Publishing

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above, or an international equivalent, from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a passion for developing a career in the publishing industry.

Applications are encouraged from industry professionals or those with relevant experience in publishing, bookselling, or the literary and cultural industries, seeking to enhance skills or knowledge in this field.

Applicants may also be asked to submit a personal statement explaining their interest in the programme and how it fits with their earlier studies. However, this is not mandatory for your initial application. You are welcome to include a personal statement if you wish.

Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.

Months of entry

September

Course content

• Develop the critical contexts and practical skills to engage with global publishing models across print and digital environments and familiarise yourself with the processes of commissioning, production, marketing, and distribution.
• Equips you to build your career in the fast-changing publishing industry to set up your own innovative publishing initiative with entrepreneurial support from SETSquared Exeter, or to undertake further research in this growing field of study.
• Draws on the teaching expertise of industry professionals and researchers, as well as providing the opportunity for you to undertake a work placement module and pursue either a practical publishing project or research-based dissertation.
• Join and network with a growing hub for the publishing industry and literary community in the South West, as Exeter develops as an UNESCO City of Literature.
• You will develop analytical and creative tools for innovation within and beyond existing publishing structures, with several optional, interdisciplinary modules from English, Creative Industries and Modern Languages departments.
• Our curriculum is guided by our Industry Advisory Board, which includes Valerie Brandes (CEO, Jacaranda Books), Anna Cohn Orchard (Director, Exeter City of Literature), Gracie Cooper (Publisher, Little Toller Books), Louisa Joyner (Associate Publisher, Faber & Faber), Sanphy Thomas (Managing Director, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Hachette Bristol), and Emma Shercliff (Literary Agent, Laxfield Literary Associates).
• By actively co-creating your learning experience with industry professionals we provide our graduates with the best possible education to enter the world of publishing.

Information for international students

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

Fees and funding

We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This is in addition to the UK Government’s Postgraduate Loan Scheme. For information on how you can fund your postgraduate degree at the University of Exeter, please visit the postgraduate study pages on our website.