Children's Rights

Overview

This programme meets the increasing demand for a postgraduate qualification in Children's Rights, explicitly focused on interdisciplinary research and child rights-based research methods.



The programme aims to provide high-level knowledge and skills in children's rights law and practice of value to those working with and for children, including public officials and NGOs as well as educators, social workers and health care providers.



The programme will develop your expertise in two distinct but interconnected areas:



Children's Rights - using the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant international standards to evaluate the laws, policies and practices which affect children.



Research with Children - evaluating the best methods of conducting research into children's lives with a particular focus on approaches which involve children actively in the research process.



The course will provide you with a thorough grounding in these two areas and the opportunity to explore a range of contexts in which these perspectives can be used to better understand children’s lives and secure improved outcomes for children.

Core Modules

Dissertation (60 credits)

Childhood and Youth Research in Practice (10 credits)

Foundations of Children's Rights (20 credits)

Perspectives on Childhood and Youth (10 credits)

An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (20 credits)

Children's Rights and Participation (20 credits)



Optional Modules

Childhood Disability and Rights (20 credits)

Youth and Social Justice (20 credits)

Youth Justice: Theory, Law and Practice (20 credits)

Qualitative Research with Children and Young People (10 credits)

Economic Impact of Childhood Interventions (10 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Closing date for applications: Friday 31st July at 4pm



Late applications may be considered.



Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

1 year (Full Time), 3 years (Part Time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

There is increasing demand for high-level skills in interdisciplinary research, participatory research methods and knowledge of children's rights. Professionals within children/human rights-focused NGOs, public officials, educators, social workers and health professionals who work with children should find this degree beneficial. The MSc is a good foundation for students wishing to pursue their own research through doctoral study.



Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.



Previous graduates have been successful in gaining jobs with international and national children’s rights NGOs while others have gone on to pursue doctoral study. Many of our graduates have also undertaken the course as a form of professional development within their existing careers in areas such as law, medicine, education, social work and policy development.