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Children’s Literature Careers

Imagine new worlds for young readers

100% online

Part time, over 2 years

A Master of Arts in Children’s Literature gives you the creative, editorial, and critical skills to turn a love of stories into a career. You’ll build specialist expertise in children’s and young adult literature, opening pathways into publishing, media, literacy, and cultural organisations — from entry-level roles to senior creative leadership.

  • Build research-led editorial skills
  • Develop your analytical thinking
  • Craft a career grounded in creativity

Request more information

Complete the form below for detailed programme and pricing information, and to be contacted by phone and email.

Purpose-driven roles for a career in creative writing

Commissioning Editor £43,000 per year1

Senior Publicist £56,339 per year2

Content Lead £67,420 per year3

Create the stories that shape the world

Graduates of the MA in Children’s Literature go on to enter a dynamic professional landscape. The programme prepares students for roles that require deep literary insight, editorial skills, creative thinking, and an understanding of how stories influence young audiences. Graduates commonly progress into editorial, commissioning, content, and literacy-focused roles, building careers that develop from entry-level coordination to senior creative leadership.

Graduates have gone on to work in a range of organisations, including the UK’s largest reading charity, Book Trust.

  • Stand out in a highly competitive market
  • Develop skills to succeed in the workplace
  • Collaborate with peers from all over the world
Emily Corbett

“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)

Programme outcomes and skills acquired

What you’ll learn

  • Advanced knowledge of children’s literary history, genres, and publishing contexts for depth of understanding.
  • The ability to apply theoretical and creative methodologies to literary analysis and production.
  • How to critically evaluate identity, ideology, and cultural representation in texts.
  • Ways in which to integrate theory and practice in research and creative projects.
  • How to communicate complex ideas effectively across diverse audiences.
  • The skill to undertake sustained independent scholarly work with autonomy and strategic planning.

Skills you’ll gain

  • Analytical thinking
  • Resilience, flexibility, and agility
  • Leadership and social influence
  • Creative thinking
  • Critical and social intelligence
  • Human-centered digital pedagogy

One-to-One Support:

The University has engaged with Student Circus to support online students with careers advice. This includes:

Access to online career resources to support job searches.

Individual career advice (via email and online).

CV or job application reviews, practice interview sessions.

Guidance on managing LinkedIn profiles and building professional networks.

Sources

  1. Glassdoor Commissioning Editor Salaries in London. Retrieved Nov. 13, 2025, from https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-commissioning-editor-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IM1035_KO7,27.htm.
  2. Indeed Publicist Salaries in London. Retrieved Nov. 13, 2025, from https://uk.indeed.com/career/publicist/salaries/London.
  3. Content Lead salaries in London. Retrieved Nov. 13, 2025, from https://uk.jooble.org/salary/digital-content-lead/City-of-London.