ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS & APPLICATIONS PROCESS
Master of Arts in Children's Literature Degree Program
The University of British Columbia offers a multi-disciplinary Master of Arts program in Children's Literature, sponsored and administered by the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, with the participation of the departments of English, Language and Literacy Education, and Theatre, Film and Creative Writing. The program provides specialized education for graduate students in the study of children's literature using a multi-disciplinary approach. It provides each student with the opportunity to study the creative writing and publishing of this literature, to examine models of sharing its rich heritage with the young, and also to facilitate the literary, social, historic, and psychological analyses of children's literature as literature. This multi-disciplinary approach exposes students to many schools of literary criticism, educational theory, and professional and creative practice. It acquaints students with the broad literary canon of children's literature across a spectrum of languages and cultures, and with a variety of critical perspectives and professional application.
Across various disciplines, departments, and faculties, a broad range of courses is available in children's and young adult literature, the creative writing of that literature, and its use with children and teenagers in different institutional settings. In the departments of Theatre, Film and Creative Writing, English, Language and Literacy Education, and the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, approximately sixteen regular course offerings, and several more each Summer Session, provide disciplined, academic study of children's literature. Faculty in these departments are authors of both acclaimed children's books and scholarly guides to the literature. The University Library collections in historical and contemporary children's books and the critical study of children's literature are considered among the strongest such collections in an academic library in Canada, including some 4,000 early and rare children's books and some 50,000 modern children's books. As well, the Library maintains a large collection of research materials on children's literature, including histories, criticisms, bibliographies, catalogues, and biographies. The program provides specialized study of children's books to those who are, or who intend to be, involved in teaching, school and public library services, writing, editing/publishing, theatre/film, storytelling, or affiliated fields.
Background Preparation
An undergraduate student considering working in the field of children's literature should consult the School about useful preparatory classes. An interview may be arranged at any time.
A broad cultural background is expected of M.A. candidates. The prospective student should select courses to give some acquaintance with the humanities and social sciences during undergraduate studies. Particular attention should be paid in undergraduate or graduate studies to courses in children's literature, English, writing for children, child psychology, and the history of childhood.
Admission
For admission to the M.A. program, a candidate must:
- Possess a four-year bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a recognized university in a relevant discipline or in an area which is regarded as appropriate by the SLAIS Admissions Committee for the program
- Have achieved a minimum overall average in the "B+" range (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year level courses of a bachelor's degree
- Show promise of success or superior accomplishment in one or more aspects of children's literature as attested by letters of reference
Candidates meeting the admission standards of the University register in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies and are assigned an advisor from one of the participating departments. A supervisory committee responsible for giving advice on the course work and the thesis is appointed, consisting of the Chair/research supervisor and at least two other members of the faculty of the University, representing a minimum of two different academic disciplines. The selection of faculty supervisors is administered by the Chair and Committee for the program.
Admission Procedures
Applications can be submitted using the Online Application Form.
There is a non-refundable application fee of $91.80 Canadian for Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents. For all international applicants, the application fee is $153 Canadian. Make cheques payable to UBC - Faculty of Graduate Studies.
In addition to a completed application form and the fee, the applicant must arrange to have sent to the School:
- Two copies of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Three letters of reference from university instructors under whom the applicant has studied, or employers
- Include:
- Copies of two essays as examples of your written academic work in English;
- a personal statement (one to three pages) outlining your goals and expectations for the program;
- a brief statement of your area of thesis interest, with
preliminary ideas for your thesis
Transcripts must be sent directly to the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies from the issuing institutions. Letters of reference may be submitted through the mail. These should be accompanied by the signed Reference Form, and directly to the School by the referee in a sealed and endorsed (signed across the flap) envelope. Alternatively, the applicant may elect to use the E-Ref system at the time of application. This permits referees to submit references electronically with a personal link to the E-Ref system. References emailed directly to the School will NOT be accepted.
Under normal circumstances, the applicant will be informed of the decision of the Admissions Committee within 6 weeks of the application deadline. The Faculty of Graduate Studies will then inform the applicant, usually within one week, of their final decision on admission. If the applicant is admitted then he/she must must promptly contact the School or the Faculty of Graduate Studies via email, telephone or email, indicating his/her decision to accept or decline the offer.
Conditional admission may be granted pending the completion of formal academic requirements. In such cases, arrangements must be made to have final transcripts sent to the School.
Application Deadlines
The closing date for applications for entry to the MACL program is February 1st of the year of proposed enrolment.
Please note that acceptance into the MACL program does not necessarily mean acceptance into the Creative Writing component of the program. Individuals must apply separately to the Creative Writing department and submit manuscripts and be evaluated for acceptance into the Creative Writing courses for children.
Registration details
Students in the Master of Arts in Children’s Literature Program, whether continuing or newly accepted into the program, who are interested in taking a course in the Creative Writing Department must notify Pat Rose, Secretary in the CRWR Department (patrose@interchange.ubc.ca) by May 1st. Please send an email indicating you wish to be registered for a course beginning the next academic year. Be sure to specify the course number and title.
Creative Writing Workshops
To apply for graduate and undergraduate workshops in writing for children, please submit a letter (including the details which apply to you: name, address, phone number, email, UBC student number, explanation that you are in, or will be entering, the MACL program, educational background, creative writing background, publications, and awards). If accepted, the student is informed and registered by the Creative Writing Program.
To apply for graduate and undergraduate workshops, in non-children’s writing areas, please submit a sample of your creative writing (25 pages; 10 pages if for poetry) in the applicable genre, with a cover letter (including name, address, phone number, email, UBC student number, MACL study area, educational background, creative writing background, publications, and awards). If accepted, the student is informed and registered by the Creative Writing Program.
Submit all materials to: Pat Rose, Creative Writing Program
patrose@interchange.ubc.ca
Buchanan E462, 1866 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Canada
Manuscripts with correct Canadian postage or Intl Reply Coupons will be returned.
DEADLINE: JULY 30
Contacts: Linda Svendsen, Creative Writing Program – MACL faculty member
linda.svendsen@ubc.ca
Bryan Wade, Creative Writing Program – Graduate Advisor
bwade@interchange.ubc.ca
Degree Requirements
For detailed information on the MACL Degree's requirements please use the "Programs" link to the left.
Prospective applicants may address inquiries to the Admissions Secretary at slais.admissions@ubc.ca or phone 604-822-3459. Please specify which program you are inquiring about.
