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Children's Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

7Dec
Goldsmiths, University of London - Postgraduate Open Day
Postgraduate

Course summary

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. Why study MA Children's Literature at Goldsmiths

  • 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.
  • 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.
Pathways The optional elements of this programme mean you can choose between pursuing a pathway focusing on the study of literature for children in community contexts (Theory and Criticism pathway) or to mainly focus on developing your writing for children (Creative Writing pathway). MA Children’s Literature: Theoretical Approaches to Children’s and Young Adult Literature This pathway is for those who want to 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. MA Children’s Literature: Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults Those on this pathway will explore the world of children’s and YA literature, and find innovative and exciting ways to develop their creative writing for diverse readers, while reflecting critically on the process and contexts in which they write. MA Children’s Literature: Children’s Book Illustration We also offer an MA in Children’s Book Illustration, in which you can immerse yourself in exploring professional and practical approaches to this area. This pathway is jointly delivered by the Department of Educational Studies and the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies.

Modules

The optional elements of this programme mean you can choose between pursuing a pathway focusing on the study of literature for children in community contexts (Theory and Criticism pathway) or mainly focus on developing your writing for children (Creative Writing pathway). Theory and Criticism pathway You'll complete the following compulsory modules: Children's Literature: Theory and Criticism Inclusion and Diversity Research with Texts The Publishing Industry Final Project Final Project You will complete a Final Project. This is a critical enquiry related to theory and criticism in the study of children’s literature or a portfolio that will enable you to engage with critical and practical debates relating to creative writing and work creatively and imaginatively within the constraints of the designated project. Optional module: You'll also choose one optional module. The recommended option for this pathway is: Children's Literature in Action Creative Writing pathway For this pathway you'll take the following compulsory modules: Inclusion and Diversity Workshop in Creative and Life Writing The Publishing Industry Creative and Life Writing Portfolio Optional modules You'll also choose one module from the following list: Writing for Children and Young Adults Children's Literature in Action Picture Book Writing Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Assessment method

Taught sessions and lectures provide overviews of coursework themes, which you are encouraged to complement with intensive reading for presentation and discussion with peers at seminars. Coursework essays build on lectures and seminars, so you are encouraged to attend all taught sessions to build knowledge and their own understanding of their chosen discipline. In depth feedback is provided for written assignments and essays via written feedback forms and formative feedback with module tutors/leads is provided to ensure that your work is on the right track. Feedback comes in many forms and not only as a result of written comments on a marked essay.

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 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. 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. 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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For details of fees and funding please visit https://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/fees-funding/ or the programme page on our website.
Children's Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London - UCAS