MA Children’s Literature and Literacies

Overview

The MA in Children's Literature and Literacies gives you an opportunity to deepen your passion for literature written for children through research-led modules that engage with emerging frameworks and debates. Supported by a team of academic specialists, you will investigate theories of literacy development, and the learning and reading experiences of children and young people through interdisciplinary, inclusive, and current approaches.

Why Study This Course

• Current, interdisciplinary, and research-led modules.
• The ability to pursue your interests throughout your assignments not just your MA dissertation.
• An innovative course with a dedicated Teaching Team that ensure individualised support and personalised feedback.
• A vibrant academic community led by research specialists.

Course Summary

The MA in Children's Literature and Literacies is a vibrant, wide-ranging degree course that offers professional development and academic progression by enhancing subject and research expertise in these interdisciplinary fields of study. Informed by current scholarship, research, and practice, it provides you an opportunity to develop in-depth and advanced knowledge and understanding of children’s literature and literacy through both wide-ranging and diverse specialist modules, culminating in an independent research project (MA dissertation) that reflects your individual ambition and aspirations.

Key Facts

• Award: MA
• Duration: 1 or 2 years
• Mode of study: Full time, Part time
• Start date: September 2025
• Award: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution code: B38

What You Will Study

• Children’s Literate Lives: This module studies current discourses and debates surrounding children’s and young people’s encounters with literature from the foundation of their ‘literate lives’ at home and at school.
• Children’s Literature: Words, Pictures, Voices: The module examines the history of literature written for children as well as critical debates in children’s literature.
• Researching Children’s Literature and Literacies: This module explores a range of research methodologies and methods appropriate for researching children’s literature and literacies.
• Children’s Literacies: Now, New, Next: This module engages with key trends, issues and genres connected to children’s literacies and literature to consider their current existence and future directions.
• Poetics and Politics of Identity: This module investigates the complexities of the poetics and politics of representing identity in English Studies through current and up-and-coming theories and critical perspectives.
• Critiquing and Theorising Literature: This module investigates how integrating interdisciplinary research methods and digital Humanities have challenged, changed and stretched English Studies.
• Dissertation: This module represents the culmination of the MA degree programme, giving students the opportunity to undertake an extensive piece of independent research based upon a topic of their own choosing.

Entry Requirements

• Students looking to study this course will need to have obtained or be predicted to obtain an undergraduate honours degree with a minimum of lower second class honours (or equivalent).
• Prospective students may be required to attend a consultation with the programme leader or a member of the academic team before commencing the course.

How You Will Be Taught

• Students will be taught by a variety of experienced researchers and practitioners who are active in the field to enhance your learning experience.
• The course provides diversity in both content and structure, with longer modules offering breadth and scope, complemented by specialist modules providing depth and focus.

Assessment

• Here at BGU we aim to make assessment an integral part of your learning, with each assignment outline developed to reflect your own working reality and the precise format negotiated with a tutor.
• Students looking to study the MA Children’s Literature and Literacies course can expect to undertake a range of assessment which include written essays, presentations, portfolios and reports, as well as practical tasks.

Careers & Further Study

• This course, which is specialised and interdisciplinary, has a strong professional and research development component and has been designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of learners, including Primary and Secondary school teachers, librarians and other professionals as well as enthusiasts to develop their knowledge and skills in relation to children’s literature and literacies.

Support

• Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community.
• You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice, and staff members will recognise you, not just by sight, but as an individual with unique talents and interests.

Fees & Funding

• A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at BGU we try to give you all the information and support we can to help to throughout the process.
• Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.

You will critically explore classic and contemporary texts across diverse genres, ranging from poetry and picture books to graphic novels and digital applications. The program equips you with:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of children's literature and literacy.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Research methodologies and methods appropriate for researching children's literature and literacies.
• Advanced written and communication skills.

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Objectives:

• Develop a broad, inclusive, critical, and contemporary understanding of children's literature and literacies.
• Enhance your subject and research expertise in this interdisciplinary field.
• Investigate the influence of these texts on children's learning experiences.
• Foster independent research skills and a critical approach to research methods and professional situations.
• Produce an independent research project (MA dissertation) reflecting your individual ambitions, research engagement, and critical analysis.

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Outline:

|---|---|---|---| | Children's Literate Lives | Discusses the "literate lives" of children from their early years to school age, exploring debates about their encounters with literature and the definition of children's texts. | 15 | Essay | | Children's Literature: Words, Pictures, Voices | Examines the history and critical debates in children's literature, investigating a range of texts and their representation of diversity, politics, and social contexts. | 15 | Essay | | Researching Children's Literature and Literacies | Explores research methodologies and ethics, focusing on conducting research with children and young people while considering power dynamics, ethical considerations, and research design. | 15 | Essay | | Children's Literacies: Now, New, Next | Analyzes current trends, genres, and issues in children's literature and literacy, focusing on digital literacies, visual culture, and the evolution of books into multimedia experiences. | 15 | Essay | | Poetics and Politics of Identity | Investigates the complexities of representing identity in English literature through contemporary theories, exploring the relationship between identity and narrative elements, and studying models of research and literary scholarship. | 15 | Essay | | Critiquing and Theorising Literature | Analyzes how interdisciplinary research methods and digital humanities are shaping English Studies, exploring current and emerging critical approaches, research methods, and theories. | 30 | Essay | | Dissertation | 60 | Dissertation |

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Assessment:

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Methods:

• Essays
• Dissertation

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Criteria:

Assessments are based on the following criteria:

• Critical thinking and analysis
• Research skills and knowledge
• Written and communication skills
• Originality and creativity

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Unique Approaches:

The program offers a personalized approach to learning, allowing students to tailor their assessments to their interests and produce their individual dissertations.

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Careers:

This specialized and interdisciplinary program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to pursue various professional and research opportunities.

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Target Audiences:

• Primary and secondary school teachers
• Librarians
• Researchers and academics in the field of children's literature and literacy
• Enthusiasts seeking to deepen their knowledge in these areas

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Potential Careers:

• Teacher of English or literacy
• Children's book author
• Editor or publisher of children's books
• Literacy consultant
• Academic researcher in the field of children's literature
• The program has an established part-time route, allowing students to study in the evenings while working.
• Students are encouraged to attend regular literary events, workshops, and presentations organized by the university and staff.
• The university offers a supportive learning environment with personalized attention from staff.

Bishop Grosseteste University: A Summary

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Overview:

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is a public university located in Lincoln, England. It is known for its high student satisfaction rates, ranking first in the UK for student satisfaction according to the Times Higher Education. BGU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with a particular focus on teacher training and other education-related programs.

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Services Offered:

BGU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

BGU boasts strong academic support, ranking first in the National Student Survey 2024 for this category.

Student Advice & Wellbeing:

The university offers dedicated support services for student well-being, including counseling and guidance.

Library:

BGU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources for students.

IT Services:

Students have access to various IT resources and support.

Accommodation:

BGU provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

Careers:

The university offers career guidance and support to help students find employment after graduation.

Alumni Network:

BGU has a strong alumni network that provides support and networking opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

BGU offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various clubs and societies, engage in sports activities, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Students' Union. The university is located in the historic city of Lincoln, offering a rich cultural experience and numerous attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Student Satisfaction:

BGU consistently ranks high in student satisfaction surveys, indicating a positive learning environment and supportive community.

Strong Academic Support:

The university provides excellent academic support services to help students succeed in their studies.

Focus on Teacher Training:

BGU is a leading provider of teacher training programs, offering various routes into teaching.

Vibrant Campus Life:

BGU offers a lively campus experience with numerous opportunities for student engagement.

Location in Lincoln:

The university is situated in a historic and charming city with plenty to offer students.

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Academic Programs:

BGU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Courses:

BGU offers a variety of undergraduate degrees in various fields, including education, business, humanities, and social sciences.

Postgraduate Courses:

The university offers postgraduate programs, including Master's degrees and doctoral studies, with a strong focus on teacher training and education-related fields.

Apprenticeships:

BGU offers degree apprenticeships in various fields, allowing students to gain practical experience while earning a degree.

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Other: