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MSc (T) Youth Justice

Academic Year 2017/18

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 and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.

Programme Title

MSc (T) Youth Justice

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Master of Science

Programme Code

SOC-MSC-YJ

UCAS Code

JACS Code

L300 (DESCR) 100

Criteria for Admissions

Applicants must normally have a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent recognised qualification in a social science or related cognate discipline. In line with the University's RPL policy applicants who do not meet the academic requirements will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants without a relevant degree but who have considerable professional experience in the area of youth work/ youth justice are also welcome to apply.

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

1 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

180

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Criminology (2014)

Accreditations (PSRB)

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 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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

Critically analyse youth justice policy and practice with reference to European and international human 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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
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
Devising an application to the School Research Ethics Committee
Responding to a research tender
Carrying out a rights-based audit
Reviewing academic articles/ texts
Dissertation

MODULE INFORMATION

Programme Requirements

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 Adversity

PSY7077

7

10

YES

5 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Youth and Social Justice

SOC9044

7

20

YES

12 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Youth Justice: Theory, Law and Practice

SOC9045

7

20

YES

12 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Perspectives on Childhood and Youth

SOC9047

7

10

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Childhood and Youth Research in Practice

SOC9048

7

10

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Qualitative Research with Children and Young People

SOC9049

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%

Economic Impact of Childhood Interventions

NUR7021

7

10

YES

6 weeks

N

YES

70%

20%

10%

Conflict and Change in Northern Ireland: New Sociological Research

SOC9062

7

10

YES

5 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%

Notes