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Education (Critical Approaches to Children's Literature)
The Education (Critical Approaches to Children's Literature) program at the University of Cambridge offers a 10-month full-time Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of children’s literature through a critical lens. The program explores the historical, cultural, and social contexts in which children's literature has evolved, examining both classic and contemporary texts. Students will investigate how children’s books influence identity formation, gender roles, cultural values, and social norms. The program emphasizes critical theory and literary analysis, allowing students to engage with a variety of theoretical frameworks, from postcolonialism to gender studies and psychoanalysis.
Graduates will gain the analytical skills needed to explore children's literature in both educational and literary contexts, preparing them for careers in teaching, publishing, research, and literary criticism.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Education (Critical Approaches to Children's Literature)
- Degree Type: Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Duration: 10 months
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 31st March 2026
- Location: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Field of Study: Education
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
The MPhil in Education (Critical Approaches to Children's Literature) at University of Cambridge is structured to offer both theoretical and practical learning. In the first part of the program, students will study key texts and theoretical approaches to children’s literature. Topics such as narrative theory, representation in children’s books, literary history, and pedagogical methods will be explored in depth. In the second part of the program, students will specialize in research projects, engaging with contemporary debates in children's literature, diversity in literature, and the politics of storytelling. Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to critically evaluate texts, discuss the pedagogical role of children's books, and develop skills in academic writing and literary analysis. The program culminates in a dissertation, which allows students to explore a particular aspect of children's literature in detail.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the MPhil in Education (Critical Approaches to Children's Literature) from University of Cambridge are well-equipped for careers in education, research, publishing, and literary criticism. Many graduates become teachers or educators who specialize in literacy education or children's literature. Others pursue careers in publishing, working as editors, literary critics, or authors focused on children's books. The program’s emphasis on critical theory and cultural analysis also prepares graduates for roles in cultural institutions, museums, and public policy, particularly those focusing on literacy and education. Some graduates choose to continue their studies in PhD programs in education, literature, or cultural studies.
Why Choose This Program
The MPhil in Education (Critical Approaches to Children's Literature) at University of Cambridge offers a unique opportunity to study children’s literature from a critical and educational perspective in one of the world’s leading universities. The program combines academic rigor with a critical approach to literature, allowing students to engage with the broader cultural and educational impacts of children’s books. Cambridge’s prestigious faculty, interdisciplinary approach, and global reputation in education and literature provide students with a platform to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of how children’s books influence and reflect society. The program prepares students for leadership roles in education, publishing, and research, as well as further study in literature and cultural studies.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +44 (0)1223 337733
Email: admissions@cam.ac.uk
Address: University of Cambridge, The Old Schools, Trinity Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1TN, United Kingdom
