Publishing Postgraduate

Overall score

I really enjoyed this course, I found that after my undergraduate degree in English language and linguistics, I had no vocation. I found a flyer for the MA in Publishing in the envelope with my BA results, and this inspired me to use my knowledge for the English language for a career in publishing. Doing the course made my skills appicable to the real world of work.

Study experience

The tutors were really knowledgeable, and a lot of guest tutors/speakers actually work in the publishing industry, which made it all real. We were set actual proofreading, editing and comissioning tasks, so it felt like we were achieving results.

Facilities

Facilities were good, the postgraduate centre at Kingston University was useful, as we were able to study in a quiet area.

Postgraduate life

The group was quite small, which meant I really got to know my fellow classmates. We often went out as a group were always in contact about work and projects.

Job prospects

Doing a work placement during the course (which we all had to do) really helped my job prospects, I found a job in the publishing industry within six months of graduation.

This review is the subjective opinion of a postgraduatesearch.com reviewer and not of postgraduatesearch.com.

Overall score

I find the Publishing course really enjoyable, there is a varied amount of modules, tasks and assignments to always keep your interest, it feels academic and yet also practical minded for future employment. I chose to study at postgraduate level because I found the topic of interest, and it is also quite difficult to get into a publishing career and I felt this would put me ahead of others. I would recommend the course to anyone who has a passion for books and the business behind bookselling and book production. On a full time basis it is intense and the course should not be taken on a whim unless there is genuine interest in the business. It can also be taken part time.

Study experience

The lectures vary in their format, mostly discussion but also task led, it can feel long hours though because they are mainly late afternoon, but this is convenient to those with other jobs/commitments. The assessment types and levels change - they are all challenging but rewarding and it having no exams means that there is less stress in that area, and more skills learnt in writing styles, team work etc. The lecturers are active researchers and also have experience in different aspects of the business and this really reflects in the teaching. I fund the course from family help and loans and it is expensive, I couldn't find cheaper, but I am sure it is not a necessary avenue to get into the field but i am hoping it will help and therefore justify the expense. I did not receive any education funding support, and it is a shame this isn't really available for this sort of profession and level of study.

Facilities

The library is not amazing for the topic, but it provides key publishing texts and not that many books need to be taken from the library, there are many other online avenues when it comes to research, although it is def worth buying a few staple books. There are good IT facilities and online resources to ebooks which is crucial for the subject. The teaching standards are good, and there is a publishing suite which is an invaluable place to study and find more about the business on a practical real-life working environment basis that most other courses on the topic do not offer.

Postgraduate life

All of the people on the course are friendly and get on really well, we are all from varied areas, few live near the university but we still make time to socialise together. the university has good pub and food facilities to meet after and before study, and it is only a short walk from the city centre - but is a separate campus in its own rights. There was accommodation offered, but i did not take it. I am not a part of the student activities because i live away from the area, but everything i have seen and heard seems great and engaging, and there are certainly many things to do on a serious or a leisurely basis.

Job prospects

I think the publishing profession will remain difficult to get into, but i definitely think this course puts you at the top of a pile of CVs for the jobs available, it helps you find areas you are interested in, gives you experience in varied areas which other workers may not have, keeps you updated with the future changes of the profession, which helps you to bring new views to the future of the business, and work experience is organised and encouraged.

This review is the subjective opinion of a postgraduatesearch.com reviewer and not of postgraduatesearch.com.

Overall score

The course was fantastic, meeting with interesting people from the publishing industry, learning new stuff everyday, really good projects, lovely tutors. I enjoyed every single moment and wish i could have stayed more!!!! I chose this course first of all because i enjoy book reading and second of all because my family has a publishing house and it was one big motivation!! I would recommnend the course to future students that ofcourse enjoy books, reading, creating and love working into groups!!!

Study experience

As it was the first time that this MA took place in Kingston University (Sept 2007), I'll have to admit that there were a few flaws at first. But as the time passed by, tutors and students learned how to connect with each other and share opinions and ideas. I found that the assesment methods were really good despite being the first time for this MA was taking place in the Uni, the projects were very interesting plus the placement at the end of the course that gave us an idea of how things work in the outside world. I have to admit it was worth every penny. My parents funded the course for me so I didn't need to get anyother financial support.

Facilities

I didnt had the chance to visit the sport facilities of the institution but the standards of teaching and IT were excellent. As far as the library concerns the only thing I remember is that there were NOT enough PCs to sit and research.

Postgraduate life

I was lucky enough to have loads of friends from Greece that I already knew, and of course meeting with new people (not Greek) made my experience even better. I loved the fact that my campus was only a 2 minute walk from where I lived and around 10 from the city centre. It spreads the feeling of loving suburbia which I enjoyed a lot, it was safe enough, and had a lot of things to do around town. I was member of the Greek-Cypriot society which organized the so-called Greek parties where all of us would mingle, drink and have a perfect time.

Job prospects

When I graduated from Kingston Uni, I decided to come back to my home country and look for a job in advertising (I have obtained a BA in Integrated Advertising). The MA has helped me a lot in my way of thinking before acting, and generally has offered me a lot of qualities that have helped me through the last 3 years that I work.

This review is the subjective opinion of a postgraduatesearch.com reviewer and not of postgraduatesearch.com.