Master in Childhealthandthelaw

Tuition fees are 856 GBP per year, and the application deadline for the Oct 2027 intake is Jul 15, 2027.

Navigating the intersection of paediatric care and the legal system requires more than clinical expertise; it demands a nuanced understanding of statutory frameworks, rights-based advocacy, and professional accountability. This module is designed for nursing, midwifery, and allied health professionals seeking to bridge the gap between complex legal theory and frontline practice. By exploring the critical tension between safeguarding responsibilities and the child’s right to autonomy, participants develop the confidence to manage sensitive situations—ranging from consent and confidentiality to abuse, neglect, and court-related evidence presentation.

Core Academic Focus

The curriculum provides a deep dive into the UK-specific legal and policy environment, empowering practitioners to act as informed advocates. Participants will critically evaluate their own decision-making processes within the following areas:

• Legal and policy frameworks governing children’s health and safeguarding.
• Professional accountability, including tort law, duty of care, and negligence.
• Advocacy, participation, and the complexities of professional leadership.
• Reproductive law, including the rights of the unborn child and pregnant minors.
• The practicalities of care planning and presenting evidence in family courts.

This module is ideal for those currently working in clinical environments who wish to formalise their knowledge, update their practice in line with current regional policy, and earn CATs points toward further postgraduate qualifications.

Queen's University Belfast is a historic and research-led university located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded as Queen's College Belfast in 1845 and established as an independent university in 1908, Queen's combines a long heritage with modern ambitions. The campus sits within a designated conservation area and serves a diverse community of around 24,915 students, including roughly 3,500 international students, creating a lively and inclusive environment for study and social life.

Academically, Queen's is a Russell Group member with strong disciplinary strengths and a clear focus on employability. The university hosts four flagship Global Research Institutes addressing Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety, offering students opportunities to engage with impactful research. Career-facing initiatives such as Degree Plus and targeted employer workshops enhance internships, placements and graduate prospects, while sustained investment in campus infrastructure has delivered new teaching facilities, a student centre and a cutting-edge clinical simulation centre for health-related programmes.

For international students, Belfast offers an affordable and welcoming city experience with rich cultural life and efficient transport links across the UK and Ireland. University support services help with arrival, visas and accommodation, and a variety of clubs, societies and volunteering options make it easy to build networks and gain practical experience. Queen's is a strong choice for students seeking rigorous teaching, active research opportunities and clear pathways into careers in the UK and beyond.