Childhood & Adolescent Studies

Looking to develop your career in early childhood adolescents development?



This Master's Degree is an ICHAS (Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences) programme. ICHAS are responsible for its delivery & all academic matters pertaining to it.



Students on this programme will be taught across two campuses in Limerick - both at ICHAS Limerick and Griffith College Limerick.



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 throughout adolescent years.



Learners on the full-time route would study and submit for assessment 4 modules in Semester 1 (40 ECTS). In the semester learners focus on fundamental modules associated with the programme, while in addition this on the full-time option, are also taught a 10 ECTS module on Research Methodologies and Design to support them with their Dissertation Module. The Dissertation Module commences in Semester 1 and is due for completion and submission in Semester 3 for full-time students.



In Semester 2, learners will complete a total of 30 ECTS of topic focussed learning as well as completing their Practicum module (10 ECTS).



Students will complete the Programme on submission of their Dissertation Module at the end of Semester 3.



Work Placement

Placement will be conducted in relevant professional settings that provide an opportunity for learners to apply the theoretical and practical aspects of the programme. The Practicum will be assessed by means of Case Work assessment and the presentation of a detailed Professional Reflective Portfolio which will track students' professional experience while on placement and supported by supervisory arrangements. Assessment of the professional placement experience will provide the opportunity for the learner to apply the theoretical and practical elements of the programme and to engage with in-depth reflection, leading to critical self-evaluation and professional enrichment.



In-Service Placement

This option is designed for students who are already working within a relevant field of study. Students will be required to undertake a project within their place and/or sphere of practice with 15 hours of supervision arranged through the Practicum module. This will include mentoring or small group tutoring with 5 hours of direct 1 to 1 placement supervision. All students will be required to submit a proposal to the Placement's Department for review and approval before commencing to Practicum.



Practice Placement

This option is for students who are not currently working within a relevant domain of practice or for students who wish to undertake a placement in a setting they feel will broaden their existing expertise. For this option, all learners will be required to undertake a minimum of 150 hours of practice placement, with 15 hours of supervision arranged through the Practicum module, this will include mentoring or small group tutoring with 5 hours of direct 1 to 1 placement supervision. Students will be responsible for finding their own placement setting in conjunction with the Placement Manager. All students are required to make formal placement proposals which are assessed by the Module Leader and Placement Manager in advance of commencing placements. There are also a series of documents that must be completed on conclusion of the placement all of which are available in the Practicum module on the LMS.



For any student that cannot complete a placement, an alternative assignment will be assigned to the Practicum module.



Why study with ICHAS?

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 workplace, including those wishing to advance their careers or indeed change careers.



Applicants should be driven by a desire to be professional leaders and agents for collegial support and change; recognising the special contribution that higher education can make to professionals involved in supporting children to realise their potential. Develop your critical analytical skills and your understanding of the principles driving different research methods.



Develop learner's knowledge, skills & competence to an appropriate level of 'Higher Order Practice'. Modules within the programme are designed to build personal capacity, collaborative problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the systems and content within which individuals may be best supported. The programme provides a progression opportunity to complete a range of Programmes at Level 10 nationally and internationally.

The following are the modules offered on this course which means a total of 90 ECTS have to completed for the Award of MA in Childhood and Adolescent Studies. Learners on this course will also complete a Practicum module (10 ECTS).



• Critical Perspectives on Child & Youth Development

• Research Methodologies & Design

• Governance & Professional Leadership in Child and Adolescent Practice

• Practicum

• Dissertation

• Students Choose one of the following elective modules:

• Curricular & Pedological Approaches in Early Learning

• Interventions & Modules of Care in Adolescent Practice

• Contemporary Discourses in Early Learning and Care

• Contemporary Discourses in Youth Studies

Domestic Applicants

• 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.

• Applicants must hold a relevant Level 8 programme BA(Hons) or a BSc(Hons) in Psychology at a minimum of a 2.2 standard.

• All applicants will be required to have a minimum of ordinary-level maths at Leaving Certificate standard or be able to demonstrate equivalent competency in maths at this level.

• All applicants are required to be over 23 years of age.

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

• Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.



International Applications

• If English is not your native language you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard, i.e B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5.

• International students will have to provide evidence that they can satisfy the eligibility requirements for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland or the British Psychological Society.

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

• All applicants are required to be over 23 years of age.

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

• Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.

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

Intake Dates

Limerick - Full-Time - September 2025

Dublin - Full-Time, Part-Time - September 2025

Limerick - Part-Time - September 2025

Limerick - Full-Time - September 2026

Limerick - Part-Time - September 2026

Dublin - Full-Time, Part-Time - September 2026

Please contact ichas@griffith.ie for further information on part-time option in Griffith College Dublin/Limerick campuses.

Career Progression

The opportunities embedded within the MA in Childhood & Adolescent Studies for the development and demonstration of critical thinking skills, and theoretical knowledge prepares graduates to lead, educate, and advocate effectively in the contexts in which they are working.



Examples of such roles include:

• Project Worker - Family Support Projects

• Youth Workers

• Afterschool Assistant

• Childcare Development Officer

• Youth Advocate



Academic Progression

This programme provides a progression opportunity to complete a range of Programmes at Level 10 nationally and internationally.