Course Summary
This programme addresses the needs of practitioners and graduates who wish to develop their knowledge and professional competence in areas focusing on professionally supporting childhood development throughout adolescent years.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Domestic Applicants
Those who have completed other relevant educational programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification, and assignments equivalent to an appropriate Level 8 award at an Honours 2:2 standard, can also be considered.
Applicants must hold a relevant Level 8 programme BA(Hons) or a BSc(Hons) in Psychology at a minimum of a 2.2 standard.
All applicants will be required to have a minimum of ordinary-level maths at Leaving Certificate standard or be able to demonstrate equivalent competency in maths at this level.
All applicants are required to be over 23 years of age.
All applicants will be required to attend for an interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.
Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.
International Applications
If English is not your native language you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard, i.e B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5.
International students will have to provide evidence that they can satisfy the eligibility requirements for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland or the British Psychological Society.
All international applicants must meet the visa requirements for study in Ireland.
All applicants are required to be over 23 years of age.
All applicants will be required to attend for an interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.
Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.
Application Details
Applications for this course are submitted through the ICHAS website. When you click on "Application Weblink" above, you will be directed to ICHAS to complete your application.
Intake Dates:
Limerick - Full-Time - September 2026
Limerick - Part-Time - September 2026
Dublin - Full-Time - September 2026
Dublin - Part-Time - September 2026
Cork - Part-Time - September 2026
Cork - Full-Time - September 2026
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
The opportunities embedded within the MA in Childhood & Adolescent Studies for the development and demonstration of critical thinking skills, and theoretical knowledge prepares graduates to lead, educate, and advocate effectively in the contexts in which they are working.
Examples of such roles include:
Project Worker - Family Support Projects
Youth Workers
Afterschool Assistant
Childcare Development Officer
Youth Advocate
Academic Progression
This programme provides a progression opportunity to complete a range of Programmes at Level 10 nationally and internationally.
Duration
Timetable
The programme can be completed on a full-time basis over one year (3 semesters) or on a part-time basis over two years (6 semesters). The programme uses a blended learning approach.
Timetables will be made available closer to the course start date. Please contact [email protected] for further information.