MSc Childrens Rights

Queen's offers a range of postgraduate programs, including the MSc Children's Rights. This program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and specialized expertise in the field of children's rights, encompassing its legal framework, theoretical underpinnings, policy implications, and practical applications. It prepares graduates for careers in advocacy, policy development, research, education, and other related fields, working with and for children to promote and protect their rights.

Curriculum: The MSc Children's Rights curriculum at Queen's is structured to provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the key concepts, legal instruments, and social issues relevant to children's rights. Students delve into topics such as international human rights law (with a focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child), children's rights theory, child development, social policy related to children and families, research methodologies in children's rights, and specific areas of children's rights such as education, health, child protection, and youth justice. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, legal research skills, and the ability to apply children's rights principles to real-world situations.

Research Focus: Queen's is renowned for its world-leading research across a wide range of disciplines, including those relevant to children's rights. Research strengths might include areas such as children's rights and education, children's rights and health, child poverty, child protection, youth justice, and the participation of children in research and policy development. The university fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling researchers to explore the complex interplay of factors that influence the realization of children's rights.

Industry Engagement: While the MSc is primarily an academic degree, Queen's recognizes the importance of practical experience and connections with organizations working on children's rights. The program often includes opportunities for students to engage with NGOs, children's charities, government agencies, and international organizations through internships, placements, collaborative projects, and networking events. These connections can be invaluable for career development and provide students with insights into real-world challenges and best practices in the field of children's rights.

Global Perspective: Queen's cultivates a global outlook through its diverse student body and international partnerships. The MSc Children's Rights program inherently emphasizes a global perspective, exposing students to diverse viewpoints on children's rights, case studies from around the world that illustrate the challenges and successes in implementing children's rights, and the interconnectedness of children's rights issues across different regions and societies. The program often incorporates comparative perspectives on children's rights law and policy, explores transnational children's rights issues, and may offer opportunities for study abroad, international conferences, and engagement with international organizations or researchers working on children's rights. This global perspective is fundamental to the study and practice of children's rights, where issues often transcend national borders and require international cooperation to effectively address them.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Queens University Belfast offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, diversity, and financial need. 

Queens Loyalty Scholarship: The Queen's Loyalty Scholarship is available for Queen's University Belfast graduates who pursue a postgraduate program at the university. It offers a 20% tuition fee reduction for eligible students.

Queens University Belfast International Scholarships: The university provides a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application requirements. Examples include the International Office Undergraduate Scholarship, International Office Postgraduate Taught Scholarship, and International Office Postgraduate Research Scholarships.

Vice-Chancellors International Attainment Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship is aimed at international students with exceptional academic performance. It provides a significant reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Queens University Belfast offers scholarships that are specific to certain countries or regions. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from these areas and promote diversity within the university community.

Research Council Funding:For postgraduate research students, there are opportunities to secure funding through research council scholarships. These scholarships are competitive and cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: Queens University Belfast also offers sports scholarships for students who excel in sports. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and other benefits to help athletes balance their sporting commitments with their studies.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may vary each year. 

Graduates of the MSc Children's Rights program are well-prepared to pursue meaningful and impactful careers.

Child Advocate: Graduates can work with NGOs, community organizations, and legal entities to champion children's rights and ensure their well-being.

Policy Analyst: Graduates may contribute to policy development, influencing local and international laws and regulations that protect children's rights.

International Organizations: Graduates can work with organizations such as UNICEF, advocating for children's rights on a global scale.

Education and Research: Graduates may engage in educational initiatives and research projects focused on improving children's lives.

Social Work: Graduates can become involved in social work, helping children and families navigate challenges and access essential services.