MSc Youth Justice

The MSc in Youth Justice focuses on the intersection of social justice, criminal justice, and children's rights. It encourages students to critically analyze the factors contributing to youth offending and to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions. The program emphasizes evidence-based approaches, aiming to equip students with the skills necessary to influence policy and practice in youth justice systems.

Curriculum: The curriculum adopts a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online instruction to accommodate diverse learning preferences. Core modules include "Youth and Social Justice," "Youth Justice: Theory, Law, and Practice," and "Perspectives on Childhood and Youth." Students also undertake a research dissertation, allowing them to explore specific areas of interest in depth. Optional modules offer opportunities to tailor the learning experience to individual career goals.

Research Focus: Queen's University Belfast is renowned for its research excellence in criminology and social justice. Faculty members actively engage in research areas such as youth offending, children's rights, and participatory research methods. The program is closely associated with the Centre for Children's Rights, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing children's rights and well-being.

Industry Engagement: The MSc in Youth Justice program maintains strong links with local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), offering students opportunities to engage in relevant research projects. These collaborations provide practical experience and networking opportunities, enhancing employability in sectors such as youth work, criminal justice, and public policy. Guest lectures and workshops with industry professionals further enrich the learning experience, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Global Perspective: Recognizing the global nature of youth justice issues, the program incorporates international perspectives throughout its curriculum. Students critically examine global policies and practices, comparing and contrasting different approaches to youth justice. The diverse student body and faculty foster a rich exchange of ideas, preparing graduates to operate effectively in international and multicultural contexts.

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 Youth Justice program are well-prepared for impactful careers in the field of youth justice, advocating for the rights and well-being of young offenders and contributing to effective and equitable youth justice practices. Their specialized knowledge and practical expertise make them valuable contributors in various roles.

Youth Justice Officer: Graduates can work as youth justice officers, providing support, supervision, and rehabilitation services to young people in the criminal justice system.

Youth Advocate: Those passionate about advocacy can work as youth advocates, representing the interests of young offenders in court proceedings and advocating for fair and just treatment.

Policy Analyst: Graduates can specialize in youth justice policy analysis, working for governmental agencies, think tanks, or non-governmental organizations to inform and shape youth justice policies.

Probation Officer: With a focus on rehabilitation, graduates can work as probation officers, developing and implementing rehabilitation plans for young offenders.

Restorative Justice Practitioner: Graduates can specialize in restorative justice practices, facilitating communication and resolution between young offenders, victims, and the community.

Researcher: Some graduates may pursue roles as researchers, conducting studies on youth crime, interventions, and the effectiveness of youth justice programs.