Children’s Literature Online MA/PGDip/PGCert
Shape the stories that shape childhood.
Apply By: 7 August 2026
Start: 31 August 2026
Turn your passion for storytelling into practical skills you can apply across writing, publishing, education, and the creative industries. Goldsmiths, University of London’s online MA/PGDip/PGCert in Children’s Literature is designed for ambitious readers, writers, educators, and professionals who want to understand how stories influence culture, identity, and young audiences.
Combining creative writing, literary scholarship, and contemporary publishing practice, you’ll explore children’s and young adult (YA) literature through global and contemporary perspectives while developing both critical insight and your own creative voice. Guided by leading academics and renowned children’s literature expert Professor Michael Rosen, you’ll gain the skills to help shape the future of children’s literature and publishing.
100% online
24 months (part-time)
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Explore children’s literature from every angle
Develop creative, critical, and professional expertise through a 180-credit curriculum that combines literary scholarship, creative writing, contemporary publishing practice, and independent research. Explore topics such as inclusion and diversity, representation, storytelling, and the future of publishing while building skills you can apply across publishing, education, and the creative industries.
Learn on terms that work for you
Achieve your goals without putting life on hold. Study part-time (15-20 hours per week) to shape your learning around your priorities, with the flexibility to move forward in a way that works for you.
“What makes this programme special is the diverse community it brings together—from writers and educators to publishing professionals and passionate readers. What unites them is a shared commitment to understanding how children’s literature shapes young readers and the world around them.”
–Emily Corbett, Programme Convenor
Build specialist expertise for a growing creative sector
Develop advanced skills in literary analysis, creative writing, publishing, and communication while gaining insight into one of the world’s most influential creative industries. Graduates are prepared to pursue opportunities across publishing, education, literacy, and cultural organisations, supported by expertise in storytelling, representation, and audience engagement.
Children’s Books Market Growth 6.3% CAGR projected annual growth through 20311
International Publishing Reach 70+ Publishing
Markets tracked across global industry reports2
Entry criteria
This programme is open to applicants with a passion for storytelling, literature, or creative practice, from a range of academic and professional backgrounds.
| Degree | To join the programme, you’ll usually need a 2:1 bachelor’s degree, or substantial professional experience if you hold a lower classification. |
|---|---|
| Language Criteria | If English is not your first language, you’ll usually need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0). In some cases, this may be waived based on prior study, supporting access for a global cohort. |
Fees & funding
Invest in your future with a total tuition of £12,500 (2026-27). You can pay in full or instalments of £1,300 every module, and £2,100 for the dissertation (paid in two instalments over approximately 7 months). All costs are listed to help you make an informed decision.*
Meet your faculty
Our expert team of experienced academics and industry-connected professionals bring current insights and real-world perspectives into every course. With personalised support and a collaborative learning environment, you’ll be empowered to achieve your academic and professional goals.
- Learn from faculty with deep academic expertise and industry insight
- Explore current trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the field
- Benefit from personalised guidance and dedicated student support
- Engage in meaningful discussions with a diverse community of professionals
- Receive individualised feedback designed to support your growth
- Build practical skills you can apply immediately in your career
- Develop confidence through mentorship and academic guidance
- Learn in an environment that values connection, collaboration, and success
Dr Emily Corbett, Programme Convenor
Faculty spotlight: Dr Emily Corbett
Dr Corbett is General Editor of The International Journal of Young Adult Literature. As Programme Convenor, she offers a strong grounding in academic and critical perspectives on children’s and young adult literature. Her work often engages with identity, readership, and contemporary publishing, providing students with analytical tools to interrogate the field’s evolving boundaries.
Professor Michael Rosen, Professor of Children’s Literature
Faculty spotlight: Professor Michael Rosen
Since the late 1960s, Michael Rosen has written extensively across books, articles, plays, and scripts, alongside performing poetry for audiences of all ages and broadcasting on literature-related topics across radio and television. He served as the UK Children’s Laureate from 2007 to 2009. Michael studied English at Wadham College, Oxford, before completing an MA at the University of Reading. After earning his PhD in 1997, he has taught children’s literature on MA programmes at universities in the UK and internationally.
A legacy of excellence
Part of the prestigious University of London, Goldsmiths is recognised as one of the UK’s leading institutions promoting creative and analytical thinking, and equipping students to leverage and respond to the emerging trends in various fields.
- Top 10 university in London (Complete University Guide 2025)
- Leading university for creativity, culture, and critical thinking
- Future-focused curriculum reflecting social, cultural, and educational change
- Global alumni community of over 93,000 students from 160 countries
About Goldsmiths, University of London
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.
Sources and Diclaimer
- https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/
- https://internationalpublishers.org/
*Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year. The fees listed above are for the academic year 2025-26.