Program Overview

MA Publishing

The MA Publishing course at Northumbria University is a unique and innovative program designed in collaboration with Hachette UK and New Writing North. This one-year full-time program is tailored to address skills gaps within the publishing industry, offering students a guaranteed placement with a global publisher and the opportunity to work with New Writing North on live writing development projects.

Course Overview

The program is comprised of five core modules: Introduction to Publishing, Manuscript to Market, People in Publishing, Publishing Placement, and Major Publishing Project. These modules provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the publishing industry, from its history to contemporary practices, and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in publishing.

Modules

• Introduction to Publishing: This module provides a comprehensive knowledge of the history of publishing from the eighteenth century to the present day, focusing on social, cultural, economic, and political influences and impacts.
• Manuscript to Market: This year-long module maps onto the Publishing Placement module, providing instruction and knowledge that students can put into practice on their placement activities. It covers various areas of publishing, including commissioning, acquisition, editorial, production, sales, marketing, and post-production.
• Major Publishing Project: This double-weighted module allows students to produce an extended piece of work on a topic of their choice that engages with some aspect of contemporary Publishing Studies. Students operate at a higher level of independent learning and research, learning how to plan, structure, formulate, negotiate, and evaluate a personal project.
• People in Publishing: This module analyzes publishing structures and practices, exploring how forces inside and outside the industry impact inclusivity, diversity, and representation. It focuses on people working in the industry and organizations connected to it, deepening students' awareness of authors' lives and careers.
• Publishing Placement: This year-long module provides first-hand insight into the organization and activities of Hachette and New Writing North. Students participate in a minimum of 60 hours of placement activity, supervised by Hachette, with opportunities for additional professional activities and hours.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally have a minimum of a 2:2 honors degree in any subject. Applicants with appropriate work experience and/or a relevant professional qualification will be considered. International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.

Fees and Funding

• Full UK Fee: £12,660
• Full International Fee: £19,850
• Scholarships and discounts are available, including the Hachette UK Scholarship, International Postgraduate Scholarships, and an Alumni Discount.

Career Prospects

The MA Publishing program is designed to prepare graduates for a career in publishing, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for a wide range of roles within the sector. Employability is embedded into the course, with opportunities for students to network and gain useful contacts for their future careers. The program also provides advice and guidance on writing PhD and funding applications for those wishing to pursue further studies.