Children's Literature

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.