Course Summary
The study of children’s literature at the School of English, Dublin City University, has its origins in the long tradition of scholarship in the discipline associated with two of the university’s incorporating colleges: the former Church of Ireland College of Education offered the first postgraduate qualification (a diploma) in children’s literature, in Ireland, in 1992; the former Department of English, at St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, offered the first taught master’s programme in the discipline, in Ireland, in 1997.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
This programme is open to applicants with an honours primary degree, minimum H2.1 (Level 8 NFQ) in a related subject. Applicants with an honours degree who do not meet the minimum entry of a H2.1 but can show substantial and demonstrable experience related to children's and/or young adult literature may be considered for a place on the programme.
As part of your application, please submit a personal statement (maximum 750 words), outlining why you wish to study for a master's degree in Children's and Young Adult Literature.
As part of the selection process you may also be required to attend for interview.
International Applications
International applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language, they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
Application Details
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2025.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
EU Applicants
Applications will be reviewed and offers will be made on an ongoing basis. Should places still be available on this programme.
Non-EU / International Applicants
Applicants will be reviewed and offers will be made on an ongoing basis. Should places still be available on this programme.
Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised to apply as early as possible. If you need a study visa and are a Non EU/International student, you are not eligible to apply for part time programmes as study visas are only granted for full time programmes.
Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
All Applicants must submit
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal - view Application Weblink above.
Certified academic transcripts for each and every year of study, with certified English translations, if applicable
As part of the selection process you may also be required to attend for interview.
Non Native English Speakers - Evidence of English competency which meets DCU entry requirements
The programme commences in September 2025
Fees
EU Status Fee €7,700.
Non EU Fee €16,500
Part-time:
Part time EU Status Fee €4,200 Per Annum.
Non EU Fee Part time €8,100 Per Annum.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Career Progression
Some of our graduates have used the programme as a springboard into doctoral study and academia, while others have used the knowledge and skills acquired on the programme to inform their work as journalists, judges, lecturers, editors, publishers, researchers and writers.
This programme has been of particular use to teachers of English at both primary and secondary levels, as a means of career development. It has also served the same purpose for school librarians and for librarians working in public libraries.
Graduates of the programme have also served as president of IBBY Ireland (the Irish section of the international non-profit organisation, which aims to bring children and books together); acted as adjudicators for, and chairs of, Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year Awards; and, published children’s literature.
Duration
2 years part-time