Master of Science [M.S] [Child Studies] From Linkoping University

Child Studies is an interdisciplinary master?s programme that focuses on the critical study of questions related to children and childhood. The programme is mainly taught online, but also comprises shorter campus periods. It has one-year master (60 credits) and two year master (120 credits) options.

A core focus of the programme is for you to learn how to apply the latest research findings in order to critically review, develop and improve policies and practices related to children and childhood. The program further provides the theoretical and methodological tools that prepare students for designing, planning and conducting research studies on topics that concern children, childhood and families.

The Child Studies programme at Link?ping University is hosted by the internationally renowned research department in Child Studies at Link?ping University that has conducted research in child and childhood studies since 1988. The teachers on the programme are active researchers, which guarantees that cutting-edge knowledge is applied in all courses.

Broaden and deepen your knowledge

The programme comprises one year (60 credits option) or two years (120 credits option) of fulltime studies. Both years include a research methods course and a master thesis course. This means that you can either finish your studies with a one-year master degree or continue on the second year to obtain a two-year master degree.

During the first term you will be introduced to the interdisciplinary field of child studies with a special focus on historical, anthropological and sociological perspectives. In each of the three courses you will be introduced to one methodological approach to child studies. You will learn more about how to design and conduct a research study in child studies during the two courses on methodology (terms 2 and 4), which will prepare you well for your master theses ? one in year one and one in year two. For each thesis you will have an individually appointed thesis supervisor.

The remaining courses on the programme are dedicated to different areas in child studies including: children?s rights, parents and the family, education and school, migration, culture and the media and health. These courses will give you a broad knowledge about the varying questions that concern the lives of children, and they will also deepen your knowledge about methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives in child studies.

Online and on-campus training

The majority of the courses are taught online with the aid of a digital learning platform. Most of the course literature is also accessible on-line through the electronic resources of the LiU library. This allows for some flexibility as to where and when you want to conduct your studies. The programme has high academic standards, however, and entails fulltime studies.

In addition to online tuition, the programme comprises five 2-5 days long campus periods, which are mandatory for all students. The campus periods comprise both academic seminars and social activities, where students get to know each other as well as the teachers on the programme. This will facilitate on-line communication throughout the rest of the programme.

Career opportunities

Student of the master?s programme in Child Studies will be prepared for a career within governmental authorities and companies as well as local organisations, both governmental and non-governmental, whose activities affect children and their living conditions.

The programme prepares professionals in the fields of, for example, education, politics, social work and care, who are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge in issues dealing with children and their living conditions. Graduates can also follow a career in research or continue their studies towards doctoral degree.