Children's & Young Adult Literature

Students in this programme often have a deep and long-standing fascination with children's and/or young adult literature. They enrol for various reasons. Some do it simply because they have a strong passion for these types of literature, while others see it as a way to advance their careers.



Our graduates have used the programme to further their aspirations as writers, while some have pursued doctoral studies.



The programme accommodates these different motivations and goals by providing a comprehensive course of study on the history and evolution of children's and young adult literature from the 17th to the 21st century. It also introduces students to critical research areas in the field.



The MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature at DCU offers a unique and supportive academic environment with expert faculty, diverse modules, collaborations with Children's Books Ireland, guest lectures by leading academics and writers such as Irish Authors Deirdre Sullivan and Sarah Maria Griffin as well as access to special collections of award-winning childrens and young adult texts, making it an excellent choice for those passionate about the subject.

Course Structure Icon

The MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature degree programme has a number of aims:



To shed light on the literary and cultural importance of children's and young adult literature.

To enhance students' understanding and appreciation of children's and young adult literature, enabling them to interact with these literary works critically and creatively.

To cultivate practical skills in students, giving them the confidence to approach reading, writing, and research more effectively.

To help students recognise that the skills they acquire in this programme can be applied in various areas, making them versatile and adaptable.

Overview

Year 1

Histories and Contexts

Theories, Critics, Research Methods

Picturebooks and Film

International Children’s Literature



Year 2

Colonial, Adventure and School Stories

Fantasy and Poetry

Dissertation (which includes supervisory sessions with a research supervisor; research and writing seminars; and, student presentations)

General Entry Requirements

• This programme is open to applicants with an honours primary degree, minimum H2.1 (Level 8 NFQ) in a related subject. Applicants with an honours degree who do not meet the minimum entry of a H2.1 but can show substantial and demonstrable experience related to children's and/or young adult literature may be considered for a place on the programme.



• As part of the selection process you may also be required to attend for interview, and you may also be asked to submit a personal statement (maximum 750 words), outlining why you wish to study for a master's degree in Children's and Young Adult Literature



• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.



International Applications

• International applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language, they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

Careers

Our programme has empowered a diverse group of graduates who have taken various paths in their careers. Some have used it as a stepping stone to pursue doctoral studies and enter the academic field. Others have leveraged the knowledge and skills gained to excel in roles such as journalists, judges, lecturers, editors, publishers, researchers, and writers.



This programme has been especially valuable for English teachers at both primary and secondary levels, catalysing career advancement. It has also played a similar role for school librarians and those working in public libraries.



Graduates of the programme have made significant contributions to the field of children's literature. They have served as presidents of IBBY Ireland (the Irish division of an international non-profit organisation dedicated to connecting children with books), acted as adjudicators and chairs for the Children's Books Ireland Book of the Year Awards, and have even published their own children's literature.