MA in Children's Literature and Literacies

This MA supports the development of a broad, inclusive, critical and contemporary understanding of Literature written for children. It will also consider children’s Literacies and the influence of these on the reading and learning experiences of children and young people.

The MA in Children's Literature and Literacies is a specialised Master's degree which aims to provide professional development and academic progression in this subject by enhancing subject expertise for related careers and further research qualifications. The MA aims to develop the knowledge and expertise of participants from a range of related disciplines including recent graduates, qualified teachers, librarians or anyone with a passion in children's literature and literacy.

This course will enhance specialist knowledge of Children’s Literature and Literacies in the context of current theory and research. The modules will analyse the use and impact of Children’s Literature in children’s homes and educational settings, exploring the social functions of Literature and Literacies within their historical and cultural contexts. It will support understanding of the nature of Literacy and Literature in a digital age and develop transferable skills for individual research within these fields. The modules will engage both critically and creatively with all aspects of Literacy and will explore the ways in which we read and understand the world, in a variety of forms. Texts to be studied will include well known, ‘classic’ texts and books by contemporary authors across a range of genres, ranging from poetry, picture books and non-fiction to graphic novels and digital presentations, aimed at readers from 0-18.