'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.'

'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).'

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

'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.'

'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.'

“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 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.'

'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.'

'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!'

Click on this text to read an interview with CIRCL Visiting Scholar 2018-19 Dr Haiya Dong about her studies and experiences while at CIRCL in Reading, including of the M(Res) in Children's Literature!

Click on this text to read an interview with Dr Krissie West about her experiences as a student on the M(Res) in Children's Literature and the CIRCL PhD.

Click on this text to read an interview with Dr Kia Michalopoulou about her experiences of the MA(Res) in Children's Literature and the CIRCL PhD.

'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.'

Click on this text to read an interview with Professor So Jin Park about her experiences as a student on the MA (now M(Res)) in Children's Literature.