MA/PGDip/PGCert Children’s Literature (Online)

Imagine new possibilities for young readers.

The Online Children’s Literature MA/PGDip/PGCert is for ambitious readers and writers who are passionate about children’s and young adult (YA) reading, storytelling, and literary creativity. Learn from leading academics and practitioners, including author Michael Rosen, Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths. In a global children’s book market expected to grow significantly, this programme blends critical theory with creative practice, supporting aspiring writers and industry professionals as well as those seeking continuing professional development in the fields of education and literary studies. It prepares graduates to create, teach, and evaluate children’s literature with a sustained and informed commitment to diversity and representation. As one of the only fully online MAs in its field, this course offers the flexibility to gain a respected qualification while developing your critical and creative voice.

Learn from leading children’s authors and academics

Flexible, 100% online study

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Shape the future of inclusive children’s literature

Explore the history, theory, and creative practice of children’s literature. Develop critical insight alongside research and writing skills, guided by expert academics and practitioners engaged in contemporary children’s literature. Module highlights include:

Literary insight and context (15)

Discover how culturally relevant books empower underrepresented readers and explore the impact of children’s and YA literature on identity.

Critical and creative practice (15)

Engage with leading theories and methodologies while honing your own creative and analytical voice. Learn to interpret and critique texts that challenge conventions and inspire young readers.

Contemporary publishing (15)

Investigate the cultural, educational, and publishing contexts shaping contemporary children’s and YA literature. Gain skills in research, curation, and leadership for creative industries.

Study a fully flexible programme

Offering three intakes per year and several entry and exit points, this fully online programme provides convenience and opportunities to engage with international colleagues. You can take breaks as needed and follow the route that best aligns with your goals:

  • MA Children’s Literature (180 credits), 24 months
  • Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Children’s Literature (120 credits), 15 months
  • Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Children’s Literature (60 credits), 8 months

Testimonials

“As an international student, the program’s emphasis on inclusion and diversity, along with the incredible support of my professors, has been instrumental in shaping my research interests. The professors’ efforts to cater to our individual needs has been invaluable and has made my time at Goldsmiths an enriching and worthwhile experience.”

–2024-2025 cohort

“As someone who was trying to break into the elusive world of children’s publishing, attending the MA in Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths was one of the best decisions I ever made. [It] challenged the way I interacted with and thought about children’s literature.”

–2022-2023 cohort

“It’s been very exciting developing an MA in Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths. […] Children’s Literature is essentially a human practice, it’s part of how we initiate our children into life, but also how we begin to shape how they think about and question what they are.”

–Michael Rosen

“This programme has been shaped by sustained conversations with students about why children’s literature matters and how it is read, taught, and produced. What I value most about our MA in Children’s Literature is the range of students it brings together, from writers, educators, researchers, and industry professionals to those who have a personal commitment to children’s literature as parents, grandparents, and more. What unites us is a shared care for young readers and the belief that children’s literature deserves serious, engaged attention.”

–Emily Corbett (Programme Convenor)

Making a difference to the future

The global children’s publishing sector is forecast to grow steadily by 5% (CAGR) through 2033.1 With an MA in Children’s Literature from Goldsmiths, you can apply your learning directly to your career from day one – graduating ready to stand out in an industry full of opportunity and competition.

Career paths in children’s literature

Senior Publicist £56,339 per year2

Content Lead £67,420 per year3

Entry criteria

With flexible entry and exit routes, this programme is designed for graduates from a broad range of related disciplines who share a passion for children’s books, storytelling, education and publishing.

For entry to the MA, you’ll need to have a BA or BSc at level 2:1 or above from one of the following disciplines: 

  • Literature and Humanities 
  • Education and Childhood Studies 
  • Creative and Arts 
  • Social Sciences 

If you do not meet standard entry criteria, we may accept applicants with a lower degree or alternative qualification and work experience. Request information to find out more.

If English isn’t your first language, you will also need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme.

Tuition fees

The total estimated cost of the MA is £12,500. You can pay in full or instalments of £1,300 every module, and £2,100 for the dissertation (paid in two instalments over 7 months). Tuition fees are calculated at a fair rate to make our courses accessible to as many students as possible.

Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year. The fees listed are for the academic year 2025-26.

About Goldsmiths

At Goldsmiths, different isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are. Here, visionaries are inspired to explore, create, and challenge the world around them. We ignite curiosity, champion individuality, and empower students to turn bold ideas into lasting change. As part of the University of London, Goldsmiths celebrates 120 years of fearlessness and global excellence across the arts, technology, and social sciences.

Online learning experience

Studying online blends flexibility with an immersive, interactive experience. Built with the latest technology and delivered through Moodle, it offers engaging individual and group activities, videos, and direct connections with lecturers and peers. At Goldsmiths, online study fosters creativity, collaboration, and personalised learning.

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Sources

  1. Publishing Market, Business Research Insights. Retrieved Nov. 13, 2025, from https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/.
  2. Indeed Publicist Salaries in London. Retrieved Nov. 13, 2025, from https://uk.indeed.com/.
  3. Content Lead salaries in London. Retrieved Nov. 13, 2025, from https://uk.jooble.org/.