Master of Arts Spotlight - Marie Harrison
The MA Children and Young People’s Participation and Leadership is designed for any professional who works with children, young people, and their families, with a special interest in facilitating their rights and active participation.
This unique course is designed with special thanks to the Scottish Government, the Scottish Youth Parliament, Children’s Parliament Scotland, and relevant children’s rights organisations. Current student – Marie - chats to us about her experience studying online, whilst having a busy work and personal life 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Marie Harrison, and I am originally from Denmark. I came to Scotland in 2012 and fell in love with the country (and a Scottish guy!), got married and am now settled in Taynuilt near Oban with my husband, two daughters and a puppy. I work as Senior Policy Officer for Children in Scotland where I coordinate the Children’s Views Service. The service supports children with additional support needs to share their views in formal education processes such as additional support needs tribunals. Another part of my role is to work with local authorities and different organisations on building capacity and improve opportunities for child-led participation strategies in education.
What course did you complete/or are currently completing at UHI Perth?
I am enrolled on the MA in Children and Young People’s Participation and Leadership.
Why did you decide to do an MA qualification at UHI Perth?
I feel that through my work I get a lot of practical experience and can see first hand how important it is to support children to write their own agendas and enable them to influence the adult discourse and narrative. However, I found myself often grabbling and struggling, not with the “how”, but the “why”. The MA programme is reinforcing my practical knowledge with a theoretical framework that is already influencing the way I work and the way I deliver training to local authorities and other stakeholders.
How did you hear about the course?
Initially, I was looking for an MA in Children’s Rights, so I was googling away when I came across this course. It hit all the marks for me and the fact that it was in part designed by children and young people from the Scottish Youth Parliament was a really big plus for me.
Completing a course and working full time can be difficult to juggle – can you describe any challenges you have faced and how you managed to overcome them?
I knew that I would not be able to study full time whilst working 28 hours (plus the occasional extra), being active in our local community and looking after two young children. I discussed my concerns with the course coordinator before I started and decided to study one module each semester – this has been ideal for me as it has allowed me to study, without becoming too overwhelmed with the other aspects of life. It has been tense at times, especially just before assignment deadlines, but it has been manageable and I have thoroughly enjoyed it!
How have you found the style of teaching and the support you have received from your lecturers?
As someone living rurally, being able to study online has been essential. I enjoy the set up of the course with readings and activities divided into weeks as it supports me to stay focused and on task, without becoming overwhelmed. The lecturers are wonderful and really good at responding to questions and arranging online check-ins and support around assignments. The discussion boards are equally inspiring, and it is always exciting to have conversations with fellow students about the course readings.
How have you found the course content?
The content has been really good – you can feel the “red thread” and the readings feel like a natural progression – starting with an overview and basic concepts in the first weeks, then building towards more complex issues and intersecting topics. It is not “easy” reads, but then that is to be expected at this level of studying. The reading list to me has been brilliant and I have enjoyed diving into additional texts as suggested by the lecturer and fellow students.
How have you found studying online?
As mentioned previously, this has been ideal. The format lends itself well to online studying and I feel every bit as involved as I would if I was attending in person.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your time at UHI Perth?
I have completed two modules now – and both time the feeling of exaltation when handing in the final assignment has been tangible 😊 My last assignment was a poster and verbal presentation which was a new format for me to work in – but I really enjoyed it! It was interesting to try to convey information in a different way and be able to get a bit creative as well!
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you with career progression?
I have definitely found a theoretical footing that I didn’t know I was missing. Before starting the course, I found myself doing things because it felt “right” but I did not have the theory to back up my decisions – when delivering training to others, it is really nice to be able to answer the WHY questions. Initiatives that I previously considered good practice, or “good participation” have equally been challenged and I now consider “child agency” and “leadership” in a very different light. I have a much better understanding of child-adult power dynamics and how adults can do things that appear to be helpful, but in reality, are hindering, not enabling active participation. I feel much more comfortable entering into strategic discussions at work now which hopefully will help my career progression in the future.
What are your career goals and plans?
I am fortunate to work for an incredible organisation in a role that I really enjoy. My studies and work tie in together beautifully and continue to build up both my practical and theoretical knowledge. My plans at the moment are to continue in my current role and hopefully over time be able to advance to more senior roles within my organisation. At the moment, I am enjoying seeing the service I coordinate grow, and being able to provide training opportunities for colleagues and promote the importance on children’s rights make me very happy indeed.
Do you have any hobbies or other interests, outside of your work or studies?
I love reading and have a huge crush on my Kindle – I especially like sci-fi and fantasy, authors like Ursula Le Guin and Brandon Sanderson a great for a bit of escapism when the real world gets a bit much 😊 I also love going for walks – I can see Ben Cruachan from my window, and we have some incredible woodlands and walking routes close to where we live.
Anything else you feel like telling us about your experience?
Just that I cannot recommend the course enough – being able to study at my own pace and combine studies with work has been absolutely brilliant. I am 38 years old and haven’t studied since my mid-twenties, but the supportive staff, fellow students and well-structured readings and activities have all made it a joy to get back into it 😊
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth?
Very much so – it is demanding, but so rewarding!
And finally, what advice would you give to anyone thinking about doing a similar course at UHI Perth?
Don’t feel like you have to do it all at once – study at whatever pace is right for you. Use the discussion boards to communicate with other students and the lecturers and ask if you have any questions – there are always people around who can help. And more than anything, enjoy absorbing the new knowledge and reflect on how it affects your own practice – that is what has been the key bit of learning for me – there were a lot of things I didn’t know I didn’t know – and I feel my work life has benefitted tremendously from a deeper theoretical understanding of children’s rights and participatory frameworks in general.
