COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Writing for Young People course is structured across three trimesters, combining creative development, practical skills, and industry insight to prepare students for careers in children’s and young adult publishing. In the first trimester, the Context module introduces the main categories of books for children and young people, helping students understand audience needs at different stages of childhood and adolescence. Texts studied range from picture books and chapter books to middle grade and young adult novels, including verse novels, graphic novels, and some non-fiction. The first Writing Workshop module allows students to experiment with craft, exploring new techniques and developing their creative range through guidance from tutors and peer feedback. In the second trimester, the Writing Workshop continues to support experimentation while shifting focus toward the final manuscript project. The second Context module explores the realities of the children’s publishing industry, examining the roles of agents, editors, marketing, rights management, and other professionals, while developing the professional skills needed to position and promote work effectively. The final trimester is dedicated to the Manuscript module, in which students work individually with a tutor to draft, revise, and polish a major project, such as a full-length novel or collection of pieces. Core modules include Writing Workshop (Autumn and Spring), Context Modules One and Two, and the Manuscript double module, providing both creative and professional preparation for publication.