MA Publishing

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MA Publishing at Exeter is designed for anyone who’s passionate about books, digital content, and the wider publishing world. You’ll gain both the practical skills and industry insights needed to manage projects, commission content, and understand how modern publishing operates across print, digital, and multimedia platforms.

Curriculum Structure

Core Learning

The course blends hands-on experience with critical thinking. In Editorial Processes and Practices: Creating Products, you’ll learn how books and other publications are developed, edited, and prepared for market. The Contemporary Publishing Industry explores current trends, business models, rights management, and the interaction between digital and print publishing.

Practical Project or Dissertation

You’ll finish with a 60-credit dissertation, which can be a research-based project or a practical publishing project. This gives you the flexibility to either dive deeply into a topic you’re curious about or create a publication from start to finish.

Optional Modules

You can tailor your studies with electives such as Publishing Work Placement, Publishing and Production, or Translation and Publishing, gaining targeted skills to match your career goals.

Focus Areas

“Editorial and production processes; contemporary and digital publishing business models; rights, distribution and marketing; practical publishing project; research in publishing.”

Learning Outcomes

“You will develop skills in editorial and commissioning work, production and marketing, and project management; understand global and digital publishing models; and gain the ability to carry out research or create a practical publishing project.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme benefits from guidance by an Industry Advisory Board made up of leading publishers, literary agents, and cultural leaders, ensuring that what you learn is relevant to the professional world.

Reputation (Employability)

Exeter’s strong links with the publishing industry and its location in a UNESCO City of Literature give graduates a competitive edge. Career paths include roles in editorial, marketing, production, rights management, or even starting your own publishing venture.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On Exeter’s MA Publishing, learning goes far beyond lectures. You’ll gain hands-on experience working on real publishing projects, collaborating with industry professionals, and using the tools and resources that modern publishers rely on. From analysing market trends with Nielsen BookScan to creating your own publications, this programme helps you develop the practical skills, professional confidence, and industry connections you need to succeed.

Here’s how your practical experience is built into the course:

Publishing Work Placement – Optional module where you spend time in a real publishing house, gaining hands-on experience and making industry connections.
Practical Publishing Project or Dissertation – Complete a 60-credit project or dissertation, giving you the choice to either research a publishing topic or produce a real publication.
Industry-led teaching & mentorship – Benefit from guidance and insights from Exeter’s Industry Advisory Board, featuring senior publishers, literary agents, and entrepreneurs.
Access to Publishing Archives & Special Collections – Use Exeter’s unique collections to inform your research and understand publishing history.
Nielsen BookScan Access – Analyse real UK book sales data to understand market trends and audience behaviour.
Creative and research networks – Engage with initiatives like the Publishing and Literary Networks in the South West, producing work that reflects regional literary culture.
State-of-the-art campus facilities – Study in media suites, seminar rooms, and computer labs with podcast studios, rehearsal rooms, and 24/7 postgraduate computing access.
Dedicated library & digital resources – Use the Publishing Subject Guide and specialised databases to support both practical and research work.
Skills support for postgraduate writers – Workshops in writing, research, and presentation help you polish your professional and academic skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Exeter’s MA Publishing leave ready to make an impact in the publishing world, whether in editorial, marketing, rights management, or even launching their own publishing ventures. Typical roles include Editorial Assistant, Marketing Manager, Rights Manager, or Founder of a Publishing Initiative, reflecting the course’s blend of practical experience and industry insight. By combining hands-on projects, placements, and professional guidance, this programme ensures you’re confident stepping into the real-world publishing landscape.

Here’s how Exeter supports your career journey:

Tailored careers support – The University’s Career Zone offers one-on-one coaching, networking events, and digital tools specifically designed for creative industries.
Strong industry connections – The course is guided by an Industry Advisory Board, featuring senior professionals from Faber & Faber, Jacaranda Books, and Laxfield Literary Associates, keeping your learning closely aligned with the publishing world.
Professional networks – You’ll have access to organisations like the Society of Young Publishers (SYP), the Professional Publishers Association (PPA), and the Publishers Association, helping you build contacts and credibility.
High employability – Many graduates secure full-time publishing roles soon after finishing the programme, benefitting from Exeter’s reputation and strong sector links.
Entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities – Support from SETsquared Exeter, the university’s innovation hub, allows you to develop your own publishing initiative or take on leadership roles in cultural organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you could pursue a PhD or MRes in Publishing, English, or Creative Industries, using your dissertation or project as a springboard for advanced research. This pathway opens doors to academic careers, teaching positions, or specialised research roles in publishing, literary studies, or cultural policy.