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.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 31st July 2024 at 4pm.

Course Structure
Hosted by the internationally renowned Centre for Children’s Rights, this MSc builds on existing specialisms across children’s rights law, policy and practice. A blended learning approach has been adopted which includes a mixture of face-to-face and online learning, traditional lectures, workshops, condensed modules, online discussion forums and guest speakers.

In addition to the core and optional modules listed on the Modules tab, you may choose modules from the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work.

The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete 120 CATS points from the taught modules and a 15,000 word dissertation (60 CATS points).

Exit qualifications are available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS points from taught modules.

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

Year 1
Core Modules
Children's Rights and Participation (20 credits)
Foundations of Children's Rights (20 credits)
Perspectives on Childhood and Youth (10 credits)
Childhood and Youth Research in Practice (10 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (20 credits)

Optional Modules
Youth and Social Justice (20 credits)
Qualitative Research with Children and Young People (10 credits)
Youth Justice: Theory, Law and Practice (20 credits)
Childhood Disability and Rights (20 credits)
Youth Justice and Desistance (20 credits)
Economic Impact of Childhood Interventions (10 credits)

Graduate
A 2.1 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline.

Applicants with a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University may also be considered if they have at least two years of professional experience in an education, training or relevant context.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 31st July 2024 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 Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

There are no written examinations. A variety of assessment methods will be used including assignments, online tests and participation in workshops. Students will have the option of undertaking research work for external organisations to submit as part of their dissertation.

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

Entry Year: 2024/25

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.