MA in Digital Publishing

Study modules

Taught modules

Compulsory modules

• Editorial Management and Content Development (20 credits)
  This module explores the strategic role of the editor within the publishing process and the knowledge and skills required for the development of new projects, whether in print or digital form.
• Design and Production (20 credits)
  This module explores the role of the design and production department in the publishing process. It looks closely at current working practices in areas such as design and typography, project management, the evaluation and selection of appropriate media platforms, the buying of raw materials and manufacturing processes, and the use of external resources.
• Sales, Marketing, and Consumer Insight (20 credits)
  This module provides a systematic examination of the key concepts and disciplines of marketing and their relationship and relevance to the products of publishing. It includes coverage of the marketing mix, consumer behaviour, segmentation, targeting and positioning, and elements of market research.
• Multi-Platform Publishing (20 credits)
  This module offers an examination of forms of digital publishing with particular reference to epub and apps. Industry standards in markup and eBook formats are covered in detail with a particular focus on differences between platforms and methods of distribution. Expertise grows through the use of more sophisticated enhancements to the content with multimedia, animation and interactivity.
• Digital Publishing Strategy (20 credits)
  This module enables you to engage with the dynamic nature of a rapidly evolving part of the publishing industry. The technological basis for the products themselves will be examined and the strategic reasons for developing them critically appraised. You will learn about the process and management of digital product design and development.

Optional modules

• Children's Publishing (20 credits)
  This module explores the development of the market sector and the current shape and business practices of publishing for children and young adults. Topics include picture books, co-editions and translatability; the sector's links to other leisure industries, merchandising and content reuse; editing and censorship; age ranging and gatekeeping; literacy and reading campaigns; and promotion.
• Fiction and Non-fiction Publishing (20 credits)
  Fiction and Non-fiction Publishing are perennially popular business models within the publishing world, and the globalisation and digitisation of the consumer book landscape have only enhanced one of the most dynamic and creative sectors of the industry. Within this module, you will explore the range and depth of pitfalls and possibilities intrinsic to this ever-changing aspect of publishing. You will gain an understanding of the importance of verticals in consumer publishing and as well as the elasticity of the role of the author.
• Academic and Professional Publishing (20 credits)
  This module provides you with an understanding of the nature of scholarly communication and the current debates surrounding topics such as research funding, open access and peer review. The convergence of books and journals in this area and the emergence of new publishing and business models to suit the market will be investigated along with the development of digital solutions.
• History and Culture of Publishing (20 credits)
  This module examines the culture and ideology of publishing in terms of its development throughout the 20th century, and its contemporary practice. Different theories of print culture and critiques of the role of the publisher in society are reviewed, and there is an examination of ideological challenges to the culture of publishing.
• International Rights Management (20 credits)
  This module introduces the management of rights in the fast-moving world of global publishing. As well as looking at the acquisition of rights from the author, and the different rights contracted, the module covers the rights function within the publishing house and its responsibility for licensing a range of products.
• Interactive media (20 credits)
• Craft of Storytelling (20 credits)
  Crafting and telling a story are central to all forms of publishing, and are increasingly key in all industries worldwide. This module will build on knowledge from Semester One’s compulsory modules in order to examine and practise the techniques involved in writing and shaping narratives across all forms of fiction and non-fiction, as well as for promotional and brand purposes. Through a range of taught presentations, workshops, and guest lectures, you will learn to identify and implement methods that optimise the potential of narratives across a range of genres and platforms, and for multiple purposes.

Independent study

• Independent Study in Publishing
  This module offers you the opportunity to design a course of study to suit your own interests and concerns. It might be to study an area not specifically taught during the course, to conduct a study based on your work experience, or a study that fits with your career or business plans. Practical projects are suitable as independent studies but should be accompanied by an analytical report. You will organise and carry out a work schedule set by yourself will determine a set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria in collaboration with the module leader and a supervisor.

Work placement (sandwich mode)

• Work Placement
  The sandwich mode allows the course to be taken over two years with the second year forming a work placement. Students studying this mode must complete 180 credits including the compulsory modules before they can progress to the work placement module.
  There is no guarantee of a work placement for students studying in the sandwich mode. Securing a placement is the responsibility of the student and throughout the course, you’ll be supported with your applications including CVs, cover letters, interview preparation and networking connections.

Final project

• Dissertation or Major Project
  Dissertation or Major Project is the defining and essential component for the award of the MA degree. It is a major in-depth investigation of a subject, theme or issues significant to the study of publishing through research and extended written work (15,000 words or equivalent for major projects).

A Digital Publishing MA will provide you with the skills, knowledge and equally important access to networks that kick-start your career in publishing or improve your current position.

Graduates who have completed publishing courses at Oxford Brookes have been exceptionally successful in obtaining employment soon after graduation and have a strong record of career progression because our courses enjoy a high international standing.

Our flexible work experience opportunities with local, regional, national and international publishing enterprises provide you with the essential up-to-date practical knowledge that will enhance your employment prospects on completing the programme. In addition, our teaching staff have extensive experience in national and international publishing roles and a broad range of contacts that are at your disposal for your individual interests in this diverse industry.

While studying with us, you will develop a wide range of publishing and general management skills, including digital publishing proficiency. Graduates who have completed our publishing courses have been exceptionally successful in obtaining employment in trade, children's journals, ELT and schools publishing, rights management, digital and production roles. Our alumni have strong records of career progression.

Our graduates have established an enviable reputation in the publishing industry and they are extremely successful in obtaining good jobs fast. Evidence from our alumni suggests that they are able to enter the industry at a higher level than would otherwise have been possible.

Our international alumni work in:

• publishing companies in New York
• rights management in Toronto
• production in India
• digital enterprises in Kenya
• a variety of roles throughout European publishing companies.

In addition, European and UK students work at:

• Oxford and Cambridge University Presses
• Taylor and Francis
• Simon and Schuster
• Sage
• Penguin
• Elsevier
• Touch Press
• Lion Hudson
• Barefoot Books