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Book on an postgraduate open day

    KEY FACTS

    • Title
      MA/PgDip Publishing
    • Award
      Master of Arts - MA
    • Study mode
      Full-time (Part-time route available)
    • Duration
      1 year
    • Start date
       September 2013
    • Fees
       See fees information above
Skip Navigation LinksPlymouth University > courses > postgraduate > MA/PgDip Publishing

​MA Publishing (core award)

with specialist strands in: Design Commentary, Digital Futures, Editorial Design and Illustration 

MA Publishing.jpgMA Publishing at Plymouth brings together the key areas within the Publishing industry:

Product Development, Editing, Production, Marketing, Distribution

Publishing Research, Communication Research, Design Writing, Authorship, Design Research

Mobile App and E-book Design, E-publishing, Internet Publishing, Digital Publishing

Graphic Design, Magazine Design, Book Design, Digital Design, Typography

Editorial Illustration, Book Illustration, Book Arts, Artist Books, Political Illustration, Children's Book Illustration and Authorial Practice

all into one programme of study.

The effect of emerging and potential technologies has created a state of flux, plus an array of opportunities within the Publishing Industry. MA Publishing addresses and engages with this flux, by bringing together key practices within the Publishing Industry into one programme of study.

Core Award

  • MA Publishing

Specialist Strands/Exit Awards

  • Design Commentary
  • Digital Futures
  • Editorial Design
  • Illustration

You can choose your own postgraduate exit award and individually tailor your qualification. Students will have the chance to develop specific and vital skill sets, increasing their employability in a diverse and ever changing industry.

MA Publishing : Vision

This award will help students enhance their employability by developing skills key to the creative industries and in particular, the publishing sector. Prospective students can apply for the MA Publishing core award, or one of the specialist strands: Design Commentary, Digital Futures, Editorial Design and Illustration.  
 Image montage
The core award and the strands have been developed to reflect the diverse nature of the publishing industry, where managers, writers and editors alike work in close collaboration with editorial designers and image-makers, to deliver visual content.  
Additionally there is an increased emphasis within the industry on innovation and forward thinking, attributes that are vital to succeeding in contemporary publishing. As well as reflecting these changing needs of the industry, the MA Publishing programme places all students together in a single learning and research environment, enabling students to both learn from each other, gain a broader insight into the profession and position their career aspirations. ​

​MA Publishing : Aim

As a whole this programme will provide a critical, theoretical and practical framework for students to engage with the publishing process; from production and design through to publishing and distribution, using both traditional and digital media. Combining numerous opportunities for professional practice experience and the specialist knowledge of our teaching staff, this course enables students to study towards an industry relevant qualification and gain indispensable work experience. 
 
This programme will facilitate and encourage students to:Deleted Disney
  • Investigate and develop a focus for their specialism. Students will establish a keen level of knowledge and competency through the evaluation and critical analysis of contemporary publishing, in relation to changing technologies and cultural contexts
  • Achieve and demonstrate an understanding of a specific area within, or related to, publishing practice. Research, critical analysis, discussion and project development will all aid in accomplishing this.
  • Engage with a framework of sustained international academic debate. This will encourage a deep understanding of theories and practices relating to existing and new publishing technologies, notions of ‘audience’ and the implications of new distribution methods.
  • Develop the requisite level of professional and postgraduate skills. These include research, presentation, negotiating and technical skills which are vital for working in a professional, business environment. Students will also learn the competencies necessary to initiate and coordinate the production of published material, whilst understanding the affiliated techniques and practices surrounding the industry.
  • Effectively focus their studies to achieve a qualification which is endorsed by the publishing industry. This will help to maximise career opportunities and prospects within their chosen field and if desired, establish a direction for further academic research 

​Our distinctive features

LiaisonPublishing is an expanding and developing industry that recruits a significant number of graduates each year. Very few publishers have an in-house training scheme and some can find it difficult to process the large number of graduate applications they receive. Therefore a key aim of the MA Publishing course is to provide the industry with postgraduates possessing a practical understanding of publishing, an element that can greatly improve their employability in a competitive job market.  
Few postgraduate courses exist that have such a practical approach; this practicality enables students to appreciate the functions of the many trades and professions which contribute to contemporary publishing. Furthermore, students will also acquire a positive attitude to the application of new technologies within the industry, future markets and related occupations. 
Students will be introduced to the full range of professional working practices found within the industry, its markets and related  They will be encouraged to adopt an analytical and evaluative approach towards publishing, giving a greater understanding of the dynamic relationships between ‘the publisher’ and ‘the public’.

MA Publishing : Facilities

MA Publishing sits within Plymouth University’s School of Art Facilities MA/PgDip Publishing and Media, which provides access to a range of professionally equipped workshop suites and studios, such as:  
  • digital video and sound editing suite
  • silkscreen and printmaking workshop
  • letter press workshop (with an extensive range of metal and woodblock type)
  • video and photographic suites
  • darkrooms for chemical photography
  • wood, metal and ceramics workshops

The latest software is available to use on our fleet of Apple Mac computers, as well as a Facilities MA/PgDip Publishing range of digital printers equipped for small to large scale photo works. All our technical suites and workshops are supported by dedicated and knowledgeable technicians. ​

Fees and funding

Please follow the link below for details on the fees for this course.

​Duration

1 year full time or 2 years part time. 
MA Publishing logo

​Entry requirements

For entry to postgraduate level, applicants should normally possess:
  • a first or upper second (2:1) degree with honours or professional qualification, recognised as being equivalent to degree standard; or
  • an ordinary degree, foundation degree, higher national diploma, or university diploma, accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field.
  • Applicants with overseas qualifications can check their comparibility with the UK equivalent through NARIC, who provide an advisory service. 

English language requirement

If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required. The level of proficiency that is required can vary with the type of programme for which you are applying. For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.
The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 6.5.