Children's Literature University of British Columbia

Overview

The Children's Literature M.A. at the University of British Columbia is a unique multidisciplinary programme that examines the full life cycle of books and media for young people. Students engage with various academic perspectives to understand how literature for children is created, analysed, and shared across different cultural contexts. This collaborative initiative involves several departments to provide a comprehensive education in literary criticism and professional practice.

Why Children's Literature at University of British Columbia?

This programme stands out as the only Master's of its kind in Canada and the only one globally to offer such a broad, multidisciplinary framework. By combining expertise from the Department of English Language and Literatures, the Creative Writing Programme, and the School of Information, the university provides an unparalleled environment for scholarly growth.

Students benefit from access to one of the finest library collections in the country, featuring over 4,000 rare historical items and 50,000 modern children's books. The faculty includes acclaimed authors and researchers who serve on international book juries, ensuring that the teaching is informed by both creative excellence and world-leading scholarship. The programme's structure supports a graduation rate of nearly 89%, reflecting a strong commitment to student success and research quality.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 9884 per year
• National fee: CAD 5626 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to cover the creation, critical analysis, and pedagogical application of literature for youth. Modules may include:

• Children's Literature
• Creative Writing
• Language and Literacy Education
• Library, Archival and Information Studies
• Literary Criticism
• Educational Theory
• Professional and Creative Practice

Careers with Children's Literature

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths within the literary and educational sectors. The multidisciplinary training supports careers in publishing, where alumni may work in the creation and dissemination of new works. Others find opportunities in librarianship, archival work, or educational settings, applying their knowledge of how children interact with media in schools and public libraries. The programme also provides a robust foundation for those wishing to pursue further doctoral research or professional writing careers in the field of young adult and children's fiction.