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MA Childhood and Youth Wellbeing Studies

Start Date: 7th September 2026

NCUC Facilities Children And Young People 05

Length 1 year
Study Full-Time
Location Teaching Development Centre
Price £6,000

Qualification Gained

MA Childhood and Youth Wellbeing Studies (awarded by NCG)

Levels Explained

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More about the course

The MA Childhood and Youth Wellbeing Studies is designed to offer students a broader underpinning knowledge of children and young people in a variety of theoretical and practical contexts. Specifically, the programme draws upon historical and contemporary ideas and explores children and young people through education, social and health policy in relation to physical and mental health and wellbeing. Our teaching staff are vocationally experienced having worked in the sector for many years. You will also learn from leading academics who are developing research in their respective fields.

This course is for graduates from a range of disciplines wishing to extend their knowledge and professional capacity in working with children and young people. It is also for professionals aiming to extend their knowledge through research and specialise in a particular area of childhood and/or youth wellbeing.

You may already have a professional qualification in social work, health, teaching, youth work, early years or related fields and wish to specialise further in the field of childhood and youth studies. This MA presents an ideal opportunity for leaders, project managers, policy officers, and general practitioners to extend their knowledge and employment options in a range of settings that support and promote children and young people’s wellbeing.

Whatever your level, this MA provides an excellent step into doctoral-level study in any academic discipline or profession concerned with childhood and youth.

Entry requirements

Applicants will usually have a minimum of a lower-second class degree (2:2) in a related social science or health field.

Applicants will be required to complete an on-entry assessment task. This will be used to identify any additional support with academic writing required for postgraduate study.

GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent) is expected.

In exceptional circumstances, if you do not hold the necessary academic requirements, but have significant professional experience, you may be accepted on to the programme if you can demonstrate the ability to study at postgraduate level through successful completion of the on-entry assessment task.

Some experience in the vocational area of children and young people (paid or voluntary) is desirable.

If English is not the student's first language, they will need an IELTS score of 5.5 or above.

You will be required to submit two suitable references from either an employer or academic institution.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve a MA Childhood and Youth Wellbeing Studies (awarded by NCG).

What will I learn?

Semester One

Transitions to Masters (10 credits)
Advanced Research Methods (20 credits)
Childhood and Youth in Context (30 credits)

Semester Two

Children and Young People's Wellbeing (20 credits)
Personal Enquiry and Reflection (40 credits)
Advanced Research Methods and Dissemination (60 credits).

How is the course taught?

Lectures
Tutorials
Seminars
Group work
Reflective accounts

How am I assessed?

Written essays
Reports
Presentations
Posters
Research projects
Reflective journal

Work Experience

Your studies will be enhanced by guest speakers, drawn from a range of support services to complement taught sessions (such as the LA Wellbeing Service, counselling services and wellbeing services at NCG).

When studying the Personal Enquiry and Reflection module, you may have the opportunity to work-shadow professionals within the children's and young people's services, depending on the area of your enquiry.

Where can I progress?

Successful completion of the MA Childhood and Youth Wellbeing Studies provides an excellent step into doctoral-level study in any academic discipline or profession concerned with childhood and youth wellbeing.

Future career paths include (but are not limited to) teaching and coaching, social care, social work, youth work, health-related careers other than nursing, or the voluntary sector - including international child development and research within think tanks and related knowledge-based industries.

Course costs and information

Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.

Fees for international students vary depending on the course. Find out more about international fees and payments.

It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes here.

Sonia Gray

Programme Lead | Early Years

"I have worked in the childcare sector for over 15 years as a Nursery Manager, SENCo and a Safeguarding Lead. Over this period, I have supported students within the sector to gain skills, experiences and knowledge which supported their placement experiences."