Education, Children and Youth University College Dublin

Overview

The MSc Education, Children and Youth is offered at University College Dublin. Set in the context of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the programme explores key aspects of  the welfare and well-being of children and young people from a multi-disciplinary perspective.  It does so recognising the complexity and inter-dependence of issues facing contemporary childhoods and youth. 

The programme encourages students to develop along a trajectory of critical thinking and independent learning through a series of tailored reading programmes matched to programme aims. Content is covered through a combination of lectures, laboratory work, seminars and tutorials with a strong emphasis on collaborative group work and active learning, including the use of on-line resources and discussion.  A range of assessment strategies are incoroprated including essay, presentation, mind mapping and group project work.

Outcomes

• Have the ability to integrate knowledge and to reflect on wider disciplinary, scientific, professional, social and ethical responsibilities in conducting a research dissertation on a defined aspect of the lives of children and young people.
• Demonstrate and develop skills in self-directed and autonomous/self-directed learning through the completion of academic assignments and reports.
• Develop appropriate academic writing and communicative skills, engage in group work and presentation of core ideas, concepts and research findings.
• Show critical awareness of current policy and practice in relation to children’s rights, (especially as articulated in the UNCRC) and well-being and its application to a range of contexts across education, health and other sectors.