Childhood & Adolescent Studies

This programme addresses the needs of practitioners and graduates who wish to develop their knowledge and professional competence in areas focusing on professionally supporting childhood development as well as development throughout Adolescents years. This programme would be of particular relevance to existing Level 8 graduates of programmes 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 those students currently holding positions in the children and young people’s workforce, including those wishing to advance their careers or indeed change careers.



Structure of Course



On acceptance of their place on the course, learners are required to attend an induction day. This covers all aspects of the programme content, delivery, assessment, and requirements. Induction provides the learner with an opportunity to become familiar with the environment, peers, and faculty members.



Learners can complete this course on a full-time basis over 1 year and on a part-time basis over 2 years. classes are offered on a blended basis, where student have the option to attend class online of attend class in person in a traditional classroom form. Evening classes will take place from (6 pm to 9 pm) and Saturdays (9.30 am to 4.30 pm) throughout the academic year from September to July.



Those students who exit the programme without completion of their Dissertation will be eligible for an Exit Award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Childhood and Adolescent Studies.



The following are the modules that have to be completed on this course which means a total of 90 ECTS have to completed for the Award of MA in Adolescent Studies.



Semester 1



Each learner on the Full-Time route would study and submit for assessment 4 modules in Semester 1 (40 ECTS), while those on the Part-Time Route would submit 2 Modules (20 ECTS).



Learners focus on fundamental Modules associated with the programme and on the full-Time option, are also taught a 10 ECTS Module on Research Methodologies and Design to support them with their Dissertation Module.



Semester 2



In Semester 2, learners on both the Full-Time and Part Time options will complete a total of 30 ECTS of topic focused learning as well as commencing their Practicum module (10 ECTS) and are assessed on this body of work by the end of the First Semester. Students will undertake a minimum of 150 hours of direct engagement in child or adolescent practice in approved settings or engage in other project work associated with such practice during their Practicum module. All learners will be supported with 15 hours of supervision arranged by the College, 10 of which would be mentoring or small group tutoring with 5 hours of direct 1 to 1 placement supervision



Semester 3



Students will complete the Programme on submission of their Dissertation Module at the end of Semester 3 on the full-time route and Semester 5 of the Part-time route.



Semester 4 (Part Time)



In Semester 4 student on the Part-Time Route would submit 2 Modules (20 ECTS).



Semester 5 (Part Time)



In Semester 5 learners will complete their Placement (work-based learning) (10 ECTS) and their Dissertation(30ECTS)



Those students who exit the programme without completion of their Dissertation will be eligible for an Exit Award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Childhood and Adolescent Studies.



Who Awards My Qualification?

On successful completion of the programme, your qualification is awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). QQI is one of the principal Irish awarding bodies for 3rd level education in Ireland and sets the standards for awards on the NFQ. Because this programme is both validated and awarded by QQI, the Award you receive is recognised in Ireland and internationally. See www.qqi.ie for further information.

The following are the modules that have to be completed on this course which means a total of 90 ECTS have to completed for the Award of MA in Childhood and Adolescent Studies



Name of Module Mandatory / Elective ECTS (Credits)



Critical Perspectives on Child & Youth Development M 10

Research Methodologies & Design M 10

Governance & Professional Leadership in Child and Adolescent Practice M 10

Practicum M 10

Dissertation M 30



Student Choose one of the following elective modules

Curricular & Pedological Approaches in Early Learning E 10

Interventions & Models of Care in Adolescent Practice E 10



Students Choose one of the following elective modules

Contemporary Discourses in Early Learning and care E 10

Contemporary Discourses in Youth Studies E 10

The knowledge, skills, and competence required to successfully participate in and complete this Level 9 programme will normally require applicants to have successfully achieved a Level 2:2 award in a relevant Level 8 degree.



Those who have completed other relevant educational programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification, and assignments equivalent to an appropriate Level 8 award at an Honours 2:2 standard, can also be considered. Candidates over 23 years of age who hold 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). For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. Candidates may study on either a full-time or part-time basis.



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 would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.

1 Year (Full Time) (Evening Programme) 2 Years ( Part Time). Available at our Dublin and Limerick Campuses.

Start Date: September 2025

Where Can I progress to on completion of the course?

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