School of English

MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature

MA in Children’s and Young Adult Literature header
Course Code:
DC699
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
9
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Part-Time
Duration
1 year (Full-time), 2 years (Part-time)
call programme contact
+353 (0) 1
700 6036

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.

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

  1. To shed light on the literary and cultural importance of children's and young adult literature.
  2. To enhance students' understanding and appreciation of children's and young adult literature, enabling them to interact with these literary works critically and creatively.
  3. To cultivate practical skills in students, giving them the confidence to approach reading, writing, and research more effectively.
  4. To help students recognise that the skills they acquire in this programme can be applied in various areas, making them versatile and adaptable.

What former students say

"As a teacher, my professional practice revolved around children's literature; therefore, I was keen to find a masters which challenged me; a masters which celebrated creative and critical thought - a masters which offered that 'something different'. The content of the M.A. changed and challenged my thinking as a reader and as an educator. From writing and lecturing to doctoral studies, this M.A. has scaffolded many exciting changes and paths, both personally and professionally. This is a course which can open doors - doors into new ways of thinking about literature and doors into many professional possibilities. If you are passionate about children's literature and want to learn from leading experts in this field, then this is the course for you." Clara Maria Fiorentini

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.

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

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.

 

Fees

Full time

EU Status Fee
€7,700
Non EU Fee.
€16,500

Part time

EU Status Fee Part-time
€4,200 Per Annum
Non EU Fee Part time
€8,100 Per Annum

Next Steps

All Applicants must submit

All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application:

  • Certified academic transcripts for each and every year of study, with certified English translations, if applicable
  • As part of the selection process you may also be required to attend for interview.


Non Native English Speakers

  • Evidence of English competency which meets DCU entry requirements - see link

Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

  • Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2024
  • Closing date for EU applicants is 20th August 2024

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

EU Applicants

Applications will be reviewed and offers will be made on an ongoing basis.  Should places still be available on this programme.

Non-EU / International Applicants

Applicants will be reviewed and offers will be made on an ongoing basis.  Should places still be available on this programme.

Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised to apply as early as possible.  If you need a study visa and are a Non EU/International student, you are not eligible to apply for part time programmes as study visas are only granted for full time programmes.

Application Queries

For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie


For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie

Commencement of Programme

The programme commences in September 2024