MA Childhood Studies at University of Essex

Programme overview

MA Childhood Studies takes a psychosocial, sociological and psychodynamic approach to understanding both the social experience and the inner emotional worlds of children. It is available full-time or part-time at the Colchester Campus.

Department: Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies | Duration: 1 year full-time | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include Critical Debates in Childhood and Childhood Studies and Research with Children and Young People (30 credits each), Children's Emotional Worlds, Geographies of Childhood and Youth and Relational Childhoods (15 credits each), one option and a 60-credit Dissertation. Topics include families and peer relationships, play and leisure, children and the state, and cross-cultural experiences of childhood.

Career pathways

Education, health, the charitable sector and NGOs, social care including children's homes and therapeutic communities; also a stepping stone to social work, counselling or PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2:2 degree or international equivalent in a related subject such as Anthropology, Childhood Studies, Criminology, Early Years Studies, Economics, Health and Social Care, History, International Relations, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, Social Policy, Social Work, Sociology, Teaching and Education or Youth Work (full list of accepted subjects is published for the course). A personal statement giving reasons for study and any relevant work or voluntary experience is required. English language: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in all components.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,600 a year. Fee listed for October 2027 entry; page does not state the academic year. Source

International applicants: GBP 25,075 a year. Fee listed for October 2027 entry; page does not state the academic year. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

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