The MA in Childcare Law and Practice is a popular and successful course. It has been fully revised and redesigned in line with other MA courses at the University to facilitate exchange of modules and a longer period of individual research. The course also aims to develop research and analytical skills and to provide a foundation for pursuing further study at doctoral level. It is taught by members of the School of Law and a variety of guest lecturers. The MA in Childcare Law and Practice is an interdisciplinary course that attracts students from a wide variety of professional backgrounds.
"I have wanted to do this masters course for a long time. So I have stayed interested really from the first time I heard about it. What I have really enjoyed is being back in learning were I feel I got the opportunity to really immerse myself in material that I wouldn't be able to access otherwise."
About the course
The central aims of the course are to update and enhance knowledge of relevant law and research literature and to provide an opportunity for experienced practitioners to further develop and critically reflect upon their skills, as applied to a variety of areas and settings in work with children. It also aims to promote anti-discriminatory practice, inter-agency understanding and interdisciplinary working.
The programme is structured in a way that allows students to maintain full-time employment while studying, with teaching for each module taking place over an intensive 3-day period. The programme, therefore, is designed to appeal to both the ‘conventional’ postgraduate student and specifically, those already engaged professionally in this area of activity, in social work, health, the legal profession or otherwise.
Course structure
The taught Masters programme requires satisfactory completion of at least 180 credits, made up of 4 taught modules each of 30 credits (120 credits) plus a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words (60 credits). Alternatively, students may finish their studies after obtaining the 120 taught credits and obtain a Postgraduate Diploma. Each student is provided with a personal tutor to assist with studies. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon sociology, social policy, law and childcare practice.
The programme starts with a two day induction course. The teaching of modules takes place over four intensive three-day blocks between September and May. This structure particularly benefits part-time students who appreciate ‘time out’ in an accessible academic environment. If required, the modules can be undertaken over a period of up to four years for further flexibility. During the research year, students wishing to complete the MA attend one, two day block, and a further day later in the year followed by supervision of work towards a dissertation. The full course duration is between two and five years. Any student wishing to study one or two modules should contact the School.
Teaching and Assessment
Assessment is based on coursework and a dissertation. There are no exams. Assessment of each taught module is by written assignment of about 5,000 words each. A choice of essay titles is provided for each block. In the research year the emphasis is on independent research – there is a research methods assignment of 2,000 words formatively assessed and a dissertation of between 15,000 and 20,000 words. The pass mark for all assessments is 50%.
The modules are taught through 20 hours of contact time, delivered as an intensive three-day block of teaching.
During the module, students will take part in tutor-led seminars and discussions, small group exercises, and case studies. Each module is accompanied by extensive independent study and throughout the course students are encouraged and required to undertake independent reading to both supplement and consolidate the classes and to broaden individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.
All students receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use materials available in libraries and elsewhere (including electronic sources). Guidelines are provided for the production of coursework assignments and dissertations and these are reinforced by seminars and individual supervision, which focus specifically on essay planning and writing, and research methodology. Detailed written and, if requested, oral feedback is provided on all course work. There is also time set aside during each module and outside the modules for students to consult individually with teaching staff and receive guidance and feedback on assessment and module performance.
While away from Keele, between teaching blocks, students will benefit from directed reading, additional resources posted on the KLE together with a KLE based discussion page for ‘virtual’ interaction between students.
You will choose a further two modules, totalling 60 credits, from those currently being offered. A typical range of modules is:
Module 3 - LAW-40003 - Children & Medicine
Module 4 - LAW-40003 - Looked After Children
The availability of these and other cross-programme options is dependent upon appropriate staff resources and student demand. There are also individual and group tutorials, occasional seminars and special study days.
You will take additional training on Research Methods and Evaluation to support work on your dissertation. This includes seminars at which you will present your research project. Individual supervision is provided throughout the dissertation year.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a first degree with first or second-class honours or equivalent and/or relevant professional qualifications. Candidates who do not meet the standard criteria will, however, be considered. Applications are welcomed from appropriately qualified and experienced professionals from areas including, but not limited to, social welfare, law, criminal justice and healthcare.
English Language Entry Requirement for International Students
IELTS 6.5
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of a qualification in English language, unless they hold a previous degree that was taught and examined in English. The minimum score for entry to the LL.M. is academic IELTS 6.5 (with no subtest below 5.5) or equivalent.
During your degree programme you can study additional English language courses. This means you can continue to improve your English language skills and gain a higher level of English.
Fees and scholarships
Fees (2021/22 academic year)
UK students FT £6,000 / PT £6,000 per year
EU/International students £16,000 per year
Course tuition fees for 2020/21 academic year
UK/EU students: Full-time: £5,500 OR Part-tiime (Year 1 £3,800, Year 2 £1,700) International students: £14,750 per year
Apart from additional costs for text books, inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines, we do not anticipate any additional costs for this postgraduate course.
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
Scholarships and Funding
The University is committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Each year we offer a range of prestigious scholarships;
UK/EU students - more information on scholarships and funding
