Sexual Exploitation of Children and Young People (short course)

More about this course

This course will explore the research evidence about sexual exploitation of children, the range of forms of exploitation and the contexts in which it occurs. You'll examine the history of sexual exploitation in a national and international context and the current policy focus. The impact of sexual exploitation and promising practices responding to young people will be explored, as well as what research tells us about the motivations of those who abuse and exploit.

This course is important if you're a professional or practitioner working in social care or at a policy level in charities and other related fields, and you want to increase your knowledge of the evidence base on sexual exploitation.

This course will cover:

• definitions of sexual exploitation
• a gender analysis of sexual exploitation and debates about the sex industry
• sexualisation of children in popular culture
• policy and practice responses including criminal justice and safeguarding frameworks

In particular, the course will cover the following topics in detail:

• forms of sexual exploitation eg trafficking, abusive images of children and online grooming
• perpetrators of sexual exploitation

By the end of the course you'll understand and be able to critically evaluate perspectives on sexual exploitation and the sex industry, including to what extent global research evidence supports them. You'll also be able to define, identify and explain various forms of sexual exploitation of children and young people.

Assessment

This course is accredited at an MA level as part of the Woman and Child Abuse MA. If you're taking this course as a short course, assessment is not compulsory.

To gain the 20 credits for the course, the assessment consists of two items - an annotated bibliography and an essay. Full guidance and support sessions are built into teaching time.

Entry requirements

A good degree in a relevant subject or experience of delivering policy and/or support services is required alongside proficiency in written and spoken English.

Course structure

This course is delivered in class from 10am to 5pm. The dates for the next intake in 2023 are as follows: