The Child and Family Studies (English) master’s program at Marmara University is a two-year graduate degree taught fully in English. This programme explores human development, childhood, family dynamics, social policies and welfare systems — focusing on children and families in both local and global contexts. Students study child psychology, family sociology, social work theories, research methods, and social policy. Through courses, seminars and research projects, students learn how to support children’s well-being, contribute to social services, and analyze family and social problems with scientific methods.
Located in Istanbul — a vibrant, multicultural city with diverse social settings — the program gives students real-world perspective on social issues, family structures and child welfare. With English-medium instruction, students can access global literature and prepare for international cooperation or work in social services abroad. This program is ideal for those who want to work in social work, family counselling, child welfare, non-profit organisations or social research — combining academic knowledge with human-centered values.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.) / Master’s — Thesis (Graduate Programme)
- Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)
- Location: Istanbul, Turkey
- Study Type: Graduate (full-time, international, English)
- Admission semester: Fall semester (start of academic year)
- Area of study: Child and Family Studies / Social Sciences & Welfare
- Admission modus: Without admission restriction / Eligible for international students
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Child & Family Studies
- Introduction to Child Development & Family Sociology
- Social Work Theories & Family Policies
- Research Methods in Social Sciences
- Academic English & Communication for Social Work
Semester 2 – Childhood, Family & Social Policy
- Child Psychology & Developmental Processes
- Family Dynamics, Gender & Social Change
- Welfare Systems & Social Policy Analysis
- Elective Course I (e.g. Family Counselling, Child Rights)
Semester 3 – Specialized Study & Research Preparation
- Child Welfare, Protection & Social Services
- Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methods for Social Sciences
- Sociology of Childhood & Family Studies Seminar
- Thesis Project Planning & Literature Review
Semester 4 – Thesis & Graduation
- Master’s Thesis / Research Project on Child & Family Studies
- Thesis Defense & Presentation
- Seminar on Ethics & Professional Practice in Social Work
- Graduation & Academic / Career Planning
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program can work as social workers, family counsellors, child welfare officers, policy analysts, researchers, or NGO professionals focusing on children, families and social services. They may join government agencies, social service organisations, child protection units, community centres, non-profits, research institutes, or international organisations working on social welfare. With their academic background, graduates can also continue with PhD studies in social sciences, child development, family studies or social policy. Thanks to English-medium education and international perspective, they are ready for careers both in Türkiye and abroad.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the Child and Family Studies (English) master’s program at Marmara University means joining a curriculum that combines social science, welfare, and human-centered studies. You will learn how childhood, family, society and policies interact — and how to support children and families with knowledge, empathy and scientific insight. The program gives you both theory and practical research skills, preparing you for real social work and welfare roles.
Additionally, studying in Istanbul gives you access to many communities, social organisations and diverse social settings — offering real-life contexts for field studies, internships or social projects. The programme’s English instruction and global outreach also enable you to connect with international research and social work networks. It’s an ideal choice for students who care about people, society, and want to contribute to better futures for children and families.
Contact Information
Marmara University – Institute of Population & Social Research
Child and Family Studies (M.A.) Program
Sultanahmet / Main Campus
34110 Istanbul, Türkiye
Tel: +90 212 512 20 00
Fax: +90 212 526 41 93
Email: childfamily@marmara.edu.tr
Institute of Population & Social Research – Student Affairs Office
Marmara University
Sultanahmet / Main Campus
34110 Istanbul, Türkiye
Tel: +90 212 512 20 10
Fax: +90 212 512 20 11
Email: socialresearch_student@marmara.edu.tr
International Office – Marmara University
Göztepe Campus
34722 Istanbul, Türkiye
Tel: +90 216 777 11 00
Fax: +90 216 777 11 01
Email: international@marmara.edu.tr
