Master of Arts Child, Youth and Family Studies

Course details

What is this course about?

This programme will be of interest to graduates of Early Childhood Education, Social Studies, Psychology, Social Science, Youth and Community Studies and related disciplines, as well as professionals in the broad social services delivery area (for example, social work, youth work, teaching, community work, early education, family support work). Its overall aim is to examine how human capacity can be enhanced across the lifespan in the socio-educational sector.

It will provide participants with a critical understanding of concepts and approaches to enabling individuals and groups to realise their potential. The programme aims to educate students to high levels of contemporary theoretical awareness and to create an atmosphere of rigorous academic enquiry and writing.

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the underlying theories and key concepts within child, youth and family studies and be able to critically examine the values and practices of key agencies which deliver human services within Ireland and in an international context.
• Analyse the current challenges and research areas within the context of the Child, Youth and Family environment and integrate and apply this knowledge to solve complex problems – this is consolidated through their dissertation. Graduates should be able to understand existing and new developments emerging within the contemporary social sciences environment and they should be able to conceptualise and synthesise theories and practices within these areas.
• Exhibit critical awareness of contemporary issues and problems relating to life-span development, cultural diversity and family and youth issues. They should be able to interpret changing socio-cultural values and lifestyles for different categories in Irish society.
• Demonstrate evidence of advanced research skills and techniques to a level that enables the student to undertake research as a professional career and/or at a higher level (e.g. PhD) and convey specialist knowledge of a particular aspect of child, youth and family studies through research and/or scholarship to a Level 9 standard (dissertation). The graduate will demonstrate competency regarding the ethical issues and dilemmas that may occur in child, youth and family research design and practice.
• Engage in scholarly debate at an academic, policy and practice based level on a range of child, youth and family issues.
• Develop, maintain and build upon professional relationships fostered throughout the programme with relevant external agencies in the field; critically evaluate self in relation to personal and professional development; and analytically reflect on their own values and social identity and employ these skills in an informed response to child, youth and family issues.
• Gather, assimilate, synthesise and analyse information from a range of sources, interpreting texts, formulating reasoned arguments and making ethical judgments about published research within a number of different contexts.
• Critically reflect on how the concerns of child, youth and family studies connect to and interact with wider social issues in contemporary society and in an international context.

What are the minimum entry requirements?

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education & Care Level 8, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies Level 8, Bachelor of Arts in Social & Community Studies Level 8, Bachelor of Arts in Youth & Community Work Level 8 or equivalent (minimum 2nd class honours).

Graduates of Level 8 degrees in Social Sciences or cognate area (minimum 2nd class honours).

Candidates with significant experience in the social sciences (as determined by RPL), in addition to an honours primary degree in another discipline area may also be considered for entry.

Applicants applying for entry via routes other than those listed above will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What subjects will I study?

• Contemporary Issues in Childhood and Youth
• Applied Psychology
• Perspectives on Family and Society
• Research Methods & Dissertation
• Leadership, Strategy & Governance

Electives

• Youth Justice
• Adult & Community Education
• Addiction Studies
• Child & Family Rights