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

Course options

2024 - 2025
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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

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 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. 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. 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.

Modules

Theoretical Approaches to Children’s and YA Literature Compulsory modules In this pathway, you'll study the following compulsory modules. You'll also complete a dissertation module, where you'll have the opportunity to carry out either a personal line of research enquiry or produce a portfolio of creative writing Children's Literature: Theory and Criticism 30 credits Children’s Literature, Culture and Diversity 30 credits Researching Children's Literature 30 credits Dissertation 60 credits Optional modules You'll also take a 30-credit optional module from either the Department of Educational Studies or the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies. Engage with cutting-edge research and debates in the field and tailor the programme to align with your aspirations and interests, with option modules including Children’s Literature in Action, Children’s Publishing, Picture Book Writing and Young Adult Literature in Context. Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults Compulsory modules In this pathway, you'll study the following compulsory modules. You'll also complete a dissertation module, where you'll have the opportunity to carry out either a personal line of research enquiry or produce a portfolio of creative writing Children’s Literature, Culture and Diversity 30 credits Workshop in Creative and Life Writing 60 credits Writing for Children and Young Adults 30 credits Dissertation 60 credits Optional modules You'll also take a 30-credit optional module from the Department of Educational Studies or the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies. Engage with cutting-edge research and debates in the field and tailor the programme to align with your aspirations and interests, with option modules including Children’s Literature in Action, Children’s Publishing, Picture Book Writing and Young Adult Literature in Context. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Assessment method

Book studies, assignments, project (optional), dissertation, creative writing (optional).

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

Additional fee information

Unless otherwise stated the annual fee for part-time students is half the full time fee quoted.
Children's Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London - UCAS