Advanced Child Protection Studies (Online)MSc / PGDip / PGCert

Through a suite of module options, you will be able to tailor the curriculum to match your own interests and career plans. We have pathways for students wanting to focus on UK/English child protection and safeguarding work and students wanting to focus on international child protection work.

Course structure

This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. To obtain the MSc you will complete four 30 credit modules and a 60 credit dissertation. Part-time students will take 2 modules in years 1 and 2 and the dissertation module in year 3. Full time students will take 4 modules in year one and complete the dissertation component in year 2.

Aimed at experienced professionals in fields like social work, policing, law, education, and health, the programme also welcomes graduates in social policy, law, and criminology. Taught by experts, the program offers pathways in UK and international child protection, featuring four 30-credit modules and a dissertation for MSc students. This online distance learning course combines innovative teaching with flexible study options, requiring only internet access and basic tech skills, with structured learning and continuous support.

• Specialised Focus: The programme offers specialist knowledge and skills in child protection and safeguarding, with pathways for UK and international focus.
• Experienced Faculty: Taught by experienced practitioners and experts, ensuring high-quality education and practical insights.
• Flexible Online Learning: The online distance learning format provides flexibility to study anywhere and anytime, with structured support and no need for advanced tech skills.

• Online learning: our online learning environment is powerful, reliable and refreshingly easy to use, enabling you to access all information and materials at any time on any device.
• Video lectures: experts in the field provide short videos on specific topics to develop analytical and critical thinking.
• Interactive learning tasks: learning is organised and integrated into the teaching topic, actively engaging you in the learning exercises.
• Work-centred learning: learning is integrated into real-time child protection practice to compliment and tailor your workplace and personal interests in specialist areas.
• Social interaction: online and face to face interaction is provided through discussion forums, learning sets and one-to-one tutorials, ensuring you feel connected and supported.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

Year: 1
2025/26 Session

The following modules must be taken over the course of the programme

As some of the learning tasks are integrated into actual practice, you will need to be employed in, or have negotiated access to, an organisation that undertakes or contributes to child protection work. If you are not already employed in a child protection organisation, you will need to supply a written agreement from the relevant organisation prior to registration.

You will need to supply the names of one reference from an organisational email address or as a PDF on headed paper and include a short personal statement with your application.

International applicants will be required to hold an IELTs 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.