Entry requirements
You must have a bachelors degree from a UK university (or equivalent) to study this course. Your degree can be in any subject, although childhood and youth studies, sociology, health and social care, anthropology, psychology or education are particularly relevant.
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check
The research project option in E822 is only available if you are a UK resident as you will need to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check (or equivalent in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Students in Scotland will also need to meet the requirements of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme. The criminal record check must be appropriate for the setting in which you intend to carry out your research. The DBS (or equivalent) must bear the same name as given in your post-registration agreement form. You also need permission from your employer to undertake this work. If these conditions cannot be fulfilled then you should choose the literature review option for E822. There is a literature review option in E822 which will suit students who are unable to obtain UK DBS clearance.
Please note: It is a legal, rather than an Open University requirement, that you must obtain Enhanced DBS clearance in order to work with children on E822. This is the responsibility of you and your employer and not The Open University. If you are in doubt about your eligibility, or to find out more, you should contact the relevant agency in your country for more information.
Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 7 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see their website for details.
How long it takes
The maximum time to complete is 7 years.
If you started studying for this qualification before October 2018, check the final start date of modules that you are planning to study:
- The two compulsory modules Children and young people’s worlds: frameworks for integrated practice (E807) and Critical practice with children and young people (K802) started for the last time in October 2018.
- The 60-credit option module, Understanding children’s development and learning, (ED841) started for the last time in October 2019.
- The two 30-credit option modules, Continuing professional development in practice (U810) and Development: context and practice (T877), will be available beyond October 2019. However, U810 has an entry requirement that you need to have completed at least 150 hours of CPD over the last 3–4 years.