Children and Young People’s Participation and Leadership MA

What is special about this course?

The MA Children and Young Peoples Participation and Leadership is designed for any professional who works with children, young people and their families, with a special interest in facilitating their rights and active participation. With the new United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024, all adults in Scotland will need to implement this within their working lives, particularly if they work with, support or make decisions that will affect children and young people in Scotland.

This unique course is designed with special thanks to the Scottish Government, the Scottish Youth Parliament, Childrens Parliament Scotland, and relevant childrens rights organisations. With a strong focus on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), there is an opportunity to contextualise how childrens rights, active participation and child-led decisions are integrated within your professional role, and their place as a valued and meaningful part of this process.

An opportunity to examine the Childrens Rights Impact Assessments (CRIAs) that are implemented within the Scottish Government will support understanding of the way in which the UNCRC is given consideration to policy making. Critical thinking and evaluation will be encouraged, of both national and international perspectives in establishing a culture of childrens rights, to promote these rights as central to legislation, policies and practices for children and young people. This will enhance your understanding of the way in which the UNCRC underpins all aspects of leadership and participation within both Scotland and an international forum.

Special features

Modules developed in partnership with the Scottish Youth Parliament

Links with Scottish Youth Parliament, Scottish Government and Childrens Parliament Scotland

The course is available to study full time or part time, online through the universitys virtual learning environment (VLE), enabling you to fit your study around your personal and professional commitments

Course content enables students and professionals (already employed) to further their qualification base and to engage in professional development and dialogue on the topics discussed in this programme

You can choose to study individual modules for continuing professional development (CPD), or work towards the PgCert, PgDip, or full masters degree

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:

• Scottish Government Children and Families directorate
• Non-governmental organisations that promote, support and develop the UNCRC for children and young people
• Scottish Youth Parliament
• Childrens commissioner Scotland
• Any field that engages with children, young people and their families

You need 2:1 honours degree, or equivalent OR postgraduate diploma award or a professional qualification recognised as being equivalent to an honours degree. Applicants with a 2:2 honours degree or below, or with an ordinary degree or DipHE in a relevant subject, plus relevant professional experience may also be considered. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and/or Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) may also be claimed. Professional workforce with prior experience: Individuals who wish to participate in this programme but who do not yet meet the entry requirements will be looked at on an individual basis. Individuals with a wealth of previous experience within a relevant field i.e. education, childrens services, social services, police service, health service or third sector organisations will be considered.