MSc Children's Rights at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The MSc in Children's Rights provides interdisciplinary, high-level knowledge of children's rights law and practice and of child rights-based research methods. It is linked to the Centre for Children's Rights and is delivered through in-person and online learning, full-time or part-time, with exit awards of Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma.

Department: Social Sciences, Education and Social Work | Duration: 1 year full-time or 3 years part-time | Intake: 2027/28 academic year | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Two interconnected areas: children's rights, using the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international standards to evaluate laws, policies and practices, and research with children, evaluating methods that involve children actively in research.

Career pathways

Designed for those working with or for children, including public officials, policymakers, national and international NGOs, educators, social workers, criminal justice practitioners and health care providers. Alumni work with organisations such as UNICEF Canada, the Children's Law Centre and Terre des Hommes.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, in any subject discipline. Late applications may be considered. Closing date Friday 30 July 2027 at 4pm; the portal may close earlier if applications are high. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last two years), or an equivalent qualification; UK visa English requirements also apply.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,250 a year. Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland fee, per year of study. Additional AccessNI Enhanced Disclosure check (about £33) may be required for dissertation research with under-18s; not included. Source

International applicants: GBP 24,400 a year. International and EU Other fee, per year of study, listed for 2027/28 entry. Additional AccessNI Enhanced Disclosure check (about £33) may be required for dissertation research with under-18s; not included. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time or 3 years part-time

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