Children and Young People’s Participation and Leadership MA

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

The MA Children and Young People’s 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, Children’s Parliament Scotland, and relevant children’s 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 children’s 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 Children’s 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 children’s 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.