MA (Child, Youth and Community)

Accepting Applications for September 2025 Enrolment

Now in its successful fifth year, the MA in Child, Youth and Community offered through the School of Political Science and Sociology in University of Galway is accepting applications. Developed by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, this programme emerges from the Centre’s core disciplinary orientation, Applied Social Science, and its dynamic research programme focused on ‘what works’ in the real world of policy and practice when working with and for children, youth and their communities.

Why this MA?

The MA provides students with the opportunity to develop skills-sets that are in high demand. With a strong emphasis on programme planning and evaluation, the course equips students with the advanced skills needed to design, implement and assess effective social interventions that make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and communities.

Students will:

• Build their knowledge and practical skills in programme planning and evaluation;
• Critically explore new lines of research and the use of research evidence to inform policy and practice;
• Develop their capacity to design and deliver human rights based and culturally sensitive programmes and policies;
• Develop their capacity as leaders in this field;
• Enhance their skills in communication and innovative thinking;
• Avail of professional experience and networking opportunities.

Who is the Programme Designed for?

The Programme is designed for professionals already working in the child, youth and community sector and/or for those who have a strong interest in the sector and want to lead, innovate and create lasting impact. The MA prepares graduates for a wide range of rewarding careers in areas such as youth work, child welfare, community development, public policy, advocacy or research. Please note that this MA is not CORU-accredited.

The MA is delivered with a flexible approach to learning, designed to accommodate the needs of professionals, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. Students can avail of a one year full-time or a two year part-time MA or Postgraduate Diploma. Each 12-week teaching semester comprises five on campus teaching weeks. In the intervening weeks students can join the classroom remotely.

Entry Requirements 

Applicants will require a NQAI Level 8 degree, Second Class Honours, or equivalent, with a 2:1 in child, youth and family studies, sociology, psychology or a cognate discipline. Where applicants do not meet the formal academic requirements they can apply for entry through the University’s Recognition for Prior Learning Policy.

For further information see: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/taught-postgraduate-courses/child-youth-and-community.html#course_overview

Applications are made online via: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any further information.

Course Director – Dr. Danielle Kennan: danielle.kennan@universityofgalway.ie