MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature
Dublin, Ireland
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request the earliest start date
TUITION FEES
EUR 17,000
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
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.
Admissions
Curriculum
The MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature degree programme has several 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.
Year 1
- Histories and Contexts
- Theories, Critics, Research Methods
- Picturebooks and Film
- European Children's Literature
Year 2
- School Stories and 'Schooling' in Children's and Young Adult Literature
- Fantasy and Poetry
- Dissertation (which includes supervisory sessions with a research supervisor; research and writing seminars; and, student presentations)
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
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.