Students' Views

American student, CIRCL MA graduate 2009:

'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.'

[graduation photo]

Catrin Edwards, CIRCL MA graduate 2007:

'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.'

2005 MA class graduation

Hannah Smith, CIRCL MA graduate 2002, CIRCL PhD graduate 2005

'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 I find that I still constantly draw on the analytical skills I learnt during my time at Reading.'

Yuko Ashitagawa, CIRCL MA graduate 2002, CIRCL PhD graduate 2005:

'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).'

Helen Ainslie, CIRCL MA graduate 2004, CIRCL PhD graduate 2009:

'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 and am now in the third year writing up my thesis.

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 are now central to the argument of my thesis.'

Sara Broad, CIRCL MA graduate 2004:

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

Hilary Fraser, CIRCL MA graduate 2000, CIRCL PhD graduate 2009:

'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.'

[class 2005 graduation photo]

Neil Cocks, CIRCL MA graduate 1995:

'Studying on the MA in Children's Literature was a genuinely life changing move, and a wholly positive one at that. Prior to the course I had been interested in Literature and Philosophy, having taken a BA in the subjects. It was only with the MA that I became committed to study and research in these areas through the extended study of Children's Literature. As well as gaining a secure grasp of critical theory and literary history, the course gave me the confidence to study for a PhD. I am now a published academic and Head of English at a large FE College. This simply would not have been possible without the course. The approach to the subject is rigorous, the readings I engaged in constantly surprised me, and the atmosphere was exciting, friendly and encouraging. I cannot recommend it enough!'

Y. A., overseas CIRCL MA graduate 1995:

'The staff and fellow students are very supportive and I enjoyed studying a range of materials. I would certainly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in Children's Literature.'