Higher Education

MA Youth Justice

Advance your career and expertise in the evolving field of youth justice with the MA Youth Justice, validated by the University of Suffolk. This postgraduate course offers an in-depth exploration of the key issues, policies, and practices shaping youth justice today, empowering you to influence change at both a strategic and practical level.

In the context of the UK’s complex youth justice system, this course equips you with the critical knowledge and research skills needed to tackle the challenges faced by children within the youth justice system. You will critically engage with current theories, policy debates, and practical solutions while developing the ability to address systemic issues with innovative approaches.

Designed for professionals looking to deepen their understanding and make a tangible impact, the MA Youth Justice prepares you for leadership roles in research, policy, and practice, ensuring you're ready to shape the future of youth justice in meaningful ways.

2 years part-time study

180 credits

FHEQ Level 7

Distance learning

Next cohort: April 2025

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What will I study?

How can we address the deep-rooted challenges that continue to affect children in the youth justice system? This degree empowers you to critically interrogate the systems, policies, and theories that shape the way youth justice professionals respond to the children they work with.

You’ll investigate restorative justice, non-custodial responses to crime, and sentencing practices, asking difficult questions about what works – and why.

You’ll be encouraged to bring your own interests and experiences to your studies, looking at international perspectives and the latest research to critically assess the effectiveness of interventions. In doing so, you’ll develop the skills to evaluate complex policies, make sound judgments in uncertain situations, and contribute to the wider conversation on youth justice.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to play a leading role in shaping future policy and practice within youth justice, whether through research, practice, or influencing systemic change. You’ll have the expertise to respond to complex issues, advocate for children’s rights, and ensure justice-informed practices are implemented at all levels.

Course modules

Level 7

Youth Justice: Theory & Practice (60 Credits)

Criminal Justice: theory & practice
Contemporary criminological theory
Community justice for children
Use of custody for children
International youth justice
Desistance

Understanding Youth Justice Practice (60 Credits)

Child First
Diversion
Mental health and trauma
Research methods and ethics
Innovation and implementation in youth justice management

Independent Research (60 Credits)

Course aims

The MA Youth Justice aims to:

Provide specialist knowledge and advanced understanding of youth justice.
Develop a critical understanding of concepts and practices of leadership.
Foster key academic, analytical, leadership and research skills. Enabling students to critically assess and contribute to contemporary youth justice debates.
Enable students to tackle complex, real-world challenges within youth justice by developing innovative, evidence-based solutions that respond to systemic issues and societal needs.
Develop students' knowledge of, and ability to critically evaluate, relevant criminological theories and perspectives.

What level of study is this course?

This is a postgraduate qualification awarded at FHEQ Level 7 Master's degree.

Who is the awarding body for this course?

The MA Youth Justice is delivered by Unitas and awarded by the University of Suffolk, a respected and accredited institution with a strong track record of delivering high-quality education. Recognised for its commitment to academic excellence and industry-relevant programmes, the University of Suffolk ensures that this course offers the rigorous, well-rounded education you need to advance your career in youth justice.

When will I study?

Upcoming cohorts: April 2025, October 2025.

What career progression opportunities does this course offer me?

The MA Youth Justice is designed for professionals looking to take on specialist and leadership roles within youth justice, criminal justice, and related sectors. This qualification equips you with the expertise, critical thinking, and research skills required to drive policy change, develop innovative practice, and lead teams in supporting children within the justice system.

Graduates may progress into leadership and specialist roles such as:

Head of Youth Justice Services – overseeing strategic development, policy implementation, and service delivery within Youth Justice Services (YJSs) or other agencies.
Youth Justice Policy Lead – shaping national or local policies by working within government departments, the Youth Justice Board, or policy-focused organisations.
Senior Probation Officer (Youth Justice Focus) – managing teams working with children subject to community orders, ensuring effective interventions and compliance with best practice.
Secure Estate Leadership Roles – leading safeguarding, rehabilitation, and resettlement programmes within secure children’s homes, STCs, or YOIs.
Advocacy and Children’s Rights Specialist – working for charities or NGOs to promote children’s rights and influence justice reform.
Criminal Justice Researcher – conducting research on youth justice policies and practices within universities, think tanks, or independent research bodies.
Lecturer or Trainer in Youth Justice – delivering education and training to future practitioners within universities or professional development programmes.

This course also provides a strong foundation for further study at doctoral level, enabling you to contribute to academic research and high-level policy development.

What are the entry requirements for this course?

To be eligible to study this course, you must hold a minimum of a 2.2 class honours degree or the overseas equivalent. This degree is not required to be in youth justice, although a social science subject is advantageous.

If English is not your first language, we recommend 6.5 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in each component of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

How long will the course take to complete?

The course is expected to take students two years to complete, part-time.

Learning and assessment

As opposed to undergraduate study, the MA Youth Justice encourages a highly independent and self-directed approach to learning. As a postgraduate programme, you will be expected to take greater ownership of your studies compared to previous levels of education. This means that while you'll still benefit from expert guidance and support, much of the learning will be driven by your own critical engagement with the material.

Students will be given suggested reading and resources, including videos and online materials, throughout their studies. Independent research is also a key element of this course. The online activities to support your learning will take up 50% of your time, with the remainder dedicated to independent study (reading, critically thinking, analysis papers and preparing for assignments).

Delivered entirely online by Unitas, a leading distance learning provider, this course enables you to access your studies from anywhere - whether on your computer or mobile device - offering the ultimate convenience in balancing education with a busy schedule.

Will I receive support throughout my studies?

Each student is allocated a dedicated Learning Coach to guide them throughout their studies, providing academic support and feedback.

They will:

✓ Provide advice and guidance on course content and on the best ways for you to study

✓ Help you to plan and prepare for assignments

✓ Mark and provide detailed, constructive feedback on your assignments

If you ever need practical and technical assistance or other advice during your course, then our Student Support Coordinators are on hand to help.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the course of your studies, your understanding will be tested in the form of reflective tasks, key questions and knowledge check quizzes. These are simply formative assessments and do not contribute to your final grade.

To complete the course and achieve the certificate of study, students will be assessed through:

Computer Marked Assignments (CMAs) which take place at the end of each block of Modules 1 and 2. These are online, multiple-choice tests based on what has been learnt so far.
Written Assignments which take place in the form of essays, case study analysis, a briefing paper and a research proposal. These provide students with the opportunity to showcase their critical analysis and thinking skills.
Research Report and Dissemination Artefact which are developed by students during the final independent research module.

How much does this course cost?

Our mission is to provide accessible, affordable learning that is within reach for everyone. Because of this, our courses are priced considerably lower than most learning providers and universities in the UK. With a total fee of just £7,950 for the MA Youth Justice, you can benefit from a quality postgraduate qualification without the financial strain.

How can I fund my studies?

There are a number of payment options when it comes to funding your studies* (contact our student support team on 01603 570 365 to discuss these further).

Interest-free payment plan (self-funded)
Pay in full (self-funded)
Employer sponsorship

*For all self-funding students, a deposit will be due before the course begins.

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