Med Childrens Literature & Literacies

Program Overview

The MEd Children's Literature & Literacies program at the University of Glasgow offers a multidisciplinary approach, blending literary studies with educational theory. Students gain insights into the development of children’s literature, its genres, and its impact on literacy practices. The program focuses on exploring how children engage with literature and how storytelling, writing, and reading contribute to literacy development. Students are encouraged to critically examine children’s books, historical and contemporary literary trends, and the societal role of children’s literature in education and beyond. Additionally, the program includes discussions on pedagogical approaches to teaching literature and literacy, enabling students to apply their learning in real-world educational settings. Graduates are equipped to take on roles in educational settings, publishing, literacy advocacy, and research.

Curriculum: The MEd Children's Literature & Literacies curriculum at the University of Glasgow is designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of children’s literature, its role in education, and its connection to literacy development. Core modules cover topics such as the history of children’s literature, key authors and texts, literary theories, and the social and cultural implications of children’s books. Students also examine the ways in which literature can be used to develop literacy skills and support children’s emotional and cognitive growth. Special topics in the curriculum address diverse genres, global perspectives, and contemporary issues in children’s literature, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the field. Additionally, students participate in practical modules that explore the teaching of reading and writing in early childhood education and beyond. The program culminates in a dissertation, where students undertake original research in children’s literature and literacy development.

Research Focus: The MEd Children's Literature & Literacies program at the University of Glasgow is closely aligned with the university’s research strengths in literature and education. The university is a leading institution in the field of children’s literature and literacy research, focusing on areas such as the analysis of children’s books, the role of literature in childhood development, and how children interact with texts across various media. Students in the program have the opportunity to engage in the university’s ongoing research projects, contributing to the development of new pedagogical approaches, reading strategies, and literacy interventions. Research in this field examines the social, cultural, and political implications of children’s literature, exploring topics such as representation, diversity, and the role of storytelling in shaping young people’s identities. The university’s interdisciplinary research environment ensures that students benefit from a broad perspective on the subject, encouraging critical inquiry and innovation.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is an essential component of the MEd Children's Literature & Literacies program at the University of Glasgow. The university has strong links with the publishing industry, libraries, schools, and educational organizations, providing students with opportunities to connect with professionals in the field of children’s literature and literacy. Through collaborations with publishing houses, literary organizations, and schools, students have the chance to gain practical experience in book publishing, literacy advocacy, curriculum development, and the teaching of literature. Additionally, the program offers networking opportunities, guest lectures from experts in children’s literature, and career development support, ensuring that students are well-prepared to pursue careers in education, research, or the literary and publishing industries. Students can also participate in conferences and events, further enhancing their professional connections and career prospects.

Global Perspective: The MEd Children's Literature & Literacies program at the University of Glasgow incorporates a global perspective, reflecting the diverse and international nature of children’s literature. The program explores children’s books from a variety of cultural, linguistic, and geographical contexts, encouraging students to examine the global reach and significance of children’s literature. Topics such as the translation of children’s books, the impact of global media on young readers, and the role of international authors are explored, giving students a well-rounded understanding of children’s literature in a globalized world. The university’s international collaborations with academic institutions and literary organizations further enrich the program, offering students access to a wide range of global perspectives on the teaching of literacy and the role of literature in childhood education. The diverse student body and the university’s global network also contribute to a rich, international learning environment, preparing graduates to engage with children’s literature and literacy on a global scale.