Social Sciences (International Childhood)

You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject such as social sciences or other human sciences. It may be possible to join the course without a degree if you are in full-time employment, have a minimum of five years’ work experience, and can demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development through a portfolio and written statement. An interview will form part of the selection process if you do not meet the degree requirements outlined above.

How do children see the world? Does where they’re born, and how they’re raised, make a difference to this? On our MA Social Sciences (International Childhood) course, you’ll explore the historical, geographical and cultural definitions of childhood across continents, civilisations and centuries. You’ll gain new perspectives on their rights and lived experiences. Compulsory and optional modules are delivered through blended learning. You’ll explore topics such as child mental health, social relations, and children’s experiences of national and international migration. You’ll develop critical study skills, master social science research methods and work on a substantial independent research project. You also have the choice of an international field trip. Visiting a different country will give you a fresh perspective on childhoods completely different to your own experience. Or you can take everything you’ve learned and apply it during a work placement. This course is also ideal for those working with children, including teachers and recent graduates.

You will be assessed through a combination of workbooks, essays, reflective journals, independent projects and a dissertation. There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this programme.