Designed for those who want to advance their understanding of youth issues, youth offending, and social and criminal justice responses to young people, this programme focuses on developing critical analytical skills and enhancing the ability to assess policy and practice against international standards and benchmarks.
Targeted by practitioners, policy-makers and those interested in further academic study, it provides the opportunity to apply academic knowledge and critical analytical skills to practice and enhance understanding of young people's lives, the criminal justice system and the discourse of children's rights.
Given increased policy attention in the area of youth justice and strategies impacting children and young people more generally, the programme reflects the concern to understand the needs and rights of children and young people and ground responses in evidence, best practices and international standards.
Closing date for applications: Friday 29 July 2022 at 4 pm.
Youth Justice Highlights
Criminology at Queen’s is internationally recognised for its research contributions and teaching excellence.
Industry Links
We have extensive links with local and international NGOs and can provide some opportunities for students to undertake relevant research. This may be of particular interest if you want to gain experience in the children’s sector, perhaps to secure a job or to change position.
Career Development
The programme is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of young people’s lives so they can apply this in careers working with or on behalf of young people, particularly those in conflict with the law.
The programme is an excellent stepping stone for Doctoral research.
Internationally Renowned Experts
The programme is taught by staff actively engaged in research related to young people in conflict with the law, youth offending, young people & conflict, desistance, reintegration, young people & violence and children’s rights. We employ a range of research methods, with particular expertise in participatory research with children and narrative research. This programme is linked to the Centre for Children's Rights (CCR), which has an international reputation in the area of children's rights with a focus on the implementation of children's rights, young people in conflict with the law & youth justice, child participation, education, social care and the children with disabilities. The CCR has a vibrant community of PhD students undertaking research on a range of issues in several countries.
Student Experience
This programme is designed for flexible learning and involves a blended learning approach offering a mixture of online and face-to-face course delivery.
The programme can be taken full-time or part-time. Students can choose to follow an MSc, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma pathway.
The programme has been designed to encourage students to consider the interface between social justice, criminal justice and children’s rights. Students have the opportunity to apply academic knowledge and critical analytical skills to practice and enhance their understanding of young people’s lives, the criminal justice system and the discourse on children’s rights.
Students on the Programme automatically become a member of the Centre for Children’s Rights, through which students can connect with other students, academic staff and our many international visitors who come to speak on related issues.