MA Childhood Studies

at University of Suffolk

Taught modules run from September to June, and the summer is used for independent study and research. Taught sessions take place on Saturdays at University of Suffolk main campus in Ipswich, leaving the rest of the week for independent study and work experience. To attain the full MA, you will need 180 credits, for the PgDip 120 credits, and for the PgCert 60 credits.
 

The course has three essential, core modules and a number of optional modules. Core modules include:

• Making Children: The Social Construction of Childhood since 1870 (20 credits)
• Critical Perspectives in Childhood Studies (20 credits)
• Research Methods (20 credits) 
• Dissertation (60 credits) 
   

You then can select three optional modules. The following is a list of our optional modules for the 2021-2022 academic year:

• Empowering Looked After Children (20 credits)
• Globalisation, Social Justice and Children’s Rights (20 credits)
• Children’s Literature: Through the Looking Glass (20 credits)
• The Time of their Lives? Childhood and Risk in the British Empire since 1800 (20 credits)
• Creative Arts in Childhood Studies (20 credits)
• Systematic Review Methodology (20 credits)
   

A full-time student can expect to study 120 credits from September to June and undertake their dissertation in the summer term. A part-time student will take either 40, 60, or 80 credits per year as taught modules, and finish their dissertation after all taught modules are completed.
 

Academic Requirements

• An Undergraduate degree with a minimum classification of 2:2. An appropriate work placement may be required.
• Please call our Clearing Hotline, 01473 338348, to discuss your qualifications and suitability for 2022 entry.

• UK full-time tuition fee: £8,496 p.a.
• UK part-time tuition fee: £944 per 20 credits (please contact the Student Centre for further information)
• International tuition fee: £12,996 p.a.

The curriculum encourages students to develop their own interests and professional practice through the dynamic study of childhood. This postgraduate programme supplements a BA (Hons) degree and provides an advanced understanding of current, and challenging issues facing practitioners, including good practices for diversity and inclusion, body image issues, trauma and risk, and social justice. In the current move towards evidence-based practices, the research skills gained through this degree will help to enhance your career prospects and give you the leading edge on current practice. A postgraduate degree can help you advance to work on an international level for governmental agencies and public bodies or to take up a leadership position within your current workplace. A postgraduate degree also gives you advanced research methods training needed for further study, such as a PhD or other advanced training programmes, including counselling and social work.
 

Whether you want develop niche expertise or refine analytical or research skills, this course will give you the ability to demonstrate self-direction, autonomy, and it will provide an up-to-date, in-depth knowledge of social policies affecting children and families.