Children's Literature

Entry requirements

You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a related field.

You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.

Additional Entry Requirement for the Creative Writing Pathway

To apply to study on the Creative Writing Pathway you should follow the usual application process, submitting a substantial piece or pieces of original creative writing, up to a maximum of 3,000 words, with your application. This work does not have to be in the form of writing for children/young adults. It will be considered by the Module Leader of the Workshop in Creative and Life Writing.

Your submission should include one item from the following list: 1 short story; 7-10 poems; 1 or 2 extracts from a novel; 1 or 2 extracts from non-fiction writing, for example, memoir.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Expand your understanding of children’s and young adult literature by specialising as a researcher, creative writer, or children’s book illustrator with the MA Children’s Literature programme.

Taught by Goldsmiths' Department of Educational Studies, with some learning taking place in the Department of English and Creative Writing, the MA Children’s Literature programme has three pathways. Through the programme, you will:

• Have the unique experience of learning alongside researchers, authors, and illustrators and benefit from exposure to industry experts to develop a well-rounded understanding of children’s and Young Adult (YA) literature
  
• Join a programme that affirms the importance of culturally relevant books for showing underrepresented readers that they have a place in the world and in the books they read. Our core module – Children’s Literature, Culture and Diversity – examines how texts for young people can challenge and disrupt existing power systems and we regularly visit the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education to celebrate their Reflecting Realities work and explore the 23,000 books and resources in their Literacy Library
  
• Be taught by leading figures in children’s and Young Adult literature including Professor Michael Rosen, Professor Vicky Macleroy, Dr Emily Corbett, Dr Tori Bovalino, and Bruce Ingman
  
• Join a vibrant and supportive academic community, where you can collaborate with fellow students and engage in lively discussions about the literature that shapes young minds
  
• Be invited to join the Children’s and Young Adult Literature Research Forum (CYALRF) and contribute to Spinning Gold, the online publication led by MA Children’s Literature students

MA Children’s Literature: Theoretical Approaches to Children’s and Young Adult Literature

If you choose the Theoretical Approaches to Children’s and Young Adults Literature pathway, you will specialise as a researcher and a critical thinker. Whether you come from an academic, publishing, education, or children's media background, and whether you are an established professional or just starting out, this pathway will support your development in the world of children’s and YA literature.

It can also prepare you to go on to doctoral-level study. Contact the Head of Pathway, Dr Emily Corbett, e.corbett (@gold.ac.uk), for more information on the pathway.

MA Children’s Literature: Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults

If you choose the Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults pathway, you will explore the world of children’s and YA literature and find innovative and exciting ways to develop your creative writing for diverse readers, while reflecting critically on the process and contexts in which you write.

Contact the Head of Pathway, Dr Tori Bovalino, v.bovalino (@gold.ac.uk), for more information on the pathway.

MA Children’s Literature: Children’s Book Illustration

If you choose the Children’s Book Illustration pathway, you'll immerse yourself in exploring professional and practical approaches to children’s book illustration. This pathway is jointly delivered by the Department of Educational Studies and the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies.

Please visit the dedicated pathway page to find out more about our Children's Book Illustration pathway or contact the Head of Pathway, Bruce Ingman, b.ingman (@gold.ac.uk).

Information for international students

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Fees and funding

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

Funding may be available from schools’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) budgets.