MA Publishing Media

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

Program Overview:
If you’re passionate about books, magazines, digital media, or audio content, this MA is designed for you. Oxford Brookes combines traditional publishing knowledge with the latest digital trends, helping you understand how content is created, marketed, and distributed across multiple platforms. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to step into a career anywhere in the publishing industry.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
You’ll start by learning the core skills of publishing, including editorial workflows, marketing strategies, and digital production. Modules such as Publishing Media Workflow and Digital Publishing Strategy will show you how content moves from concept to market across print, digital, and audio platforms. You’ll gain practical experience while understanding the business side of publishing.

Year 2 / Project Phase:
Next, you’ll focus on your special interests and complete a major project or dissertation. Whether you choose children’s publishing, international rights, brand management, or academic publishing, you’ll plan and deliver a substantial project that showcases your skills. One-to-one supervision ensures your work meets professional standards and is ready for your portfolio.

Focus Areas:
Print and digital publishing, editorial workflow, marketing and brand management, multimedia content (e-books, podcasts, audio), international rights and licensing, strategic publishing business models

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to design and deliver publishing projects across multiple media, adapt to innovations in digital publishing, manage rights and international markets, and build a professional portfolio that impresses employers.

Professional Alignment:
The course is closely connected to the publishing industry through advisory boards and professional partnerships, giving you a clear path to roles in publishing houses, media companies, and creative agencies.

Reputation:
Oxford Brookes is well regarded for its publishing programs, with graduates highly employable and recognized for their practical skills in the UK and internationally

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA in Publishing Media at Oxford Brookes is designed to give you hands-on experience in the fast-moving world of publishing and media. You’ll learn how ideas turn into books, magazines, podcasts, digital content, and social media campaigns, while gaining the professional skills to thrive in the industry. The program combines practical projects with insights from industry professionals, so you graduate ready to make an impact.

Here’s how experiential learning works on this course:

Learn from Industry Experts: Modules are taught by staff with real publishing experience, and the curriculum is shaped by an advisory board made up of leading professionals.
Creative & Digital Tools: Work with Adobe Creative Cloud, Mac suites, and podcast studios to produce professional-standard content and build your portfolio.
Real-World Exposure: Participate in field trips and events, such as visits to publishers, printers, and international book fairs, giving you a real taste of the publishing world.
Major Project or Dissertation: Create a substantial piece of work in an area that interests you, showcasing your skills and creativity to future employers.
Career-Focused Learning: Graduates leave ready for careers in publishing houses, digital media, rights management, social media, PR, and related fields.
Flexible Study Options: Choose full-time or part-time study to suit your schedule and career goals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Oxford Brookes University's MA in Publishing Media are well-equipped to navigate the dynamic and evolving publishing industry. The program provides both theoretical insights and practical skills, preparing students for impactful careers in various sectors of publishing. Alumni have advanced into roles such as:

Editorial Assistant – Supporting the editorial team in content development and publication processes.
Production Coordinator – Managing the production schedules and workflows for publications.
Marketing Executive – Developing and implementing marketing strategies for books and other media.
Rights and Licensing Officer – Handling the rights acquisition and licensing agreements for publications.

University Support and Industry Connections:

Careers and Employability Services: Offering personalized guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
Work Experience Opportunities: Encouraging students to gain practical experience, with many completing work placements by the end of their course.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with various media and publishing organizations ensure that the curriculum remains current and relevant.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MA, graduates can continue their studies through:

PhD in Publishing Studies: Engaging in advanced research on publishing trends and practices.
MSc in Digital Media: Acquiring skills in digital content creation and media technologies.
MA in Media and Communications: Expanding expertise in media strategies and communication practices.

This pathway allows for continued professional development and specialization in the evolving field of publishing.