University of Bolton|

Children's Literature and Culture - MA part-time

Key information

AwardMA
How to applyPlease apply directly to the University of Bolton using the standard application form.

Please give one reference in section 11 - it is not necessary to complete section 12 for this course.

Please visit our 'how to apply for a taught postgraduate course' web page for details.
Mode of attendancePart-time: this course is available by evening teaching only (either on a Wednesday or Thursday, alternating each year).
Duration2 years
Start datesSeptember
Entry requirements (typical offer)You should have at least a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in English or a related subject.

Special consideration will be given to those lacking the standard entry qualifications who work professionally in this area; for instance, teachers and librarians.

If English is not your first language you will also need IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent).
Awarding bodyUniversity of Bolton
Location

University of Bolton:
Deane Campus, Deane Road, Bolton, BL3 5AB


Why choose a Bolton course?

Here we will give you a challenging academic environment that is focused on bringing out the best in you.

  • Experience the only taught Masters in the region dedicated to children’s literature
  • Explore contemporary children’s fiction, picture books, graphic novels and film, within cultural and historical contexts
  • Learn from published experts, including the author of The Routledge Companion to Children’s Literature
  • Develop your own writing skills and improve your chances of having work published
  • ‘The particular strength … remains its ability to deal … with children’s literature … while also placing it in the wider contexts of film and illustration.’ – External Examiner

Course overview

The MA in Children’s Literature and Culture at the University of Bolton is the only course in the North West dedicated to this area of study.

The course is designed for anyone who has an interest in children’s literature and culture, including professionals who work with children, such as teachers, librarians or those in health and social service occupations, and also interested parents who want to learn more about this exciting world and share it with their children.

You will study many aspects of the field including the work of children’s authors such as David Almond and Philip Pullman and ‘adult’ authors who have also written for this growing market, such as Neil Gaiman and Salman Rushdie. You will also examine the broader field of children’s culture, including picture books, graphic novels, films, television and toys.

You will examine these different media from both historical and contemporary perspectives, exploring how the market for children’s culture has become big business and how it often attracts both child and adult audiences.


About the course

The main focus of the course is literary studies but you will also draw on insights from the visual arts, from cultural and media studies and from related work in history and the social sciences.

You will be introduced to a technical vocabulary that will help you to discuss both verbal and visual material analytically. You will also be made aware of the historical development of different genres of children’s fiction and of contemporary debates about childhood and adolescence itself, especially concerns about the end of traditional childhood in the face of increasing commercial and marketing pressures.

Special features

  • This is the only course in the North West dedicated to this area of study.
  • The University of Bolton has an excellent library and learning facilities including 24/7 IT facilities and campus-wide WiFi for all students.

What you will learn

You will learn about what comprises children’s literature and culture, build up your knowledge from examples of work in different media and develop an understanding of how this field is often more complex than many people believe.

By studying on this course you will develop insights and analytical skills allowing you to appreciate the debates around contemporary childhood culture.

In addition to building a fascinating body of knowledge that you can apply in either a professional or personal context, you will also acquire the higher level skills of Masters study including information handling skills, ICT and research skills, and a critical and analytical ability to read both visual and verbal texts.

What you will study

The course consists of five modules worth a total of 180 credits. These include:

Issues in Children’s Literature and Culture (30 credits); Visual Narratives: from Picture Books to Graphic Novels and Beyond (30 credits); The World of Faery (30 credits); Children’s Film (30 credits); Dissertation (60 credits).

Please visit the 'related links' section for a link to our 'module descriptions' web page for more information about each module.

Careers and professional development

The course may support your career development if you are a professional who works with children, such as a teacher or librarian. It may also be useful if you work with children in a health and social service context or it may help you more generally in the job market if you need a higher level qualification.

Study on the course will be invaluable if you wish to carry out specialised research in the field.

On graduation you will automatically become a member of the University’s alumni association, gaining access to a wide range of the University's facilities, including the library, journals and periodicals, as well as professional and employment advice throughout your career.

Professional recognition



Fees, funding and finance information

MA Childrens Literature and Culture (0480-P)

Running at: University of Bolton

Home/EU Applicants

2012/13
Call (01204) 903951 for detailsPlease call (01204) 903951 for details
2013/14
Call (01204) 903951 for detailsPlease call (01204) 903951 for details

International Applicants

Applications not Accepted
This course is not available to International applicants.

Fees given above are for the academic year indicated and are subject to change in future years.

Additional costs

Other than the reasonable cost of books there are no additional costs.

Funding and finance information

Please contact Student Services on +44 (0)1204 903733 or +44 (0)1204 903497.

Contact us

For an informal discussion and further details about the course please contact:

Prof. David Rudd (Programme Leader)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903261
E-mail: D.Rudd@bolton.ac.uk

For general information about the university and an application form please contact:

Enquiry Team (Student Services)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk
http://www.bolton.ac.uk

Apply Online

You can now apply for many of our courses using our online application process. To see if you can apply online or for more information as to how to proceed with your application click on one of the links below.

Apply Online Home EU LinkApply Online International Student Link

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