MA in Children’s Rights and Childhood Studies (MICRACS)- II level degree

Study Programme

The MA program is led by the Chair in Social Pedagogy and the UNESCO Janusz Korczak Chair at the
Institute of Education. The MA is to be overseen by the UNESCO Janusz Korczak Chair which aims to
become an international research centre of excellence on social pedagogy, democracy in practice
and the philosophy of Janusz Korczak. Post-graduate students are invited to join this developing
international network of research active and engaged scholars and practitioners.

This internationally focussed MA will examine current social theories and practices within globally
diverse childhoods as compared against the historical and contemporary understanding of human
rights. Gaining the contemporary and historical understandings of children, childhood and child
rights, students will engage with international academics, researchers and practitioners to critically
explore policy, project outcomes, case studies and innovative projects in order to develop their own
critical leadership in working with children and young people to change society.

The MA program bridges theoretical knowledge and practical experience to enhance student’s
professional knowledge, leadership and research skills, creativity and network for co-operation and
collaboration. Gaining an understanding of how to use available resources within a sustainable,
rights-based framework prepares graduates to consolidate a global outlook with grassroots
approaches. Collaborating with national and international institutions for project implementation
and management within different countries provides graduates with the necessary leadership and
project management skills for career development and guiding institutional reform.

Core 6 Modules

• Pedagogical Module (PM)
• Legal Module (LM)
• Medical Module (MM)
• Social Policy Module (SPM)
• Practical Module (Practicum)
• Individual Development Module (IDM) 

The 6 Modules address 4 main themes

• Theories of Childhood and Society
• Children's Rights – Philosophy, History and Practice
• Social Pedagogy and the Study of Contemporary Social Problems
• Child’s welfare, wellbeing and development 

Elective Streams o EAP

• Language Preparation @ PEARSON CENTRE
• Social Pedagogy/Korczak certification @ UNESCO JK Chair International Summer School
• Holocaust Education @ UNESCO JK Chair

For more information, please check:

• the complete decription here - file 
• the post about MICRACS recruitment here - link 
• MICRACS MA Modules 
• MICRACS MA Programme
• Programme Leaders

Expected Outcomes

Graduates who complete the MA degree are expected to be well equipped to take on a range of
academic and professional roles internationally and within their home country. Building upon
previous studies and experience, graduates may choose to electives from within the streams of
Academic/Research, Advocacy/Project Management and Practitioner. The MA program is highly
suited to professionals and practitioners seeking positions of leadership and management in
children’s and youth services; education; health; legal; social policy and care; and non-government organisations.

Graduates of the MA will gain a deeper theoretical understanding and practical tools for their work
as educators, pedagogues, health and social workers and as child advocates within NGOs. Expected
outcomes relate to graduates developing the diverse knowledge, skills and competencies to;

• Understand how the local and global intersect in the context of policy and practice in a
  variety of international settings
• Conduct creative projects and research in participation with children in educational and
  community settings
• Critically analyse policy, organisations and professional practice based on nuanced
  understanding of children’s rights, democracy and power
• Contribute to public debate on challenging issues such as child labour, role of technology
  and democratic education
• Identify socio-historical influences and explore innovative approaches within local contexts
  for collaboration with diverse participants in working with and for children
• Employ innovative methodological tools and a range of research skills to compare and
  critically analyse national and international socio-educational issues
• Undertake institutional reform, socio-educational and democratic projects, under the
  auspices of the theory and practice of Janusz Korczak (*eligible for professional certification)
• Promote Social Pedagogy as a disciplinary field of policy and practice (*eligible for
  professional membership)

The MA program also provides a dynamic entry into this growing field of academic scholarship,
with graduates being rigorously prepared for English-speaking roles as policy advisors, university
lecturers, researchers or to pursue further doctoral study. With electives on the arts, media and
culture, the MA takes a creative approach in encouraging graduates to employ innovative and
exciting models within the fields of communication, technology, community building and project
design.