Children's Literature and Culture

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.

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.

Special features

• Because of the open nature of the fine art studio, you will have the opportunity to apply a multi-disciplinary approach to your work, making use of the high level facilities available within the studio set-up.

• The fine art department has established strong links with a number of arts organisations and groups within the region, including Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council, Bolton At Home, Queens Park and Bolton Landscape Department, Bolton Schools Liaison Network, Bolton Museum and Art Gallery, Hospital Arts, and a large number of private organisations who regularly commission our students.

• Students from the related undergraduate programmes have successfully set up three large studio groups in the region, and studio spaces are available for students to rent in these studios at very reasonable rates. Two new contemporary art galleries have also been set up by our students in the past three years.

• The department has also set up an undergraduate programme in Fine Art in Athens, and students from the programme have an opportunity to spend some time at the art school in the centre of this historic city.

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.

Mode of attendance:

Part-time: this course is available by evening teaching only (either on a Wednesday or Thursday, alternating each year).