MRes Childrens Literature

Program Overview

The MRes (Master of Research) in Children's Literature at the University of Reading is a research-focused program designed for students with a deep interest in exploring children's literature from a critical, interdisciplinary perspective. This program combines rigorous academic training with independent research opportunities, enabling students to delve into the rich history, theory, and cultural impact of literature written for children. The MRes Children’s Literature program is perfect for those aiming for careers in academia, publishing, libraries, or education, as well as those wishing to pursue further research in the field. Students are encouraged to critically examine the role of children's literature in shaping society, culture, and education, and are provided with the skills necessary to undertake original research in this fascinating area.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MRes Children’s Literature program is designed to offer both depth and flexibility, providing students with a strong foundation in research methods while allowing them to specialize in topics that align with their academic interests. Core modules cover key aspects of children’s literature, including its history, development, and theoretical approaches. Students also engage with contemporary issues in children’s literature, such as gender, identity, race, and the role of digital media in children's reading habits. A significant component of the program is the research training module, which equips students with the skills necessary to undertake independent research. In addition to the core modules, students can choose from a variety of optional modules, depending on their interests, such as the study of specific genres of children’s literature, literary adaptations, and the exploration of the relationships between literature and education. The program culminates in the completion of a dissertation, allowing students to explore a chosen research topic in depth and contribute to the field’s body of knowledge.

Research Focus: The MRes Children’s Literature program at the University of Reading is research-intensive, with a strong emphasis on developing students’ abilities to undertake independent scholarly work. The program covers a broad range of topics within the field of children’s literature, including its cultural significance, historical development, and literary analysis. Students are encouraged to explore diverse research areas, such as the intersection of children’s literature with social and political issues, the role of illustrations in children’s books, and the impact of children’s literature on the development of reading and literacy. The program also focuses on contemporary issues in the field, such as the increasing digitization of children's books, the representation of marginalized groups, and the role of children's literature in promoting social change. The University of Reading has a rich history of research in this field, and students benefit from the expertise of faculty members who are active researchers in children’s literature and related areas. Students are supported in developing their research ideas and are encouraged to engage with the latest scholarly debates in children’s literature.

Industry Engagement: The MRes Children’s Literature program at the University of Reading is designed to connect students with the wider world of children’s literature and its related industries. The program has strong links with publishers, libraries, schools, and other educational institutions, allowing students to gain valuable insights into the practical aspects of the field. Industry engagement is an essential element of the program, with opportunities for students to attend events, conferences, and workshops related to children’s literature. The university also provides networking opportunities with professionals in the publishing and education sectors, helping students build connections that can be beneficial for future careers. Moreover, students are encouraged to participate in research dissemination activities, such as presenting their work at conferences or writing for professional journals, further linking their academic work with industry practices.

Global Perspective: The MRes Children’s Literature program at the University of Reading offers a global perspective on children’s literature, exploring texts from a wide range of cultures, languages, and traditions. Students are encouraged to consider the role of children’s literature in different global contexts, examining how cultural and historical factors shape the stories that are told to children. The program engages with global debates in children’s literature, such as the representation of diversity and the role of storytelling in fostering intercultural understanding. The University of Reading's diverse academic community, with students and faculty members from a variety of cultural backgrounds, further enhances the global dimension of the program. Students are also encouraged to look at the influence of global trends on children’s literature, such as the impact of global media and digital technologies on children’s reading habits and the global circulation of children’s books.