Education Children & Youth

This is suited to those working with children and young people across a range of professional and public services including education, psychology, social work, health, law, social policy, NGO and research settings. It is also suitable for people wanting a career change to working with children and youth.



The MSc Education, Children and Youth is an interdisciplinary programme specialising in research, policy and practice relating to children and young people.



The MSc Education, Children & Youth is an interdisciplinary programme specialising in research, policy and practice in relation to children and young people. Set in the context of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the programme explores key aspects of the welfare and well-being of children and young people from a multi-disciplinary perspective. It does so recognising the complexity and inter-dependence of issues facing contemporary childhoods and youth. The programme encourages students to develop along a trajectory of critical thinking and independent learning through a series of tailored reading programmes matched to programme aims. Content is covered through a combination of lectures, laboratory work, seminars and tutorials with a strong emphasis on collaborative group work and active learning, including the use of on-line resources and discussion. A range of assessment strategies are incorporated including essay, presentation, mind mapping and group project work.

Stage 1 Core Modules

EDUC41520 Children's Rights & Participation Autumn 10

EDUC42890 Research Methods (Blended) Autumn 10

EDUC42910 Research Methods 2 (Blended) Spring 10

EDUC42920 Children & Youth Dissertation Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:

Students must take at least one, but not necessarily both from the list below. But may take both



EDUC42590 Equalities, Social Justice and Children's Learning Autumn 10

EDUC43250 Wellbeing of Children and Youth Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - C) Min 2 of:

Option Modules

EDUC40310 Education Sciences: Psychology Applied to Schools Autumn 10

EDUC41500 Critical Policy Analysis Autumn 10

EDUC44150 Education for the 21st century Autumn 10

EDUC44160 Early Childhood Inclusion Autumn 10

EDUC44230 Childhood and Youth in Context Autumn 10

EDUC50190 Key Issues in Second Language Development Autumn 10

EDUC40420 Assessment in Inclusive and Special Education Spring 10

EDUC43870 Global Development Education Spring 10

Candidates applying to this programme will normally hold an upper second class honours degree (NFQ Level 8 or international equivalent) from a recognised higher education institution. Admission to this course is subject to an interview. We welcome international applicants and advise that applicants, whose first language is not English, should have an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6, or equivalent. Only applicants who have met the English language results will be considered.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:



Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

1 year full-time.

2 Years Part Time

W480 MSc Education, Children & Youth

Master of Science Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

This fast growing area is suited to those working with children and youth across a range of professional and public services including education, psychology, social work, health, law, social policy, NGO and research settings. It is also suitable for people wanting a career change to working with children and youth.