Youth Justice

The Masters in Youth Justice has been designed for those who want to advance their understanding of youth issues, youth offending and social and criminal justice responses to young people. It is focused on developing critical analytical skills and enhancing the ability to assess policy and practice against international standards and benchmarks.

Targeted at 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.

WHY QUEEN'S?

• This programme involves a blended learning approach offering a mixture of online and face-to-face course delivery.
• Students have the opportunity to select optional modules from a range of Schools involved in the Improving Children's Lives initiative.
• The programme is also an excellent stepping stone for Doctoral research.

The course has been designed with a view towards encouraging students to consider the interface between social justice, criminal justice and children's rights. Given increased policy attention in the area of youth justice and strategies impacting on children and young people more generally, the course reflects the concern to understand the needs and rights of children and young people and ground responses in evidence, best practice and international standards. PG Diploma students must obtain 120 credits at M level. To be awarded a Masters degree, students must obtain a further 60 credits via the completion of a dissertation.

Core modules:

• Approaches to Social Research
• Childhood and Youth Research and Practice
• Children's Rights and Youth Justice
• Perspectives in Childhood and Youth
• Youth and Social Justice
• Youth Justice: Theory, Law and Practice
• Plus dissertation (MSc only)

Optional modules include:

• Childhood Adversity
• Children's Rights and Conceptions
• Children's Rights and Youth Justice
• Economic Impact of Childhood Interventions
• Foundations of Children's Rights
• Improving Outcomes
• International Contexts of Childhood Adversity
• Qualitative Data Analysis
• Qualitative Research in Childhood and Youth
• Quantitative Data Analysis

The Youth Justice program at Queen's University Belfast is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal, social, and policy aspects surrounding youth offending and juvenile justice systems. To enroll in this program, applicants are typically required to hold a reputable secondary education qualification that demonstrates their academic readiness for higher education studies. AUC or equivalent qualifications are generally accepted, with specific grades varying by admissions cycles. Applicants with relevant prior experience in social work, criminology, or related fields may have an advantageous edge during the selection process.

The program mandates the completion of core modules such as Introduction to Youth Justice, Juvenile Law and Policy, Social Perspectives on Youth Crime, Preventative Strategies, and Ethical Practice in Youth Justice. Students are also expected to undertake a series of practical placements or internships within youth justice settings, which are integral to applying theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. These placements are coordinated by the university in collaboration with local youth justice agencies, community organizations, and social services. Students are required to allocate time and effort to meet placement requirements and demonstrate professional conduct throughout their practical engagements.

In addition to coursework and placement components, students must submit a dissertation or research project on a relevant topic, demonstrating analytical and research skills. The program encourages critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in youth justice. To successfully graduate, students must achieve a minimum overall score of 50%, with no individual module grade falling below 40%. Participation in seminars, workshops, and interdisciplinary discussions is compulsory and assesses both engagement and comprehension of the material.

Language proficiency requirements often include a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for non-native English speakers. The program also emphasizes ethical sensitivity and cultural competence, preparing graduates for careers in criminal justice, social work, policy development, or academic research related to youth justice. Ongoing assessments include essays, case study analyses, presentation assignments, and reflective journal submissions.

In summary, admission to the Youth Justice program at Queen's University Belfast demands a solid academic background, relevant experience or motivation, and proficiency in English. The curriculum integrates theoretical coursework, practical placements, and research activities, culminating in a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for impactful careers in youth justice and related fields.

The Youth Justice programme at Queen's University Belfast offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees are set annually and vary depending on the student’s domicile. For full-time international students, the tuition fee for the Youth Justice programme is approximately £20,800 per year, while for home students, the fee is around £5,340 per year. These fees cover access to lectures, tutorials, and essential study materials. Besides tuition fees, students should also consider additional costs such as accommodation, living expenses, books, and materials, which are estimated to amount to approximately £9,000 to £12,000 annually, depending on individual circumstances and lifestyle choices.

Queen’s University Belfast provides a range of funding opportunities to help mitigate these costs. Domestic students can apply for government-funded student loans, which cover tuition fees and maintenance costs. The Student Loans Company administers these loans, which are repayable after graduation once the graduate’s income exceeds a certain threshold. For international students, scholarships and bursaries are available, although these are limited and highly competitive. The university offers several merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, which can cover partial or full tuition fees, and are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and other criteria.

Additionally, students enrolled in the Youth Justice programme may qualify for specific scholarships aimed at supporting students pursuing careers in criminal justice, social work, or related fields. These scholarships can significantly reduce the overall financing burden. Apart from scholarships and loans, Queen’s University Belfast also encourages students to explore external funding sources, including government grants, private bursaries, and international sponsorships. Some students may also consider part-time employment opportunities on or near campus to supplement their income during the academic year.

Financial planning is an important aspect of university life, and the university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive advice and support to prospective and current students to help them understand the available funding options, application processes, and eligibility criteria. Students are advised to consult the university’s official website and contact the financial aid office early in their application process to ensure they maximize their funding opportunities and are well-prepared to finance their studies in Youth Justice at Queen’s University Belfast.

The Youth Justice program at Queen's University Belfast offers students an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system as it relates to young people. The curriculum is designed to explore the social, legal, and psychological factors that influence youth offending behavior and the ways in which justice systems respond to juvenile offenders. Students are engaged through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical work, allowing for both academic and applied learning experiences. The program emphasizes critical analysis of policies and practices within youth justice, fostering the development of skills necessary for careers in criminal justice, youth work, social policy, and related fields. Throughout the course, learners examine issues such as juvenile detention, rehabilitation, community-based interventions, and legal rights of minors. The program aims to produce graduates who are well-informed about the complexities of youth justice and capable of contributing to reforms and innovative solutions in this sector. Interdisciplinary perspectives are integrated, drawing from criminology, sociology, psychology, and law, to give students a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting youth offending and justice responses. The university's strong links with local criminal justice agencies and youth organizations provide opportunities for internships and real-world experience. Graduates of the Youth Justice program are equipped to work in various settings, including youth offending teams, social services, and policy development, fostering positive change within communities. The program also emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to undertake independent projects that can contribute to ongoing debates and improvements in youth justice practices. Overall, the degree at Queen's University Belfast prepares students not only for employment in related fields but also for further academic pursuits in criminology and social justice issues.