Politics and International Studies (MSc by Research)

Recent developments in child and youth participation have given rise to a broadening of focus beyond more conventional ‘political’ participation and decision making contexts to embrace participation in everyday life contexts and new forms of youth participation such as activism, alternative social movements and self organised activities. These in turn ask questions about citizenship education and how young people develop agency as active citizens. We therefore would welcome applications for studies that contribute to developing discourses in any of the following areas interest: · New forms of political participation, alternative styles and spaces of youth participation, urban counter cultures and participation in new social movements, · youth activism (in particular what motivates young people), youth campaigning, young people’s involvement in protest movements · intergenerational issues and adult-child/youth relationships in participation · the role of social media, · self-organising and autonomy in everyday contexts, · participatory methodologies and children and young people as researchers - children and young people’s involvement in local planning and decision making

In addition to this, in recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on the involvement of children and young people, who come to the attention of statutory social work services, in planning for their care and protection. We therefore would welcome applications for studies that contribute to developing discourses in any of the following areas of interest: • looked after children and young people and their involvement in decision making about their care • decision making for children and young people involved in statutory child protection processes • children and young people -led approaches to managing risk

Please see our Scholarships page to find out about funding or studentship options available.

• Dr Grainne Mcmahon
• Professor Barry Percy-smith