ObjectivesIn close contact with publishing businesses and the changing needs of the industry world-wide, the teaching team aims to equip you with the qualities – intellectual and practical – that are needed for a successful working life in publishing. The programme seeks to foster the techniques of team working as an essential attribute of the professional publisher today.
Entry requirementsEntrance Requirements A good Honours degree in any subject, though relevant professional experience may be taken into account. Applications should be made by July preceding entry.
Academic titlePublishing Studies (MLitt)
Course descriptionStructure and Content
There are usually 30 to 36 members on the programme. The programme begins in September and lasts for one academic year, extending over two semesters. It provides a concentrated and comprehensive introduction to publishing with assessment by module and project work, as well as by examination and a 15,000 word dissertation.
Programme members who successfully pass all the examined modules are able to graduate in June. The programme is demanding, stimulating and enjoyable and indeed many publishers now consider it to be the equivalent of a year’s experience within a publishing company. Our graduates occupy senior positions in both commercial and not-for-profit publication enterprises throughout the world.
The programme content includes:
Publishing in Theory and Practice
Effective Writing and Editorial Skills
Marketing
Print and Electronic Production
Production Control and Management
Publishing Law
Intellectual Property
Publishing Business and Finance
Design and Typography
Electronic Publishing
Internet and Online Publishing
Image and Text Manipulation
Sales and Distribution
New Media Development
The above topics are covered via the delivery of six modules:
Publishing Dynamics, Contemporary Issues and Practices: This module examines the varieties of publishing currently practised (books, magazines, journals, newspapers, electronic and online publishing) and develops the business skills necessary to succeed in publishing.
Marketing, Management, and Communications: Electronic publishing and the internet have transformed publishing, providing new opportunities for reaching readers. They also offer dramatically different means of marketing publications. This module presents a range of strategies that take advantage of these new opportunities and develops both traditional marketing and production skills.
Publishing Project, Editing and Effective Writing: Each programme member will define a Publishing Project and then produce it in a physical form, analysing the practical issues that emerge in its creation. It might be a book dummy, magazine, or a style for a range of CD productions. Marketing and business strategies of this product will also be defined. Publishing Dissertation: This is an intensive piece of research on a topic of your choice relevant to publishing and approved by the Programme Director. Work extends over both semesters: most of the research is carried out in the period between December to early February, with delivery in April.
Electronic Publishing Lab Classes: Weekly classes provide practical training in a range of software for image manipulation and text layout, plus web design skills. Software packages include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Quark Xpress and Macromedia Dreamweaver.
Design and Editing Classes: Weekly classes provide training in editorial practice and understanding publishers’ scheduling and work routines.
Equipment and Study Facilities
You will have exclusive access to a wide range of electronic equipment and facilities. You are expected to become familiar with both PC and Macintosh computer systems. All computers have internet and email access. The University is fully networked with SuperJANET access and connection to a wide range of online services. The University Library has an excellent collection of books and journals in relevant areas.
The Library also owns a number of hand presses and papermaking equipment, which you are taught to use, to gain a sense of the traditional crafts of publication.
Delivery and Assessment
The programme is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, small groups and one-on-one classes. Electronic and internet publishing are taught through practical sessions and workshops. You will work in teams for marketing case studies and desk top publishing (DTP) projects and will also be advised on how to enhance your individual presentation skills.
Career Opportunities
The MLitt programme has proved particularly effective for those who hope to enter the world of publishing for the first time, but it has been equally successful with already established professionals who want to enhance their skills. The programme has welcomed members from many countries throughout the world, who have learned to value its determinedly international approach. Internships (work placements) are available with a wide range of book and magazine publishers.