Master of Arts in Child, Youth & Family Studies

  • Master of Arts in Child, Youth & Family Studies
  • NFQ Level 9
  • Full details available on the Admissions-postgraduate pages
  • For full details, go to Admissions- Recognition of Prior learning
  • 1 Year Full-Time/2 Years Part-time (7.00pm - 10.00pm - 2 evenings per week (Indictive))
  • Carlow/Wicklow/Wexford
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Child, Youth and Family Studies (Level 9 - 60 credits)
  • Overview
  • Entry Requirements
  • Further Study & Careers
  • PAC Codes & Fees
  • How to apply
  • Contact

Overview

The Master of Arts in Child, Youth and Family Studies provides learners with a range of critical and analytical tools to enable them to manage and lead services that develop the potential of children, youth and families and envision new possibilities for better service provision in the sector. The programme is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and competencies required by the sector and to provide future leaders of Child, Youth and Family services in Ireland and abroad.

The programme aims to educate learners to high levels of contemporary and comparative theoretical awareness in fields central to services provision (transitions across the lifespan, cultural diversity, youth and families) and to create an atmosphere of rigorous academic enquiry and writing.

Learners will develop a deep and integrated knowledge of contemporary child, youth and family theory and practice, and the sector within which child, youth and family services operate.

Note: Please be aware that some of the modules on this programme are taught in the evening. If you wish to complete the programme as a full-time student, you must complete both the day and evening modules in one academic year.

What will I be able to do when I finish the programme?

Graduates may also adopt research and advisory roles in relation to the development and planning of such services. Graduates will be in a position to critically evaluate existing services and programmes and to visualise future possibilities for better service provision.

The programme will meet the needs of professionals who are already working in the area of social care/work, early education, youth and family work and related areas. It will also serve to provide new graduates with a unique opportunity to gain a competititve edge prior to embarking on a career in these fields or in the field of academia.

What subjects will I study?

  • Contemporary Issues in Childhood and Youth Studies
  • Psychology in Practice
  • Perspectives on Family and Society
  • Leadership, Strategy and Governance
  • Research Methods and Dissertation

    Elective Subjects
  • Addiction Studies
  • Adult & Community Education
  • Youth Justice Interventions and Practice Approaches
  • Children Rights and Child Protection

Entry Requirements

Programme participants are required to hold a Level 8 degree (with a minimum of 2nd Class Honours) in the following areas:

  • Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Applied Social Studies
  • Social and Community Studies
  • Youth and Community

or a primary Level 8 degree in Social Sciences or cognate area (minimum 2nd class honours).

Candidates with significant experience in the social sciences (as determined by SETU Carlow’s Recognised Priorn Learning (RPL) policy), in addition to an honours primary degree in another discipline area may also be considered for entry. Applicants applying for entry via routes other than those listed above will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with SETU Carlow’s Recognised Priorn Learning (RPL) policy.

All Non-EU applicants should refer to the International section of the SETU website for further information.

Study & Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme may progress to a PhD programme of study in the discipline areas, in Ireland or abroad. Graduates of the programme may also be eligible to progress to a professional doctorate in the field of Child, Youth and Family Studies in both Irish and international Institutions.

Potential employment opportunities:

  • Community based organisations and projects both at a voluntary and statutory capacity
  • National rights focused organisations and advisory groups
  • Family support services
  • Services catering for the care, education and advocacy of children and families in society

Graduates may also adopt research and advisory roles in relation to the development and planning of services. Graduates will be in a position to critically evaluate existing services and course and to visualise future possibilities for better service provision.

Programme Codes & Fees

Programme Code Programme Title Campus Location Schedule Fees Closing date for applications
SE91E Master of Arts in Child, Youth & Family Studies Carlow Full-time €5,500 Full details available on the Admissions-Postgraduate pages
SE91J Master of Arts in Child, Youth & Family Studies  Carlow Part-time €7,400  
SE91Z Master of Arts in Child, Youth & Family Studies  Wexford Part-time  €7,400  
SE91V Master of Arts in Child, Youth & Family Studies  Wicklow Part-time  €7,400  
SE91F Postgraduate Diploma of Arts in Child, Youth & Family Studies Carlow Full-time €4,800  
SE92A Postgraduate Diploma of Arts in Child, Youth & Family Studies  Wexford Part-time €5,500  
SE91K Postgraduate Diploma of Arts in Child, Youth & Family Studies  Carlow Part-time €5,500  
SE91W Postgraduate Diploma of Arts in Child, Youth & Family Studies Wicklow Part-time €5,500  

How to apply


  1. Research & choose your programme from our wide range of postgraduate offerings on our website or in our prospectus.
  2. Check all of the relevant programme information including entry requirements, programme code and closing dates, taking time to read the Application Instructions.
  3. Get started on your postgraduate journey at SETU Carlow!

For admissions queries from Irish or European applicants, please email: graduatestudies.cw@setu.ie.

All Non-EU applicants should refer to the International section of the SETU website for further information.

Contact

Full-time applicants may contact:

Dr Eileen Doyle-Walsh
BA, MLitt, PhD
Head of Department- Humanities
E: eileen.doyle@setu.ie


Part-time applicants may contact:

Eoin O'Brien
BA, DBS, CBS, Cert Mgmt, MBA
Faculty of Lifelong Learning Manager
E: eoin.obrien@setu.ie

International (Non-EU) applicants may contact:
E: international.CW@setu.ie      
P: 00353 59 9175205