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Master of Childhood and Youth Studies

Masters by Coursework

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    View in availability

  • Duration

    2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
    Depending on unit availabilities, previous study or work experience, students may be able to complete their degree in a shorter duration than indicated.

  • Location

    View in availability

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    MChildYouthSt

  • Course code

    1207299

  • Credit points

    192

  • Equivalent units

    16

  • Indicative Fee

    Fee paying

Overview

The Master of Childhood and Youth Studies is designed to meet the needs of people working, or intending to work, with children, young people and their families. Students can also study a Graduate Certificate (4 units) instead of the Masters degree.

The course aims to develop the knowledge and skills of professionals, enabling them to respond more effectively to the issues that impact children, young people and families across a diverse range of contexts. It incorporates the latest research and explores the ways that children, childhood and youth are conceptualised within family, community and international settings, including the theories, policies and practices that can inform professional practice. Participants benefit from the opportunity to apply their learning immediately in the workplace.

Candidates can choose to enrol in the four-unit Graduate Certificate or sixteen-unit Masters or can enrol in single units as accredited professional development. Significant advanced standing (or credit) is available for those with relevant previous learning and expertise. It is also possible to exit the course with a Graduate Diploma following completion of eight specified units (direct enrolment into the Graduate Diploma is not available).

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Analyse critically, reflect on, synthesise and evaluate information, problems, concepts and theories related to children, young people and their families.

Apply knowledge of evaluation and research principles and methods to investigate issues and solve problems in community and workplace contexts.

Creativity

Demonstrate initiative by identifying innovative and creative responses to challenges, issues and opportunities for change in relation to the wellbeing, interests, development and rights of children and young people in society.

Ethical practice

Demonstrate a highly developed commitment to social justice, human rights, ethics and sustainability in scholarship, research and professional practice.

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate advanced and integrated theoretical and practical understanding of a complex body of knowledge related to Childhood Studies.

Locate, evaluate, manage and use theory, information and data necessary fo effective evidence-based professional practice.

Lifelong learning

Reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes and plan and regulate ongoing personal and professional learning.

Demonstrate autonomy, well developed judgement, adaptability, responsibility and accountability when responding to change in the workplace.

Communication and social skills

Communicate concisely, appropriately and professionally in an oral and written form in both an academic and professional settings.

Demonstrate leadership and the capacity to work collaboratively with individuals and teams.

Cultural competence

Engage in practices that are informed by cultural awareness and cultural competence, global perspectives, inclusivity and respect for the rights of all persons.

The course includes studies in:

  • Child protection and participation
  • Children and the law
  • Children’s rights
  • Social and emotional wellbeing
  • Drugs, alcohol and sexual health
  • Program evaluation
  • Research with and for children

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Online Session 1, Session 2 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

  1. As an alternative to Rule 2, Section 3 of the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, applicants for admission to candidature in the Master of Childhood and Youth Studies may be selected where one or more of the following has been satisfied:
    1. have completed the Graduate Certificate of Childhood and Youth Studies; or
    2. can demonstrate academic or professional standing considered by the School Board to be equivalent to the requirements of Rule 2, Section 3 or Admission Requirement (a)(i).
  2. All applicants for admission to candidature must provide evidence of at least one year's experience in a field of employment acceptable to the School Board.

Credit for prior learning

  1. Candidates for the Master of Childhood and Youth Studies who have completed all the requirements for a Level 7 qualification in an area considered to be the same discipline will be granted advanced standing for four units.
  2. In addition to Advanced Standing Rule (a) the Head of School may grant a student advanced standing where they have completed formal, non-formal or informal learning accepted by the University and accompanied by supporting documentary evidence. 

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Master of Childhood and Youth Studies a candidate shall successfully complete not less than sixteen (16) units comprising:
    1. All units from Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules;
    2. All units from Part B of the Schedule;
    3. Six (6) units from Part C of the Schedule; and
    4. All units from Part D of the Schedule.
    5. Notwithstanding Course Requirement Rule (a)(iii), the Course Coordinator may approve the substitution of up to four (4) relevant postgraduate coursework units, from elsewhere in the University’s offerings, for those in Part C of the Schedule.
  2. To be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma of Childhood and Youth Studies a candidate shall successfully complete not less than eight (8) units comprising:
    1. All units from Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules;
    2. Six (6) units from Part B or C of the Schedule.
    3. Notwithstanding Course Requirement Rule (b)(ii), the Course Coordinator may approve the substitution of up to two (2) relevant postgraduate coursework units, from elsewhere in the University’s offerings, for those in Part C of the Schedule.
  3. To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate of Childhood and Youth Studies a candidate shall successfully complete not less than four (4) units comprising:
    1. All units from Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules;
    2. Two units from Part B of the Schedule;
  4. A candidate who while enrolled for the Master of Childhood and Youth Studies has completed the requirements of the Graduate Diploma of Childhood and Youth Studies may elect to be awarded the Graduate Diploma following withdrawal from candidature for the Master’s award.
  5. A candidate who while enrolled for the Master of Childhood and Youth Studies has completed the requirements of the Graduate Certificate of Childhood and Youth Studies may elect to be awarded the Graduate Certificate following withdrawal from candidature for the Master’s award.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Contact the School of Education for this course progression.

Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
CYS03340 Understanding Children and Childhood Introductory
CYS03341 Engaging with Children and Young People Introductory

Part B

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
CYS03342 Children's Rights: Policy into Practice Intermediate
CYS03343 Promoting Children's Protection and Participation Intermediate
CYS03344 Children and the Law Intermediate
CYS03345 Strengthening Young People's Social and Emotional Wellbeing Intermediate

Part C

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
CYS03346 Supporting Young People's Health and Safety: Perspectives on Drugs, Alcohol and Sexual Health Intermediate
CYS03347 Improving Practice through Program Evaluation Intermediate
EDU91001 Developing a Professional Portfolio: Part A Introductory
CYS03350 Supporting Children Through Difficult Times: Recognising, Responding and Referring Intermediate
EDU91002 Developing a Professional Portfolio: Part B Introductory
EDU92002 Leading Professional Learning Communities Intermediate
EDU00018 Embracing Diversity Intermediate
EDU92001 Work-based Professional Learning Project Intermediate

Part D
CYS03351 Researching With and For Children Advanced
EDU00751 Critical Literature Review Advanced
EDU00754 Research Project Advanced Note 1