About

The ethics of researching with children and young people is a cross- cutting theme in all modules. Semester One is dedicated to an in-depth introduction to childhood studies in global and local contexts from an interdisciplinary perspective. One question discussed is, "Is there one childhood or are there many?" The history, concepts and hidden aspects of childrenâ€™s rights are presented and discussed, with a view of childrenâ€™s rights legal documents beyond the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The child rights-based approach in practice and research is presented to you and you will reflect on the concept of human dignity as well as the human rights system based on natural positive and supranational law. You will acquire competencies not only in critical thinking and theoretical analysis of scientific literature and practical approaches in direct work with children but also in qualitative social research methods or research about, for and with children. During Semester Two, you will study key themes in children's rights studies, case studies and applied research,Â including education of children in an intercultural and international context. The child labour debate and social movements ofÂ working children are introduced. The right to education and its implementation is also evaluated in relation to its ostensible contradiction to work. You will gain knowledge on post-colonial theories and on decolonising childhoods. You will learn about marginalised and excluded groups of children (Children Out of Place) and their human rights. These include children in armed conflict, children on the move, violence against children, indigenous children, Roma children, rights of children with disabilities. Additionally, you will gain knowledge on children and media. You will learn about the risks and opportunities of media for children, including ethical aspects of media usage. A focus will lie on childrenâ€™s creation and participation in media.Â You will also create your own media product (with/for children), e.g. an app. In Semester Three, you will either engage in an internship with a childrenâ€™s rights organisation orÂ institution or you will create your own child rights-related practical project. If you wish to continue studying, the option of writing a research proposal, which could be the basis for a PhD, may be the best option for you. You can also choose to go abroad to one of our Erasmus partner universities. The programme is completed with a final MA thesis on a children's rights topic of your choice. Overall, you will go on a journey of personal self-development within a group of students from many different backgrounds, often with global biographies and a diverse range of academic, practical and life experiences.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Please note: As the MACR is online based, it is vital that you have a good internet connection and a laptop or computer. It does NOT suffice to have a smartphone, although you will need one as well, e.g., to record small videos or create apps for/with children. Admission Criteria First academic degree (BA or equivalent) Professional experience after completion of first university degree (generally 12 months) Knowledge of English (level C1) Additional requirements/documents to be submitted (in one PDF file): Filled in application form (www.fh-potsdam.de/macr "Application") Curriculum Vitae (tabular) Essay (Motivation for the application - about 900 words), please write it in English University degree (simple copy), Proof of ECTS / credit points, transcript of records Proof of a qualified professional practical work experience after the completion of a first university degree (generally one year)

Fee Information

How to Apply

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Master of Arts in Childhood Studies and Children's Rights