Program Overview

MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature

Overview

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, and access to special collections of award-winning children's and young adult texts.

Why DCU

• 93% of FHSS graduates are in work or further study 6 months to a year after graduation, including 75% in employment and 18% in further studies.
• QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: English is the University’s highest-ranked subject, placing it within the top 150 universities worldwide for this discipline.

Careers & Further Options

• Our programme has empowered a diverse group of graduates who have taken various paths in their careers, including pursuing doctoral studies, entering the academic field, and excelling in roles such as journalists, judges, lecturers, editors, publishers, researchers, and writers.
• Graduates of the programme have made significant contributions to the field of children's literature, serving as presidents of IBBY Ireland, acting as adjudicators and chairs for the Children's Books Ireland Book of the Year Awards, and publishing their own children's literature.

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.
• 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.

Programme Structure

• The MA in Children’s and Young Adult Literature degree programme is offered both as a full-time option and as a part-time over two years.
• Part-time students follow a two-year schedule, engaging in extensive reading and exploring various topics in their first year, and focusing on a particular area of research and writing their dissertations in their second year.
• Full-time students complete all requirements of the degree programme within a single year.

Modules

• Histories and Contexts
• Theories, Critics, Research Methods
• Picturebooks and Film
• European Children's Literature
• 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)

Fees and Funding

• Full-time: €7,900 (EU), €17,000 (Non-EU)
• Part-time: €4,300 per annum (EU), €8,300 per annum (Non-EU)

How To Apply

• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.
• 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.

Life On Campus

• DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
• Each campus has a library, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies.
• There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

FAQs

• Is DCU all one campus? No, DCU is a multi-campus university.
• If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus? Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
• Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations? Yes, we have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.