MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC699

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 17,200 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature

About

Overview

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.

You may also be interested in our MA in Children’s and Young Adult Literature Blog where you can read about our research and events, and all things children’s literature related.

DCU’s Adjunct Professor, Prof Peter Hunt speaks about his role as Adjunct to this programme - Listen Here

Requirements

Entry Requirements

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.

English Program Requirements

Postgraduate Taught Programmes Note: In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language for postgraduate taught programmes.

This may include:

Non-native speakers of English who in the past two years have completed their school education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. For example, applicants who have successfully achieved a 06/H7 in Leaving Certificate English, a Grade D in A Level English or an examination deemed as an equivalent by DCU.
Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree in the past two years, in a country where English is the official language.
Applicants who have recently lived in a country where English is the official language for at least four years and been employed in a professional role that required a high level of written and verbal communication. Applicants will be required to provide specific documentation to evidence this e.g. residency documentation, employer statement.

Research Programmes Note: Faculty of Engineering & Computing and Faculty of Science & Health

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language for research programmes in the Faculties noted above.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

Career

Careers & Further Options

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.

DCU Career Services

"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.