Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
MA Publishing
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MA Publishing | Programme code | PTA1EGLEGL15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Part Time Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This MA Publishing provides you with the critical context and practical skills to engage with global publishing models across print and digital environments, and with processes of commissioning, production, marketing and distribution. Publishing is a fast-changing industry, and this MA is designed in ways that build analytical and creative tools for innovation beyond existing publishing structures, equipping you to pursue a career in the contemporary publishing industry, set up your own innovative publishing initiative, or pursue further research in this growing field of study.
Drawing on the teaching expertise of industry professionals and researchers, as well as providing the opportunity to undertake a work placement module and pursue either a practical publishing project or research-based dissertation, this MA Publishing Studies combines excellence in terms of both industry connections and research. In 2019 Exeter was designated a UNESCO City of Literature, and this MA both builds out of and furthers the city of Exeter a hub for the publishing industry and literary community in the South West. It has been established by University of Exeter’s leading Department of English and Creative Writing, and benefits from the following strengths:
- Research expertise and Special Collections in publishing histories across the Victorian, Modernist and contemporary periods
- A vibrant Creative Writing department working across fiction, non-fiction, poetry and children’s writing and well-networked with publishers across the UK
- Cutting-edge research aligned with the agenda of decolonizing the curriculum and concerned with Publishing Studies as a methodology that makes visible the structures of power out of which literature is produced.
- A growing World and Postcolonial Cultures Research Group with expertise in global publishing practices that moves beyond dominant Euro-American models to study innovative publishing initiatives from Africa to Asia, Latin America to the Caribbean.
The programme is comprised of three core modules: Editorial Processes and Practices: Creating Products, The Global Publishing Marketplace: Creating Audiences and the Dissertation (Research-based or Practical Publishing Project). These are offered together with bespoke optional modules from within Publishing (including Publishing Work Placement, Publishing and Power: Black and Asian Literary Networks in the UK and Publishing and Production) as well as a selection of targeted optional, interdisciplinary modules offered from English, Creative Writing, Film, Creative Industries and Modern Languages. From the outset, this MA Publishing focuses on your personal and professional development alongside your academic performance. You will be supported throughout your degree by personal tutoring and a range of study skills and employability training.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme’s curriculum combines academic study with practical skills development and acquisition appropriate to building a career in publishing. Specific programme aims are to:
- Offer you 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.
- Develop your historical, conceptual and strategic understanding of publishing as a dynamic and evolving industry.
- Provide you with an opportunity to engage critically and creatively with current research, debates and practices related to the publishing industry.
- Enable you to develop theoretically and empirically grounded approach to issues of diversity, access and representation in relation to publishing and literary media.
- Enable you to build analytical and creative tools for innovation within and beyond existing publishing structures, promoting independent thinking and critical questioning.
- Provide you with an informed understanding of key social, environmental, legal and political issues that inform contemporary publishing practice.
- Engage you imaginatively in the process of understanding and analysing the strategies, inequalities, strengths and weaknesses of specific publishing initiatives in the global publishing marketplace, and the inter-relation of various commercial, technological, geographical and aesthetic factors.
- Develop your critical insight into publishing markets and modes of building audiences around books and writing.
- Facilitate your exposure to publishing organisations and the literary industries through guest speaker events and work placement activities.
- Develop a range of sector specific, academic and transferable skills of value in graduate employment that enable you to develop your career path; these include conceptualizing ideas, building networks, communication skills, digital asset creation, project management, editorial practice, list building and financial planning.
- Develop your professional and research abilities and your understanding of the relationship between conceptual tools, theoretical frameworks and practical approaches.
4. Programme Structure
The MA Publishing is a one-year full-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). If the programme is taken part-time, 60 credits are taken in year 1 and 60 credits plus a further 60 credits (dissertation) are taken in year 2.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=english
You may also take up to 30 credits outside of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Stage 1
120 credits of compulsory modules; 60 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EASM175 | Dissertation (Research-Based or Practical Publishing Project) | 60 | Yes |
| EASM176 | Editorial Processes and Practices: Creating Products | 30 | No |
| EASM177 | The Global Publishing Marketplace: Creating Audiences | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Publishing options 2024-5 | |||
| DRAM143 | Cultures of Creativity | 30 | No |
| EASM121 | The Poetry of Events - Building a Plot | 30 | No |
| EASM151 | Modernism and Material Culture | 30 | No |
| EASM167 | World Cinema / World Literature | 30 | No |
| EASM169 | Publishing and Power: Black and Asian Literary Networks in the UK | 30 | No |
| EASM171 | Expanding Queerness: Critical Debates in Theory, Literature, Film and Television | 30 | No |
| EASM178 | Publishing Work Placement | 30 | No |
| EASM185 | Story Machines: Interactive Texts and Narrative Games | 30 | No |
| EASM193 | Publishing and Production | 30 | No |
| EASM179 | Translation and Publishing: New Approaches to Literary Activism | 30 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate a broad and deep understanding of and aptitude in core skills and practices associated with the contemporary publishing industry | A1-7 are delivered through all the modules, and developed in lectures, seminars, workshops, critical readings, practical exercises, group work, tutorials and other learning activities throughout the programme. Your learning is further developed through engagement with assessments, following guidance from tutors and lecturers and through feedback on work submitted. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of methods, including, but not limited to, presentations, participation in seminars, critical essays and analysis, proposals and pitches, creative portfolios, critical reflection and a written or project dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. Articulate detailed knowledge and understanding of relevant concepts, models and practices within the publishing industry. | B8-13 are developed throughout the programme in all modules. They are developed through lectures, seminars, workshops, critical readings, practical exercises, group work, tutorials and reinforced through the range of modules across the programme. They will culminate in the substantial and independent research skills demonstrated within the dissertation. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of methods, including, but not limited to, presentations, participation in seminars, critical essays and analysis, proposals and pitches, creative portfolios, critical reflection and a written or project dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
14. Apply advanced literacy, communications and information-technology skills in appropriate contexts, including the ability to present sustained, analytical and persuasive written and oral arguments. | C14-19 are developed throughout the programme in all modules. They are developed through lectures, seminars, workshops, critical readings, practical exercises, group work, tutorials and reinforced through the range of modules across the programme. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of methods, including, but not limited to, presentations, participation in seminars, critical essays and analysis, proposals and pitches, creative portfolios, critical reflection and a written or project dissertation. Outcomes C14-19 are strongly developed in the course of the portfolio of assessed essays and other audio-visual and/or written work produced through the programme. These assessments work on the principle of offering formative feedback to support the development of your written work within as well as between modules. Feedback on one assignment is intended to inform the next piece of work you undertake on the module; the next piece of work on the programme, or the future learning of graduates. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
The marking criteria, which closely reflect the skills outlined in the Programme Outcomes section, and details on individual modules and wider study support offered through the College, are available in the Student Handbook, which can be found at: www.intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/studying/taughthandbook/.
All students on the MA Publishing will have a personal tutor for their entire programme of study. Such personal tutors will be available at advertised ‘office hours’ (staff changes can occur due to Research Leave, etc.). A personal tutoring system will operate with regular communication throughout the programme. Academic support is also provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff, and where appropriate, expert guest tutors can act as industry mentors for your Project Dissertation/Dissertation.
Useful information and student resources can be accessed via the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE): http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/login/index.php, which has specific information on library skills, essay writing and research skills.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MA Publishing
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 28/07/2020 |
Date of last revision | 24/07/2023 |
|---|
