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Doctorate in Childhood Studies

Programme Director - Dr Karen Winter

DChild Brochure

“It's all very up-to-date knowledge. You're really learning from the leaders in the field."

Michael Hoy, Year 4 Doctorate Childhood Studies,
Head of Service, Southern Health and Social Care Trust

 

This degree represents a unique opportunity to pursue an original research project informed by research training and a range of theoretical perspectives on the lives of children and young people. Exploring the experience of childhood across the age spectrum, in different social and political contexts, this research degree places a strong emphasis on the links between social justice, rights, lived experiences and outcomes. Its delivery is supported by academics with a wealth of expertise in their specialist fields that include sociology, law, social work, psychology and education.

 

“A unique opportunity where experienced professionals can work together to explore the issues facing children and young people, exchange ideas and build on their expertise so that they can take forward new approaches in their work."

Dr Karen Winter, DChild Programme Co-ordinator

 

Fees-only bursaries for 2013/14 entry

A limited number of Home/EU fees-only bursaries have become available for 2013/2014. The closing date to be considered for a fees-only bursary is 15th June 2013. Applicants should indicate that they wish to be considered for funding at the appropriate place in the online application form. Alternatively applicants can email the Postgraduate Office pgsoc@qub.ac.uk to indicate that they wish to be considered for the bursaries.

Those who have already been accepted for the course for 2013/14 entry will be contacted by the School regarding the bursaries.

The application form for the DChild is available on the QUB website. Deadline for applications: 15 June 2013.

Course Content

Over a period of five - eight years part-time, students will complete four core modules, four optional modules, a research plan and a 50,000 word dissertation to PhD standard.

The modules on offer include:

Core modules

  • Sociological approaches to understanding children and childhood

  • Psychological approaches to researching childhood

  • Qualitative research: methods, data and theory

  • Quantitative research: methods, data and theory

Optional modules

  • Children’s rights: research and practice

  • Childhood, rights and justice

  • Pathways and outcomes for children in care

  • Childhood adversity and the life course

  • Comparative child protection in Europe

  • Critical perspectives in early childhood

  • Youth and Adolescent perspectives

  • Contemporary issues/research in developmental psychology

  • The professional as researcher

  • Survey methods in education

  • Experimental methods in educational research

  • Researching children and young people in educational settings

  • Philosophical and ethical issues in educational research

  • Narrative and arts based research approaches

  

“The multidisciplinary nature of the course works really well. You get lots of different perspectives on issues. You can dip your toe in through the core modules and see if you want to go further with the optional modules. The block learning allows you to fit in with working at the same time. I couldn't have taken three years off to do a PhD.” 

Niall Moore, Year 2 Doctorate Childhood Studies

Special Features of the DChild

The Professional Doctorate in Childhood Studies is part-time. All modules are delivered intensively through group teaching that takes place over two and a half days (usually Thursday – Saturday) in the newly furnished Riddel Hall.

It is possible for students to undertake pathways through taught modules that have an emphasis on child care/child protection; children and education; and children/young people and youth justice.

Modules are also supported by access to e-books, the use of online resources and access to discussion forums.

Students can avail of additional specialist training courses and opportunities for networking that are offered by the postgraduate centre and other events run at Queen’s University Belfast.

Entry Requirements

  • A primary degree (or equivalent recognised qualification) and an appropriate higher masters level qualification.

  • Professional experience in a field related to children and/or youth services, which normally should not be less than 3 years.

  • Good supporting references.

  • Selection will also include an interview.

Career Opportunities 

The professional doctorate provides an excellent opportunity for knowledge transfer into students’ professional environments.

There is growing support for the course from organisations that work with children and young people.

 

"I am using the course content and research to influence policy and practice in my Trust. The policy developments are therefore evidence based which is essential to the on-going development of the social work profession."

Michael Hoy, Year 4 Doctorate Childhood Studies,
Head of Service, Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Further Information

For more advice regarding the content of this course, please contact:

Mrs Lorraine Higgins
DChild administrator
School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work
Telephone: 028 90 973311
Email: l.higgins@qub.ac.uk
 

Applications should be submitted online by 15 June 2013.