Childhood & Youth

This postgraduate degree provides an interdisciplinary approach to childhood and youth studies, blending theory, policy, and practice. Ideal for graduate professionals or those looking to move into this field, it enhances understanding and develops practice through global case studies linking theory to practical applications. The programme explores diverse contexts of young lives, policy changes, and critical reflective practice. A flexible dissertation module allows for a small-scale inquiry or extended literature review and research proposal. While it does not provide professional recognition, graduates with backgrounds in Childhood and Youth Studies, Early Years, Education Studies, Social Work, or Health and Social Care will find this degree particularly relevant.



This qualification does not provide professional recognition and additional study could be required to meet professional requirements.

Modules (Module) Credits

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:



Stage 1, 60 credits from:

• Children and young people’s worlds (E808) 60



Or, if you have successfully completed EE806, you may count this module towards Stage 1 of this qualification.



Stage 2, 60 credits from:

• Frameworks for critical practice with children and young people (E809) 60



Stage 3, 60 credits from:

• Masters multi-disciplinary dissertation: education, childhood and youth (E822)60



You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

You must have a bachelors degree from a UK university (or equivalent) to study this course. Your degree can be in any subject, although childhood and youth studies, sociology, health and social care, anthropology, psychology or education are particularly relevant.



The multi-disciplinary dissertation at Stage 3 – Masters multi-disciplinary dissertation: education, childhood and youth? (E822) – provides optionality (as do other modules in the qualification in which you are required to engage with research activity), to either undertake a small-scale investigation or an extended literature review and research proposal.



Please note: It is a legal requirement in the UK, rather than an Open University requirement, that you must obtain Enhanced DBS clearance (or equivalent in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) in order to work with children on the module, Masters multi-disciplinary dissertation: education, childhood and youth? (E822). This is the responsibility of you and your employer and not The Open University. If you are in doubt about your eligibility, or to find out more, you should contact the relevant agency in the country in which you are proposing to conduct your study for more information.



Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 7 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

180 credits

3 years part-time study



How long it takes

Most students study the MA in Childhood and Youth part-time, completing 60 credits a year over three years. Typically, this means 13–19 study hours each week.



You must complete the MA in Childhood and Youth within seven years.

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance

This MA course will be attractive to professionals working with children and young people who are graduates and seeking to advance academically and professionally, as well as those with a related degree but not currently working with children and young people who are looking to move into the profession, and people considering moving between professions within the sector. It should also be of interest to people in a managerial or supervisory role, to senior members of the workforce, and those seeking to move into senior or managerial positions.



This MA in Childhood and Youth will have a strong appeal for students who have completed the BA (Honours) in Childhood and Youth Studies, BA (Honours) Early Years or Early Childhood, BA (Honours) Education Studies (Primary) or the BA (Honours) in Health and Social Care. The content of the qualification will be relevant to graduates working in early years provision, education, social work, nursing, healthcare, youth work, youth justice and the voluntary sector including charities and NGOs. You should ensure that you check entry requirements for specific professional areas before embarking on study.



Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.