'My undergraduate degree was English Literature with Education Studies at the University of Cambridge and as part of that course I took a module in Children's Literature and absolutely loved it. I therefore decided to research MA courses so that I could further develop my interest. I was advised by my tutors at Cambridge that the most rigorous course was the one offered by the University of Reading and I was thrilled to be offered a place. During the MA the tutors were friendly and supportive and I made lots of new friends. The course was as rigorous as promised with an emphasis on developing critical thinking and analytical skills. During the course I felt like my academic reasoning skills developed in leaps and bounds. I found it to be such a stimulating experience that I applied to extend my studies into a PhD. I was awarded a full studentship and with Karin's support I gained my PhD after just over 3 years. I am now a lecturer in Education Studies at the University of Plymouth [and later University of Exeter] and I find that I still constantly draw on the analytical skills I learnt during my time at Reading.'

'The Reading MA in Children's Literature was a stimulating and thoroughly enjoyable experience for me. The course is intellectually demanding and wide-ranging in its approach to the field of children's literature and its cultural context. Though it focuses on the child in literature it is not restrictive. Many of the issues raised during the course of study are pertinent to all kinds of literature. There are ample opportunities for students to engage in discussion and to make their own contributions to the continuing development of this fascinating field of study.'

The [M(Res)] seminars I attended in CIRCL during my one year’s visit are always inspiring and profound, which have greatly improved my research skills and changed my mindset for doing research in children’s literature. The seminars taught me to find the perspectives in the text we analysed and develop my own judgment, which is the most challenging yet most rewarding thing in doing research. From my own experience as a teacher, such seminars are most effective in forging critical and independent thinking, which is not only crucial for learning to do research on any MA programme, but also essential for our life and career in the long run. I am greatly grateful for Karin, Neil and Sue for their very generous help and friendship.

'I was nervous doing the course as a part-time student as I worried that I may be at a disadvantage. This was definitely not the case. The course is structured so well, and the support I received from [the MA staff] Karin, Neil and Sue (as well as the other students over both years) ensured that I was given the same opportunities, guidance and experience as everyone else. I have really enjoyed this degree and I can see that it has changed the way I think. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading, thinking and being challenged.'

'I gained much more than I had expected from the MA. The course was not just about children's literature; it led me to reconsider the way I read, think, and argue. It prepared me for my PhD research and had an influence on my whole life. I can sincerely say that the MA in Children's Literature at Reading is worth attending, even if you need to travel all the way from the other side of the earth (which is more or less what I did, as an international student).'

'Studying the MA in Children's Literature was an excellent introduction to and preparation for academic practice and further research as it provided me with an opportunity to engage in discussions surrounding the issues addressed by current researchers during CIRCL seminars in a nurturing and supportive environment.'

'The MA is like choosing the red pill in the film the Matrix - because you can't look at the world the same way after taking the course!'

'The Children’s Literature MA has aided my development of extensive academic skills and has introduced me to complex and fascinating theoretical approaches, which can be used to question supposedly obvious or accepted ideas encountered not just in Children’s Literature but across all types of literature.  However, I also feel the MA has provided me with some essential skills including problem-identifying and solving by working out the implications and effects of the claims made by others,  as well as, to use an (albeit apt) cliché, really encouraging me to think outside of the box.  I have now gone on to secure a job in the educational charity sector and believe the skills I have acquired from the MA not only helped me to get the job in the first place, but will continue to be invaluable tools I can use in the future.'

'Intriguing. Challenging. Opens up a whole new world for me. Would recommend the course to anyone who seeks unique ideas and inspiration, especially for the PhD level. All the staff are very helpful and supportive.'

'I know that I would never have thought of undertaking a PhD without undertaking my MA in CIRCL.'

“I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Always challenging, the course approached and encouraged me to deal with many issues in a rigorously academic way. The work on the course was always innovative and now I can see how the course changed the way I can think about problems and solutions in both academic and non-academic contexts. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to deal with their own and other’s assumptions in a thoughtful and explorative way."

'Studying the Children’s Literature MA at Reading was a hugely challenging and rewarding experience for me. When I began the course I had no idea how much my own thinking, reading and argument would develop, so much so that by the end I considered continuing with a PhD. A year after completing the MA I won University Studentship funding to undertake a PhD at CIRCL. I would recommend the Children’s Literature MA to anybody who wishes to develop their critical thinking in any subject area, not just Children’s Literature. The reading and analytical skills that I developed on the MA [became] central to the argument of my PhD thesis.'

My one year’s visit in CIRCL is the most rewarding academic experience that I have ever had. I found the [M(Res.)] seminars very stimulating. With “positive reinforcement”, all the participants are encouraged and involved. I am always encouraged and inspired by the discussions that were held in the seminars, which are though-provoking and very interactive, heated sometimes yet always in a very pleasant and harmonious atmosphere. I am greatly indebted to Karin, Neil and Sue for their wonderful seminars, which will have long-lasting influence on my career.

'With great support from the tutors and friends I have had a wonderful year in exploring and reconsidering the way I have been thinking all my life. In many ways it is my personal journey during which I have learnt a lot, not only about how to (or not to) find an answer but also about how to raise a question. As an international student I would like to say that the MA is very challenging, yet very liberating.'

'The Children's Literature Masters has been really enjoyable, I loved revisiting old childhood favourites and viewing them from a new perspective as well as discovering new authors, critics and opinions on children's literature.'

'After a first term I felt the benefits of the [CIRCL] approach in all areas, not just academically, and at the close of [the taught part of the MA] am excited to continue my learning into my dissertation and take the approach into my next steps, in a career and personal sense.'

'Be prepared to completely challenge the way you think about interpreting texts and media'; 'take this course if you want to go for a doctorate and actually do something original ... there's no program like it in the States.'

'This whole year has been an exercise in learning how to think in new and different ways.  I can’t imagine ever finding any program quite like it and I’m glad to have taken part in it.'

'The Children's Literature Masters has been really enjoyable, I loved revisting old childhood favourites and viewing them from a new perspective as well as discovering new authors, critics and opinions on children's literature.'