MA in Sociology of Childhood and Children's Rights

Knowledge and understanding

We will:

• introduce you to the range of current theories about childhood and the practical issues of promoting children's rights
• critically explore the social construction of childhood, and the implication this has had, and continues to have, for professional practice with children
• enable you to take account of children's interests, views and rights, and understand the complex relationships between the protection, provision and participation rights defined by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Features

This programme will develop your:

• critical analytical skills, to help you improve your own professional practice
• theoretical, methodological and analytical skills
• understanding of sociological, socio-legal and political theories and concepts of childhood and children's rights, including a recognition of the varied childhoods experienced by children in the minority and majority worlds
• knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of people concerned with the care, education, health, welfare, advocacy or control of children and young people
• awareness of the importance of including children's own views when planning and providing for them.

Who is this programme for?

All those interested in the field of children's rights, especially those working in children's services such as health and education, social care and family policy, youth work and the justice system.

Attendance

Face-to-face evening sessions and a one-week intensive course during the Easter school holiday (spring vacation).

How are you assessed?

By coursework assignments and a dissertation of 20,000 words.

Entry requirements

A good first degree in social science, media or cultural studies, humanities, education or a related field, or a good first degree in another subject with experience in child care, health, education or children's advocacy. You should preferably have experience of working with and for children.