Introduction
MA Childhood Studies is a taught Masters programme which takes an informed and critical approach to the academic study of childhood studies. This programme would be of interest to undergraduates looking to progress to the postgraduate level and professionals interested in specialised or advanced study of childhood.
The MA Childhood Studies is an interdisciplinary course with a strong emphasis in the social sciences, including perspectives drawn from sociology, social policy, anthropology, geography and history. The course is informed by the United National Rights of the Child (UNCRC) framework and is committed to a child-centred philosophy. Modules will reflect on the principles of protecting the rights and interests of children and young people, and the increasing importance of their participation in these discussions. This curriculum is continually updated and developed to reflect the changing landscape of childhood studies.
Enhance your Employability
The curriculum encourages students to develop their own interests and professional practice through the dynamic study of childhood. This postgraduate programme supplements a BA (Hons) degree and provides an advanced understanding of current, sometimes controversial, topics facing children, such as media, sexualities, embodiment, death and politics. In the current move towards evidence-based practices, the research skills gained through this degree will help to enhance your career prospects and give you the leading edge on current practice.
Whether you want to develop niche expertise or refine analytical or research skills, this course will give you the ability to demonstrate self-direction, autonomy, and it will provide up-to-date, in-depth knowledge of social policies affecting children and families.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
This degree uses a flexible, blended approach, so face-to-face lectures, seminars, and tutorial support are complemented by online resources, interactive learning tools, and self-study materials. All modules are designed to offer students a shared learning experience with other students and module tutors while remaining flexible to demands of everyday life. Additionally, the course team incorporate a wide variety of assessment strategies, which may include formats such as essays and reports, critical reviews and commentaries, informed discussion and debate, analytical exercises, individual or group presentations, and project-based or work-experience reflections. In the final stages of your degree, you also have the opportunity to conduct a small-scale research project with the support and guidance of experienced supervisors who are experts in their field. All taught sessions to take place at our main campus in Ipswich and online materials are made available through the online learning environment, Brightspace.
Course Aims
To offer an innovative, dynamic and flexible programme that critically considers developments in the academic study of childhood and the changing contexts of childhood in a globalised world. 
To critically explore the cultural and social constructions of childhood and the implications that they have had and continue to have on children's everyday lives.
To advance students knowledge of the complexity of understanding the relationship between children's rights, the ideologies and responsibilities for welfare and the lived realities of children's diverse experiences.
To provide a robust theoretical framework for students to develop an integrated and critically aware understanding of childhood studies and to cultivate a critical and analytical approach to contemporary methodological advances in childhood research.
To develop in students a range of intellectual skills reflecting both the ethos of lifelong learning and the rigour required at Masters level, a high level of student autonomy and self-direction in order to facilitate the student to demonstrate initiative, originality alongside integrity and ethical judgement in their advanced scholarship and to become influential and effective specialists in the field of childhood studies.
Course modules
Taught modules run from September to June, and the summer is used for independent study and research. Taught sessions take place on Saturdays at the University of Suffolk main campus in Ipswich, leaving the rest of the week for independent study and work experience. To attain the full MA, you will need 180 credits, for the PgDip 120 credits, and for the PgCert 60 credits.
The course has three essential, core modules and a number of optional modules. Core modules include:
Critical Perspectives in Childhood Studies (40 credits)
Research Methods (20 credits) 
Dissertation (60 credits) 
The following optional modules will be run in the 2020-2021 academic year:
Embodied Childhoods (20 credits)  
Leadership in the Context of Children's Services (20 credits)
Enhancing Practice to Empower Looked After Children: Trauma, Attachment and Educational Provision (20 credits)
Independent Learning: Short Project (20 credits)
A full-time student can expect to study 120 credits from September to June and undertake their dissertation in the summer term. A part-time student will take either 40, 60, or 80 credits per year as taught modules, and finish their dissertation after all taught modules are completed.
If you have further questions about the content of modules or would like to see a draft timetable, please get in touch with the course leader, Maureen Haaker.
Fees and finance
2021-22
Full-time tuition fee: £8,235
Part-time tuition fee: £915 per 20 credits
International tuition fee: £12,150
Further Information
20% reduction in fees for University of Suffolk graduates
At the University of Suffolk, your tuition fees provide access to all the usual teaching and learning facilities that you would expect. However, there may be additional costs associated with your course that you will need to budget for.
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
A 2:2 minimum classification or equivalent from an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic or UKVI): 6.5 overall, and a minimum of 5.5 in each component
Cambridge Assessment English: C1 Advanced Certificate in Advanced English minimum overall score of 180, no less than 162 in each component
Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic): CEFR C1 Level
TESA (Test of English for Studies Abroad): 6.5 overall, and a minimum of 5.5 in each component
TOEFL iBT (only acceptable for students who do not require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK): 93 overall with a minimum of 12 in reading, 11 in listening, 17 in speaking and 20 in writing
University of Suffolk Password Skills Test: 6.5/7.0 overall, and a minimum of 5.5 in each component
