Critical Approaches to Children's Literature at the University of Cambridge offers an in-depth exploration of the theoretical, historical, and cultural dimensions of children's books and related media. This program is designed for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of how children's literature functions within society, its role in shaping identities, and its influence on cultural narratives. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will examine various genres and forms, from classic fairy tales to contemporary young adult fiction, analyzing their themes, language, and illustrations. The course encourages critical thinking about issues such as representation, power, and ideology within children's texts. Students will engage with key theoretical frameworks, including postcolonial theory, gender studies, psychoanalysis, and cultural studies, to interpret and critique children's literature critically. The program provides opportunities for interdisciplinary research, combining literary analysis with insights from psychology, education, history, and media studies, fostering a well-rounded perspective on the field. Coursework may include close textual analysis, research projects, and presentations, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct original scholarly work. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, publishing, education, libraries, or cultural institutions, where a nuanced understanding of children's literature can inform practice and policy. Taught by leading experts in children's literature and related disciplines, the program emphasizes analytical skills, contextual awareness, and methodological rigor. Students will also have access to extensive university resources, including special collections and archives, to support their research. Overall, Critical Approaches to Children's Literature offers a rigorous and stimulating environment for anyone interested in the critical study of texts that have a profound impact on young audiences and society at large.

The PGCEM course is composed of two key elements:

• the research methods training course
• the 'Critical Approaches to Children's Literature' thematic route

Teaching time is split between the two elements, 16 hours being given to research methods and 32 hours being given to the subject specific content.  The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, smaller group seminars and individual supervisions.

Feedback

Throughout the programme, written work is submitted and detailed feedback is provided.  Informally, feedback is also provided through regular supervisions.  At the end of each term, supervisors write an on-line report which can be viewed by the student via the Cambridge Graduate Supervision Reporting System.

Assessment

Thesis

The thesis is up to 20,000 words in length and submitted at the end of August.

Where a candidate receives a provisional fail mark, an oral examination is required.

IMPORTANT:  This course is only open to students who have completed the PGCE at the Faculty of Education.  PGCEM applicants are NOT required to submit transcripts or references.

Funding for the Critical Approaches to Children's Literature program at the University of Cambridge typically comprises a combination of sources, including government grants, university scholarships, research council awards, and private bursaries. Students enrolled in this program may be eligible to apply for funding through the UK's renowned Research Councils, such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), which often provides substantial financial support for postgraduate study and research projects related to literature and childhood studies. In addition, the University of Cambridge offers a variety of scholarships specifically targeted at graduate students, including departmental awards and college-based scholarships that can significantly offset tuition fees and living expenses.

International students are encouraged to explore external funding options, including government-sponsored scholarships from their home countries or international organizations that support studies at prestigious institutions. The university also facilitates access to bursaries and funding schemes designed to support students from diverse backgrounds or those pursuing research with a focus on cultural and literary analysis. Moreover, students have the opportunity to secure research grants for specific projects or conference travel, which are often awarded based on academic merit and proposal quality.

Financial aid packages may vary based on the student's nationality, academic performance, and specific research interests within the field of children's literature. Prospective students are advised to consult the University of Cambridge’s dedicated funding webpages and contact the admissions office for detailed and up-to-date information regarding available funding opportunities. The university's commitment to supporting students ensures that many candidates can access financial assistance tailored to their individual circumstances, facilitating participation in this specialized master’s or doctoral program. Overall, funding options are designed to make advanced study accessible while promoting high-quality research in critical approaches to children's literature.

Critical Approaches to Children's Literature is a specialized postgraduate program offered by the University of Cambridge, designed to deepen students' understanding of childhood narratives through diverse theoretical and critical perspectives. This programme explores the intersection of literature, culture, and childhood, providing a comprehensive examination of how children's texts reflect and influence social, political, and cultural norms. Students engage with a broad range of materials, including classic and contemporary children's books, media adaptations, and digital texts, applying various critical theories such as psychoanalysis, postcolonialism, feminism, and cultural studies to analyze their themes, representations, and impact.

Throughout the course, students develop advanced skills in literary analysis, cultural criticism, and research methodology, equipping them to contribute to scholarly debates within the field of children's literature. The programme encourages an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from education, psychology, and cultural studies to foster a holistic understanding of children's texts in historical and contemporary contexts. Coursework typically includes seminars, essays, presentations, and research projects, providing ample opportunities for collaborative learning and independent scholarship. Graduates of this programme often pursue careers in academia, publishing, education, and cultural policy, shaping future conversations about childhood and literature.

The course structure is designed to be flexible, often offered as a part-time or full-time programme, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments. Located within a renowned university, students benefit from access to extensive resources, including archives, libraries, and expert faculty members specializing in children's literature. The programme's reputation for academic rigor and innovative research makes it a vital stepping stone for those seeking to specialise in the critical study of children's literature at an advanced level. Overall, Critical Approaches to Children's Literature at the University of Cambridge provides an in-depth, critical, and culturally informed exploration of children's literary texts, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to scholarly, educational, and creative fields related to childhood and literature.