Publishing Studies MLitt

www.english.stir.ac.uk

The Centre for Publishing Studies provides a comprehensive and coherent approach to all forms of publishing. The programme covers the whole process of planning, editing, production, marketing and publication management. It is dedicated to teaching the best current publishing practice, so the detailed content varies from year to year as a result of the rapid changes that are transforming the industry worldwide.

Programme Objectives

In close contact with publishing businesses and the changing needs of the industry world-wide, the teaching team aims to equip you with the qualities – intellectual and practical – that are needed for a successful working life in publishing. The programme seeks to foster the techniques of team working as an essential attribute of the professional publisher today.

Entrance Requirements

A good Honours degree in any subject, though relevant professional experience may be taken into account. Applications should be made by July preceding entry.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6 (minimum 5 in each skill) or TOEFL 550/213/79 (Paper/Computer/Internet).

Funding

Details of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funding for postgraduates are available: www.ahrc.ac.uk. Only those who have gained a First Class degree at undergraduate level can be approved by the University as candidates. Deadlines are normally in early Spring.

For further information on possible sources of funding, visit: www.stir.ac.uk/postgrad/finance

Modes of Study

Full-time: 10 months

Programme Start Date

September

Programme Director

Professor Claire Squires

Department of English

Equipment and Study Facilities

You will have exclusive access to a wide range of electronic equipment and facilities. You are expected to become familiar with both PC and Macintosh computer systems. All computers have internet and email access. The University is fully networked with SuperJANET access and connection to a wide range of online services.

The Library also owns a number of hand presses and papermaking equipment, which you are taught to use, to gain a sense of the traditional crafts of publishing.

Structure and Content

There are usually 30 to 36 members on the programme, which begins in September and lasts for one academic year, extending over two semesters. It provides a concentrated and comprehensive introduction to publishing with assessment by module and project work, as well as by examination and a 15,000-word dissertation.

Programme members who successfully pass all the examined modules are able to graduate in June. The programme is demanding, stimulating and enjoyable, and many publishers now consider it to be the equivalent of a year’s experience within a publishing company.

The programme content includes:

• Publishing in Theory and Practice
• Effective Writing and Editorial Skills
• Marketing
• Intellectual Property
• Publishing Business and Finance
• Design and Typography
• Electronic Publishing
• Internet and Online Publishing
• Sales and Distribution
• New Media Development

These topics are delivered in five modules:

• Publishing Dynamics, Contemporary Issues and Practices: This module examines the varieties of publishing currently practised (books, magazines, journals, newspapers, electronic and online publishing) and develops the business skills necessary to succeed in publishing.
• Marketing, Management, and Communications: Electronic publishing and the internet have transformed publishing, providing new opportunities for reaching readers. This module presents a range of strategies that take advantage of these new opportunities and develops both traditional marketing and production skills.
• Publishing Project, Editing and Effective Writing: Each student will define a Publishing Project and then produce it in a physical form, analysing the practical issues that emerge in its creation. Marketing and business strategies of this product will also be defined.
• Publishing Dissertation: This is an intensive piece of research on a topic of your choice relevant to publishing and approved by the Programme Director. Work extends over both semesters: most of the research is carried out in the period between December to early February, with delivery in April.
• Design and Editing Classes: Weekly classes provide training in editorial practice and understanding publishers’ scheduling and work routine.

Delivery and Assessment

The programme is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, small groups and one-on-one classes. Electronic and internet publishing are taught through practical sessions and workshops.

Timetable

Contact the Department for information on your timetable and reading lists.

Career Opportunities

The MLitt programme has proved particularly effective for those who hope to enter the world of publishing for the first time, but it has been equally successful with established professionals who want to enhance their skills. The programme has welcomed members from many countries throughout the world, who have learned to value its determinedly international approach.

Our graduates occupy senior positions in both commercial and not-for-profit publication enterprises throughout the world.

Research Opportunities

Departmental research interests include:

• Medieval and early modern writing
• 20th-century postcolonial literatures
• Victorian literature
• Scottish literature
• James Hogg
• The gothic
• Poetry
• The short story
• American literature
• Textual culture
• Discourse analysis

Current research projects include, under the aegis of Emeritus Professor Douglas Mack, the collaborative Stirling/South Carolina Research Edition of the Collected Works of James Hogg project. This has attracted two separate Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) grants: one of £299,435 for the publication of a three-volume edition of Hogg’s Collected Letters, and one (in collaboration with the University of Glasgow) of £157,734 for a three-year project researching Hogg’s songs. Other scholarly editing projects include the Arden Shakespeare, editions of Marvell and Defoe, and translations of Wyclif’s Latin writings.

Research Proposal

PhD students should submit a research proposal of 2,000 words.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6 (minimum 5 in each skill) or TOEFL 550/213/79-80.

RAE Rating

The UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) confirmed the quality of the work being done by our researchers. 85% of the University of Stirling’s research has been judged to be internationally excellent and internationally recognised, with the top 10% of that judged to be world class.

View the full outcomes of Stirling’s RAE performance

Use the online enquiry service to find out more or to request a prospectus.

If you are ready to apply you can fill out an online application form now.