MA Children's Literature: Children's Book Illustration

Program Overview

Goldsmiths' MA Children's Literature: Children's Book Illustration program equips students with practical illustration skills and a critical understanding of children's literature. It emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, preparing graduates for careers as freelance children's book illustrators and authors. The program offers optional modules in picture book writing and other related topics, providing students with a personalized learning experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• This program is offered by Goldsmiths, University of London, specifically under the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies, with some collaboration with the Department of Education Studies.
• It is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time postgraduate program.
• The program aims to provide students with practical and professional skills in children's book illustration and writing for young children.
• It emphasizes developing both practical illustration skills and a critical understanding of children's literature from various perspectives, including art, education, cultural studies, design, and sociology.
• The program encourages students to consider power relations within the publishing industry and critically analyze what is published and read by children.
• Goldsmiths' Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies boasts a strong reputation, ranking 2nd in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research and 16th in the world for communication and media studies.

Outline:

• The program consists of compulsory modules focusing on practical illustration skills, theoretical knowledge of children's literature, and the professional aspects of navigating the publishing industry as a freelance illustrator.
• Students can personalize their studies by choosing a 30-credit optional module from the Department of Educational Studies on topics like picture book writing, children's literature in action, race, culture and education, early childhood development, or revisiting practice.

Modules:

• Compulsory Modules (30 Credits each):
• Inclusion and Diversity:
Explores diversity and inclusivity in children's literature and illustration.
• Children's Book Illustration Practice: Focuses on honing practical skills and techniques for children's book illustration.
• Children's Publishing: Provides insights into the industry, including navigating contracts, marketing, and agent relationships.
• Children's Book Illustration: Final Project: A culminating project where students create a finished piece of illustrated work for a children's book.
• Optional Modules (30 Credits each):
• Picture Book Writing:
Teaches the skills necessary to write a children's picture book text.
• Children's Literature in Action: Analyzes various approaches to engaging children with literature.
• Race, Culture and Education: Examines the intersections of race, culture, and education.
• Early Childhood in a Diverse Society: Explores early childhood development in diverse contexts.
• Revisiting Practice: Reflects on and revisits previous artistic practice and knowledge.

Careers:

• Graduates are equipped to work as professional freelance children's book illustrators and authors.
• The program is very competitive and receives a high volume of applications, so submitting a strong portfolio and personal statement is crucial.

Annual tuition fees These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year. Home - full-time: £10350 Home - part-time: £5175 International - full-time: £22640 Additional costs There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. Funding opportunities