing needs of children and young people.
- A strong focus on multi-agency working and inter-professional practice.
- Offers a choice between a small-scale inquiry or an extended literature review and research proposal.
- Gives you the option to count your previous study towards this qualification, helping you pay less and finish sooner.
Modules
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits by completing three compulsory modules.
Entry requirements
You must have a bachelors degree from a UK university (or equivalent) to study this course. Your degree can be in any subject, although childhood and youth studies, sociology, health and social care, anthropology, psychology or education are particularly relevant. Please note: It is a legal requirement in the UK, rather than an Open University requirement, that you must obtain Enhanced DBS clearance (or equivalent in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) in order to work with children on the module, Masters multi-disciplinary dissertation: education, childhood and youth (E822). This is the responsibility of you and your employer and not The Open University. If you are in doubt about your eligibility or to find out more, you should contact the relevant agency in the country in which you are proposing to conduct your study for more information. Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 7 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
As fees for individual modules can vary, the total cost you pay for your qualification depends on the modules you choose to study. For further information about fees, please refer to the course description on The Open University website.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ