Expand+Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold a primary degree (normally 2.1 Honours or above) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University and a Masters degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Evidence of these qu...

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Applicants should hold a primary degree (normally 2.1 Honours or above) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University and a Masters degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Evidence of these qualifications must be presented at the time of application.

Performance profiles (grades etc) may also be required to ensure suitability of the applicant for Doctoral study. Applicants will be asked to attend for interview. Applicants will normally be expected to have at least five years' full-time professional experience at a senior level in a field of work related to children, young people and their families. Participants who have been accepted on to the DChild programme will be required to enrol and attend an induction session prior to their first module.

International Qualifications
For information on international qualification equivalents please select Your Country from the list on our International Students website.

Additional Information for International Students

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this programme, our partner INTO Queen's University Belfast offer a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this programme.

•English for University Study - an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

•Pre-sessional English - a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English

Expand+Special Features

The Professional Doctorate in Childhood Studies is part-time and is tailored to the needs of a diverse range of professionals and is delivered through interactive and innovative methods including electronic resources, online discu...

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The Professional Doctorate in Childhood Studies is part-time and is tailored to the needs of a diverse range of professionals and is delivered through interactive and innovative methods including electronic resources, online discussion forums and, in the near future, podcasts.

The modules are delivered in the University's Postgraduate Centre at the Graduate School. It is possible for students to undertake pathways through taught modules that have an emphasis on child care/child protection; children and education; and children/young people and youth justice.

Students can avail of additional specialist training courses and opportunities for networking that are offered by the postgraduate centre and other events run at Queen’s University Belfast.

Expand+Career Prospects

Students who register on the professional doctorate programme are employed in senior management positions in the fields of social work, social care, social science research, education and youth justice in Northern Ireland, the Rep...

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Students who register on the professional doctorate programme are employed in senior management positions in the fields of social work, social care, social science research, education and youth justice in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the UK and internationally.

Obtaining the professional doctorate has enabled candidates to secure addional repsonsbiliities in existing posts and to move to new posts. For others the doctorate has been instrumental in securing their permanent postion and/or enhancing their promotion within their organisation

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.