MA Publishing

Delivered in collaboration with leading industry professionals including our partners for this MA, Comma Press, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills for a variety of careers in publishing.

You will explore the complex anatomies and eco-systems of the publishing industry and its markets in the UK and internationally, as well as the trends, innovations, opportunities and challenges facing this rapidly changing profession.

Through the duration of the course, you will gain a working knowledge of the business of publishing, examining the structures of a range of organisational models, from major corporate brands to small independent outfits; and you will develop an understanding of the different stages, roles and skills involved in the publishing process, and the different publishing formats and platforms available.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• An exciting masters degree - designed to prepare you for a career in publishing, this course is suitable for many educational and professional backgrounds, with a strong focus on employability.
• Based in Manchester - a UNESCO City of Literature, with a burgeoning culture of creative industries looking for talented graduates, and an exceptional growth of publishing ventures and opportunities. Manchester is a literary hub, with numerous events and festivals to attend each year. With two of the biggest publishing corporations, Hachette and HarperCollins, running offices here, we believe there has never been a better time to study publishing in Manchester.
• Industry connections - our tutors have extensive and high-level experience in the industry and excellent networks. We have a partnership with Comma Press and strong links to the Northern Fiction Alliance, alongside visits from key personnel at Hachette and HarperCollins, meaning we offer professional expertise from all aspects of the publishing industry.
• International focus - with links to other UNESCO Cities of Literature and to the strong tradition of promoting literature in translation provided by the Northern Fiction Alliance, we encourage applicants from all over the world.
• Creative and academic expertise - this MA combines the talents of the UK’s most successful programme of Creative Writing, with the international expertise of the Department of Languages, Information and Communication, to give you the greatest possible range of expertise.
• Exciting coursework opportunities - we will teach you a wide range of publishing subjects to help you find your interests. You can also choose from many options and practical projects that allow you to bring your own creativity and innovation to all publishing platforms and media, including potential collaborations with our industry partners such as HarperCollins, Bloomsbury and Penguin Random House.
• Interdisciplinary - you will be encouraged to engage with other departments, including the Manchester Writing School, Journalism, Art and Illustration, Education and Linguistics, and guest speakers from a variety of disciplines will offer their advice and expertise. Publishing is truly interdisciplinary and our specialisms reflect that.
• Excellent resources – you will have the opportunity to train in industry standard software such as Adobe Creative and Nielsen BookScan.
• Home to Manchester Poetry Library - Manchester Poetry Library is the North West's first public poetry library and holds over 10,000 books and recordings that can be explored through the online catalogue, in person and through the annual programme of events.

You will normally have a minimum 2.1 UK undergraduate honours degree in a humanities, social sciences or other related subject such as business, digital media, finance, journalism, law or marketing. Non-standard applicants are encouraged to apply via submission of an application form, personal statement, one reference and interview.