Adolescent Studies

This Master’s programme in Adolescent Studies is primarily designed for graduates in health, human and social sciences related programmes including such disciplines as social care, social work, nursing, psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, and programmes in cognate areas who wish to study at postgraduate level on either a full-time (over 1 Year) or part-time basis (over 2 Years) who seek to gain specialist knowledge of childhood and youth with a view to expanding their knowledge and understanding of children and young people under the age of 18.



This programme addresses the needs of practitioners and graduates who wish to develop their knowledge and professional competence in areas focusing on professionally supporting adolescent development.



With particular relevance to those with existing Level 8 qualifications in areas such as Early Learning & Care; Primary & Post Primary Education, nursing, social care, psychology, sociology, social science, youth work and community studies and related disciplines.



This programme has been designed to accommodate the needs of both new and recent graduates, as well as supporting those currently working children and young people’s wishing to advance or change career paths.



Applicants should be driven by a desire to be professional leaders and agents for change in supporting adolescents to realise their potential.

• Critical Perspectives on Child & Youth Development

• Research Methodologies & Design

• Interventions & Models of Care in Adolescent Practice

• Governance & Professional Leadership in Child and Adolescent Practice

• Contemporary Discourses in Youth Studies

• Practicum

• Dissertation

-Applicants will normally be required required to have successfully achieved a Level 2:2 award in a relevant Level 8 degree such as Early Learning & Care; Primary & Post Primary Education, nursing, social care, psychology, sociology, social science, youth work and community studies and related social science disciplines.

-Candidates with significant professional qualifications and or can demonstrate appropriate learning from experiential or other sources of learning may apply through a Recognition of Prior Learning route (RPL).

-All applicants will be required to attend for interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.

-In the case of overseas applications, whose first language is not English, applicants will have to provide either certification of completion of a primary degree through the medium of English or submit the official results of English Language competency demonstrated through the completion of English language proficiency tests indicating a minimum score of to B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).

Certification may be evidenced through the production of a certificate of IELTS Level 6.5 or equivalent) or equivalent competency tests, if applicable.

-All international applicants must meet the visa requirements for study in Ireland.

-Successful applicants are required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.

-If you have any queries in relation to this course then please contact the college on 061 216288 or email us at info@ichas.ie. A member of the Admissions team will be happy to assist you

How will I be assessed?


The programme has been designed to enable learners to demonstrate their academic and reflective learning in appropriate ways. The assessment strategy accommodates different learning styles and therefore the programme assesses learners using a range of practical assignments, essays, learning journals, examinations, reflective exercises and projects.


ICHAS has always, and will continue to work closely with students to employ a range of assessment activities, and support students to achieve their best in each type of assessment activity. We recognise that many students may not have studied in a long time and we have developed systems and individual approaches to support students as they adapt to higher education.


The final year dissertation is a central part of the Masters programme and each student is provided with a supervisor for the entire period of their dissertation.

Total Credits 90

1 Year ( Full Time) 2 Years ( Part Time)

Available at our Dublin and Limerick Campuses.



Learners can complete this course on a full-time basis over 1 year and a part-time basis over 2 years. Students would normally require attendance in person (either in class or on Zoom) on 1 evening per week (6pm to 9pm) and Saturdays (9.30 am to 4.30 pm) in the academic year from September to July.



The timetable has been structured to optimise the utilisation of online learning via Zoom allowing learners the opportunity to attend in person or using on-line facilities.

€3,000 Normally (€6,050)

Intake Date: September 2025

Where Can I progress to on completion of the course?

On successful completion of the MA in Adolescent Studies, learners will be qualified to access Level 10 Programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).