Founded in 2014 by Professor Hannah Smithson, the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies
has established itself as an internationally recognised research centre, known for its innovative methodological approaches to working with young people.

The inter-disciplinary nature of the centre’s work, including criminology, sociology, history, linguistics, and politics supports a multi-faceted approach to exploring the issues facing young people. MCYS has a particular focus on young people in justice systems, young people’s well-being, young people’s climate activism, the role of language in young people’s lives, young people’s experience of racism and Islamophobia, and young people’s experience of the troubles in Northern Ireland.

International links with organisations and universities including in South Asia, Australia, the US, Japan and Scandinavia support the global facing work of the centre, including undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. It has a thriving PhD community helping to future proof the centre’s innovative approaches to research.           

MCYS has received funding from research councils including the ESRC, the AHRC, and the British Academy, national charities including Comic Relief, arms-length government bodies, including the Youth Justice Board and the Youth Endowment Fund, and local authorities and local charities. The work of the centre has impacted national policy and practice.