Childhood and Education

This course aims to develop your critical understanding of a wide range of topics and debates relevant to the lives and education of children. It includes the study of significant research-informed perspectives which underpin both ethical practice and policy relevant to the diverse and complex nature of society.

Our MA focuses on several key childhood and education themes within a framework of diversity, culture and identity, which challenges marginalisation and exclusion.

You will explore key theoretical perspectives and develop a critical understanding of the effects of social exclusion and a range of cultural, societal, political, historical, philosophical, global and economic factors on diverse childhoods. In addition, you will gain an understanding of both the formal and informal contexts for learning and development within related disciplines and professions - elements that are emphasised throughout the MA programme.

When you study an MA Childhood and Education at Leeds Trinity you can:

• Focus on your own areas of interest and/or inform and support your career development
• Learn from academic experts and current researchers in childhood and education studies
• Study while working, attending sessions and tutorials around your other commitments

You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Core modules:

Introduction to Postgraduate Study of Childhood, Education and Family Support

Alongside those on other MA programmes, you will develop the foundations of Level 7 academic knowledge and skills, critically reflecting across both academic and professional contexts. You will learn about theoretical underpinnings, competing frameworks and approaches, and the implications for ethical and effective practice.

Research Methods for Childhood, Education and Family Support

You'll focus on research methods appropriate to the broad and complex field of childhood and education, culminating in the construction of your own fully justified research proposal in preparation for your dissertation or major study. 

Interrogating Diversity, Marginalisation and Oppression

You’ll develop a deep knowledge and understanding of diverse societies and the impact of marginalisation. You will apply critical analysis to modes of oppressive practice within a range of social, cultural and economic situations.

Dissertation or Major Study

You can opt for either an empirical dissertation or theoretical major study. This is an opportunity to work closely with a research-active supervisor, who can help you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of childhood and education theory and practice. 

Option modules:

Sociology of Childhood and Education

You will engage with historical, economic and global aspects of childhood and education and consider how sociological theories and perspectives on childhood have changed over time. 

Critical Debates in Childhood Studies

You will develop critical reasoning skills in the context of ethical debates and issues to develop a creative approach to the needs of all children, including minority groups and specific characteristics. 

Course Structure: Full-time

Term	Module	Contact hours
1 September - December	Introduction to Postgraduate Study of Childhood, Education and Family Support Research Methods for Childhood, Education and Family Support	10 x 3-hour evening sessions. Some additional weekend sessions may be arranged 10 x 3-hour evening sessions. Some additional weekend sessions may be arranged
2 January - March	Interrogating Diversity, Marginalisation and Oppression Dissertation/Major Study (submission September)	10 x 3-hour evening sessions. Some additional weekend sessions may be arranged 10 x 3-hour evening sessions, with additional hours for supervision
3 March - June	Option modules - choose one of the following:  Sociology of Childhood and Education Critical Debates in Childhood Studies	10 weeks x 3-hour evening sessions. Some additional weekend sessions may be arranged 10 weeks x 3-hour evening sessions. Some additional weekend sessions may be arranged

At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.

Our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for:

• high quality teaching
• an engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement
• a clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study.

We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study.

We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:

• Student Involvement and Engagement
• Inclusion
• Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience
• Digital Literacy and Skills
• Employability and Enterprise

To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.

We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:

• Personalised support
• Expert lecturers
• Strong connections with employers
• An international outlook
• Understanding how to use tools and technology to support learning and development

Assessment

You will be assessed using a range of methods such as reflective portfolios, visual artifacts, essays, seminar contributions and presentations; in addition, the option modules offer a unique opportunity to negotiate with tutors how you prefer to present your evidence. 

The programme includes confidence-building assessment processes which integrate formative, process and summative assessments. This allows you to learn from your progress, from your peers and to respond to feedback to inform your future academic and practical work.

Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.

The following information is designed to give you a general overview of the qualifications we accept. If you are taking qualifications that are not included below, please contact our Admissions Office who will be happy to advise you.

We welcome applicants with the following qualifications and experience:

• A good (2:2 or above) BA or BSc degree in a relevant area.
• If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any component) or equivalent is the minimum requirement.
• If needed, you will be asked to complete a pre-course assessment task where formal academic entry requirements are not met.

 

UK Home Students:

For information about our tuition fees please visit our Student Fees and Finance pages.

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Leeds Trinity University, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 50% on the cost of your tuition fees.

International Students, including EU Students:

Visit our web page for international students.

Part-time study is not available for international students on a Student Route Visa.

Apply online using the following link(s).

Full time

Part time

There is no official closing date for applications, but the course will be closed when it is full. We therefore encourage you to make your application as early as possible.

Please ensure you complete the application form in full and supply all the required supporting documentation when you make your initial application. Incomplete applications may be rejected.

If you need advice on your application, please contact our admissions team on 0113 283 7123 (Monday to Thursday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, or Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm) or admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk

Applicants who require a Student Route Visa

If you require a Student Route Visa in order to study in the UK, then you must apply to us by Tuesday 31 May 2022. You must also meet all the conditions of your offer and present all supporting documentation required for the visa application no later than Thursday 30 June 2022.

What happens next?

Our admissions team will acknowledge receipt of your application by email, process it, and forward to the relevant Programme Leader within three days.

The programme leader will either make a decision based on your application or invite you to attend an interview.

If you're selected for an interview, you'll be contacted with details within ten days of your application being processed.

The admissions team will notify you of your interview outcome in writing within five working days of receiving a decision from the Programme Leader.

Made an offer?

You should accept or decline your offer by emailing admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk.

If you accept, you'll need to prove you satisfy the conditions outlined in your offer letter.

This will usually be by presenting the relevant supporting documentation in person to the student administration office (AM36) on campus.