Publishing and Contemporary Literature MA

Engage with the varied areas of publishing. Extend your knowledge and understanding of contemporary literature. Deepen your skills by meeting with industry professionals. Get involved with literary festivals to further develop your skills and to engage with an external literary partner.

Course overview

Our focus is on theoretical, political, social and cultural currents in contemporary literature, broadly defined as the literature of the twenty first century. Our diverse and inclusive syllabus champions the voices of writers who have been culturally marginalised. You will be supported and encouraged to develop as a literary critic.

The focus of the publishing side of the MA is on contemporary publishing, with a particular focus on independent publishing, small presses and emergent themes in writing. You will engage with a diverse and inclusive range of creative and critical texts in a variety of forms, enhancing your knowledge of the current publishing landscape. You will develop creative skills surrounding the reading, generation, selection, development and publication of new texts.

York is a fantastic place to be if you love books and reading. There is a rich literary history in the city, and each year, the city celebrates its literary heritage with the York Literature Festival, for which our department organises several events. We are also instrumental in the annual York Big City Read with our partner institution, York Explore.

Career outcomes

Where could Publishing and Contemporary Literature take you?

This MA will prepare you for a career in the varied and exciting world of publishing. You will also leave with transferable skills in:

• Project management
• Copywriting
• Editing
• Communication
• Collaboration

Students need to have a 2:2 honours degree in a related subject; Interview: If your degree is in an unrelated subject. We are open to considering previous degrees in the Humanities, Arts, Sciences and Social Sciences or other related subjects.