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Postgraduate Programme Specification

MSc Youth Justice

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MSc Youth Justice Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Science
Programme Code SOC-MSC-YJ UCAS Code HECoS Code 100484 - Criminology - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Full Time or Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Part Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Criminology (2014)

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

N/A

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

The MSc Youth Justice aims to explore the interface between social justice, criminal justice and children’s rights - The course has been designed with a view towards encouraging students to consider the interface between social justice, criminal justice and children’s rights. The connections between criminal justice policies and practices and social policies and practices will be critically explored.
Blended learning – In order to make the course accessible to those across the island of Ireland (and beyond), a blended learning approach has been adopted. This will include a mixture of face-to-face and online learning as well as short condensed modules (e.g. running over a weekend). We anticipate the blend may evolve over time in response to student evaluations and the choices they make between modules delivered in different ways.
Building Capacity - The MSc in Youth Justice will equip graduates with a range of knowledge and skills of direct relevance to work in areas including youth justice, youth and community work, criminal justice, public policy and research. For participants already employed in these areas, the programme will build on existing skills and knowledge and enhance capacity. The MSc in Youth Justice includes modules on research skills and theory, and specially tailored modules focusing on research with children and young people. Skills and knowledge acquired on these modules will be specifically applied to the completion of a research dissertation, but will also be widely transferable.
Inter-disciplinary teaching and learning - The course has been constructed to ensure students receive a grounding in the field of youth justice, but are also given some scope to choose from the range of optional modules across the various schools. All students will undertake two core introductory modules, which will be taught collaboratively by colleagues from across schools. This will enable students on all childhood and youth related routes to understand the place of their named qualification within the broader field and enable them to consider a range of other perspectives.

Blended learning – In order to make the course accessible to those across the island of Ireland (and beyond), a blended learning approach has been adopted. This will include a mixture of face-to-face and online learning as well as short condensed modules (e.g. running over a weekend). We anticipate the blend may evolve over time in response to student evaluations and the choices they make between modules delivered in different ways.

Building Capacity - The MSc in Youth Justice will equip graduates with a range of knowledge and skills of direct relevance to work in areas including youth justice, youth and community work, criminal justice, public policy and research. For participants already employed in these areas, the programme will build on existing skills and knowledge and enhance capacity. The MSc in Youth Justice includes modules on research skills and theory, and specially tailored modules focusing on research with children and young people. Skills and knowledge acquired on these modules will be specifically applied to the completion of a research dissertation, but will also be widely transferable.

Inter-disciplinary teaching and learning - The course has been constructed to ensure students receive a grounding in the field of youth justice, but are also given some scope to choose from the range of optional modules across the various schools. All students will undertake two core introductory modules, which will be taught collaboratively by colleagues from across the four schools. This will enable students on all Improving Children’s Lives routes to understand the place of their named qualification within the broader field and enable them to consider a range of other perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critically evaluate arguments, theories, research studies and methodologies.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Reflect on the relationship between representations and theorisations of youth/ youth crime, and responses to young people.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Consider how theory and research can inform policy and practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Draw on a range of sources and demonstrate an ability to synthesis them.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Communicate effectively with peers and engage in informed dialogue and debate.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Evaluate arguments and evidence in order to make informed judgments.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Plan, manage and execute independent work.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Deal with complex and emerging issues and make informed judgements.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Use a range of resources electronic/ computer-based resources including: databases, blogs, discussion forums etc..

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of theoretical approaches/ explanations of youth crime and criminalisation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of contemporary theories and debates in the study of ‘youth’.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Critically apply theory to contemporary ‘youth issues’ and representations of ‘youth’.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Critically appraise differential criminal justice responses to children in conflict with the law.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Critically analyse policy and practice with reference to European and international children's rights standards and benchmarks.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate in-depth understanding of youth justice theory and practice and a critical awareness of current issues in the field.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Raise critical questions about criminal justice responses to children and young people.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Assess policy and practice from a critical and rights-based perspective.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Synthesise the ethical considerations in carrying out research with children and young people.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Demonstrate the development and application of advanced knowledge to youth issues.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Demonstrate the ability to choose and apply appropriate methods to research with children and young people.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students experience a variety of pedagogic approaches including seminars, workshops, lectures, intensive whole day workshops and online discussion and support. The programme also includes opportunities for students to work across disciplines for some modules and thus explore a range of perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments cover a range of tasks including:
Subject specific essays/ assignments
Writing blog pieces
Designing a research proposal
Critically assess a research protocol
Design a participant information sheet
Responding to a research call
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Foundations of Children's Rights EDU7219 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Childhood and Youth Research in Practice EDU7217 7 10 YES -- 6 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Childhood Disability and Rights EDU7223 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education EDU7250 7 20 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Perspectives on Childhood and Youth SOC9047 7 10 YES -- 6 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Youth Justice and Desistance SOC9070 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Quantitative Data Analysis: Foundational SOC9056 7 10 -- YES 6 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Youth Justice Dissertation SOC9050 7 60 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Qualitative Data Analysis SOC9055 7 10 -- YES 6 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Youth Justice: Theory, Law and Practice SOC9045 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Qualitative Research with Children and Young People SOC9049 7 10 -- YES 6 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Conflict and Change in Northern Ireland: New Sociological Research SOC9062 7 10 -- YES 6 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Youth and Social Justice SOC9044 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Economic Impact of Childhood Interventions NUR7021 7 10 -- YES 6 weeks N -- YES 70% 20% 10%

Notes

No notes found.