Children, Youth and International Development MA

The Children, Youth and International Development MA will equip you with the conceptual understanding and breadth of empirical knowledge to critically evaluate policy and practice in the area of children, youth and development. The core modules focus on key issues relating to children, youth and international development, including the rights and participation of young people. They also prepare students in research design and practice. The optional modules offer a unique opportunity to appreciate in depth how children and youth-related issues are addressed from alternative disciplinary perspectives. This programme is unique within the UK in catering specifically for those working, or interested in working, in the field of children, youth and international development. It employs innovative teaching and assessment methods and offers students the opportunity to engage in placement learning or an Erasmus exchange with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. Students can undertake a sustained project with an external organisation as part of a placement module. This may be an organisation with which they already have links, such as a current of former employer.

Aims: Working with and for young people in the Global South offers an exciting career full of challenges and rewards. This MA provides a varied programme with a global perspective that equips students for roles at senior levels in international development organisations, government ministries and global agencies.

The programme equips you with: The conceptual understanding and breadth of empirical knowledge that will enable you to critically evaluate research, policy and practice in the area of children, youth and development; An understanding of differing disciplinary perspectives on childhood and youth, and their theoretical and empirical contributions; The skills necessary to design and undertake research relating to children, youth and international development; Methodological, cognitive and transferable skills and substantive knowledge that will prepare you for employment, further study and civic engagement. Students from the programme have progressed to a variety of careers in different types of organisations, primarily in international development NGOs or in government ministries and agencies in countries in the global south. A number have pursued PhDs following completion of the MA.

Applicants need to have a UK 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent internationally recognised qualification in a social science, education studies, childhood studies, youth work, international relations, development studies or related discipline. Other disciplines and qualifications with relevant experience in international development work or work with children or young people will be considered on an individual basis and an interview may be required.