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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
Our MA in Digital Publishing provides you with the skills, knowledge and networks to kickstart your career in publishing. Or improve your current position.
With an emphasis on digital publishing, the course gives you an excellent overview of every aspect of publishing. And you will gain a broad understanding of the key issues facing the publishing industry in the 21st century.
Our staff have extensive experience in national and international publishing roles. Many of them have written key texts on publishing. We also have an extensive list of visiting speakers and associate lecturers who are leading industry specialists.
Oxford is a global centre for the publishing industry. So you will have unrivalled access to work experience in Oxford, London and elsewhere.
Digital Publishing is part of a group of courses run by the Oxford International Centre for Publishing Studies, which enjoy a high international standing in the publishing world. You'll benefit from our close links with publishing companies in Oxford and London.
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 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 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 which optimise the potential of narratives across a range of genres and platforms, and for multiple purposes.
Optional modules
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 an independent study, 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.
Optional modules
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 on 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
Compulsory modules
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 issue significant to the study of publishing through research and extended written work (15,000 words or equivalent for major projects).
Learning and teaching
We use a variety of teaching methods.
Lectures
Provide you with foundation knowledge and a framework for study to enable you to achieve the module's learning outcomes.
Seminars and workshops
 encourage you to engage in discussion with tutors and peers
 test your understanding and ability to apply ideas
 develop your transferable skills
 encourage deeper learning.
Computer workshops
Enable you to test, clarify, and apply your IT skills.
Field trips to book fairs and the industry
For example, printers, publishers, retailers. Thes trips allow you to observe aspects of the industry that we teach in lectures and workshops.
Work experience and internship opportunities
Prepare you for your future career and are available across a broad range of departments and market sectors.
Group work role play
You'll simulate new product development in a real-life publishing context.
Individual supervision
Supports self-directed outcomes for your dissertation or major project.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Entrants to the programme should possess the following minimum qualifications:
 a second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in any subject
or
 an appropriate professional background and experience in the publishing industry.
Applicants should also demonstrate a commitment to work in the publishing or communications industries. This attribute is usually evidenced through the application, personal statement or references.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component.
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Learning and assessment
The MA consists of:
 five compulsory modules
 one elective module
 a dissertation or major project.
The PGDip consists of:
 five compulsory modules
 one elective module.
Compulsory modules and optional modules are listed below.
Assessment
Assessment is primarily by coursework.
We also use a limited number of class tests assess your skills in rights, marketing, and proofreading.
We design assignments in all modules to assess the knowledge and skills you develop during the period of study. These align with industry practice and help you gain confidence in your ability to complete live publishing projects.
After completing the course successfully, you will be ready to enter the publishing industry as an effective employee.
Research
The Oxford International Centre for Publishing (OICP) is one of the leading centres for publishing education in the world. We focus on areas such as:
 book consumption and the life cycle of books
 book trade and publishing history (especially 18th-21st centuries)
 museum publishing
 serials publications
 pedagogy and publishing education
 the future of the industry.
Research is supported by the resources of Oxford Brookes Library. The Special Collections feature:
 the Booker Archive
 the Publishing in Africa Collection
 the Rainbird Archive
 the Peter Stockham Collection of Children’s Books.
OICP carries out independent research and training with the international publishing industry. Recent clients include:
 the British Council
 Hewlett Packard
 the Society of Experimental Biology
 Sports Books.
The OICP can offer PhD and MPhil supervision in the following areas:
 The Culture and History of Publishing
 International, Strategy, Policy and Development
 Publishing by museums, galleries and other institutions.
Career Opportunities
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
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