Education, Children and Social Justice MA

The module explores concepts around human rights, the rights of the child and social issues relevant to children, young people and marginalised adults. It also provides a core foundation to help students build academic and professional skills for post-graduate study and work within education and community settings involving social justice. The module also considers academic conduct policies. 

This module adopts Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory to critically examine the cultural and social context of childhood and social factors and inequalities that affect the lives, wellbeing, and development of children and young people. Social issues considered may include parenting styles/capacity, perceptions of children and childhood, poverty/socio-economic disadvantage, gender inequality, ethnicity, refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTQI+.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to research methods and design, equipping students with essential skills for conducting rigorous and impactful research. Students will explore a range of different approaches to conducting research, gaining practical experience in research planning, data collection, and ethical considerations. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate research designs for various questions and contexts.  By the end of the module, students will be prepared to independently design and execute research projects that contribute meaningfully to their field of study.

The module focuses on social justice for persons with disability and mental health conditions. It draws on sociological theories to encourage critical discussion about how these aspects are perceived globally, along with care, support systems, policy and legislation. Students are encouraged to consider these issues in the context of their own workplace or home community/ country.

This module explores concepts and theories of social justice and how education in its broadest sense can promote socially just outcomes in schools and communities. Students will reflect on critical incidences in their personal and professional lives to understand how their own experiences shape their attitudes and working practices with regards to minority and marginalised groups. Students will engage in community work and/or with community practitioners and reflect on the knowledge and skills gained to plan personal and professional career development. It will also introduce students to varied career roles. 

This module offers students an opportunity to undertake an independent research project in an area related to their final award. Through this module, students will develop critical research skills by designing, conducting, and presenting a research study that addresses a significant area of professional interest. This module encourages students to make a meaningful contribution to the field while honing skills essential for research, critical thinking, and current/future professional practice.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the theories and research surrounding attachment, trauma and resilience, their  influence on young people’s development and wellbeing. You will examine contemporary theories of attachment, including the role of early attachment patterns and the effects of traumatic experiences on brain development and behaviour. Through an analysis of complex interactions between attachment, trauma, and neurobiological processes, you will gain a deeper understanding of how these factors intersect and influence behavioural responses in children and young people

You will also evaluate a range of adverse childhood experiences on attachment patterns and trauma responses, as well as critically reflecting on strategies that practitioners can use in practice to support children and young people who have faced trauma.