This programme provides students with the opportunity to gain an understanding of sociological, socio-legal and political theories and concepts of childhood and childrenÕs rights, including a recognition of the varied childhoods experienced by children in richer and poorer contexts. It also helps students develop their critical analytical skills and improve their theoretical understanding and professional practice when working with and for children.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of three core modules (90 credits), one optional module (30 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).
Careers
Graduates of this programme benefit from a wide variety of career destinations. Our graduates are currently working as international NGO staff, children's charity workers, child advocacy workers and policy advisors. As a result of studying on this MA, health professionals, legal practitioners, and educators have moved into positions of leadership and management. Graduates are also working as teachers and early years practitioners, while others have jobs as university and college lecturers and researchers. Inspired by their MA studies in a dynamic and growing field of academic scholarship, our graduates also go on to doctoral-level study.
Employability
Students on this MA will develop skills for:
- Conducting creative and participatory research with children
- Critically analysing childhood policy and professional practice with children
- Contributing to public debates about challenging issues ranging from child labour to childrenÕs use of social media
- Undertaking collaborative projects with diverse participants
- Exploring and developing innovative approaches to working with and for children
With a home in a vibrant centre of research on childhood and childrenÕs rights, students can build networks with research-active staff and students, attend departmental events with visiting childhood scholars, and find out about opportunities for internships with childrenÕs organisations.
Why study this degree at UCL?
This MA explores cutting-edge research and theorising aboutÊthe politics of children and childhood. Examining childhood in global contexts, as well as how childhood is cross-cut by class, ÔraceÕ, gender, and ability, will enable you to question taken-for-granted assumptions about children and childhood. Historical perspectives will support you to identify and examine how childhoods are shifting in contemporary contexts of neoliberalism, post-colonialism, conflict, and transnational migration.
You will have the opportunity to hear from internationally-renowned academics and leading international children's organisations, and engage with a diverse group of students from around the world.
The MA is based in UCL Social Science which houses five prestigious research-intensive units. Together they provide a foundation for world-leading work in childhood studies, social work, social pedagogy, and sociology of the family.
