Child Youth & Family Studies - Carlow
The Master of Arts in Child, Youth and Family Studies provides learners with a range of critical and analytical tools to enable them to manage and lead services that develop the potential of children, youth and families and envision new possibilities for better service provision in the sector.
| Award Name | Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | South East Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9 NFQ) | Major | South East Technological University | Level 9 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Programme participants are required to hold a Level 8 degree (with a minimum of 2nd Class Honours) in the following areas:
Early Childhood Education and Care
Applied Social Studies
Social and Community Studies
Youth and Community
or a primary Level 8 degree in Social Sciences or cognate area (minimum 2nd class honours).
Candidates with significant experience in the social sciences (as determined by SETU Carlows Recognised Priorn Learning (RPL) policy), in addition to an honours primary degree in another discipline area may also be considered for entry. Applicants applying for entry via routes other than those listed above will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with SETU Carlows Recognised Priorn Learning (RPL) policy.
All Non-EU applicants should refer to the International section of the SETU website for further information.
Careers / Further progression
Study & Career Opportunities
Graduates of the programme may progress to a PhD programme of study in the discipline areas, in Ireland or abroad. Graduates of the programme may also be eligible to progress to a professional doctorate in the field of Child, Youth and Family Studies in both Irish and international Institutions.
Potential employment opportunities:
- Community based organisations and projects both at a voluntary and statutory capacity
- National rights focused organisations and advisory groups
- Family support services
- Services catering for the care, education and advocacy of children and families in society
Graduates may also adopt research and advisory roles in relation to the development and planning of services. Graduates will be in a position to critically evaluate existing services and course and to visualise future possibilities for better service provision.
Further information
Next intake September 2026.
Application Deadline 28 Aug 2026
The Master of Arts in Child, Youth and Family Studies provides learners with a range of critical and analytical tools to enable them to manage and lead services that develop the potential of children, youth and families and envision new possibilities for better service provision in the sector. The programme is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and competencies required by the sector and to provide future leaders of Child, Youth and Family services in Ireland and abroad.
The programme aims to educate learners to high levels of contemporary and comparative theoretical awareness in fields central to services provision (transitions across the lifespan, cultural diversity, youth and families) and to create an atmosphere of rigorous academic enquiry and writing.
Learners will develop a deep and integrated knowledge of contemporary child, youth and family theory and practice, and the sector within which child, youth and family services operate.
Note: Please be aware that some of the modules on this programme are taught in the evening. If you wish to complete the programme as a full-time student, you must complete both the day and evening modules in one academic year.
What will I be able to do when I finish the programme?
Graduates may also adopt research and advisory roles in relation to the development and planning of such services. Graduates will be in a position to critically evaluate existing services and programmes and to visualise future possibilities for better service provision.
The programme will meet the needs of professionals who are already working in the area of social care/work, early education, youth and family work and related areas. It will also serve to provide new graduates with a unique opportunity to gain a competitive edge prior to embarking on a career in these fields or in the field of academia.
What subjects will I study?
Contemporary Issues in Childhood and Youth Studies
Psychology in Practice
Perspectives on Family and Society
Leadership, Strategy and Governance
Research Methods and Dissertation
Elective Subjects:
Addiction Studies
Adult & Community Education
Youth Justice Interventions and Practice Approaches
Children Rights and Child Protection
Dr Maeve Doyle
Lecturer of psychology
Email: maeve.doyle@setu.ie